Even the happiness of married life couldn't shake Blue and Mist's worries as the final month of pregnancy rolled around. They knew the foal could arrive at any time, and tried their best to be ready. They had prepared emergency travel kits and overnight bags, ready for getting to hospital at a moment's notice, at any time, day or night. While Blue desperately wanted to be with Mist at all times, he needed to tend the bar (Vinny was unable to, due to spending time with his marefriend Berry Punch in Ponyville).
"Boy, I hope the foal doesn't come while I'm at work." Blue fretted as he prepared to go down to the tavern. "If I miss the birth, I'll never forgive myself."
"That won't happen." Mist declared. "If you're not there when it happens, I'll send word through a Guard or something. Trust me, I want you there just as much as you do."
"Thanks, babe." Blue kissed her. "I just can't wait for the little fella to finally show up."
"You and me both." Mist sighed. "I'm starting to forget what it was like to have a flat stomach..."
"You still look gorgeous to me." Blue chuckled.
"So you say." Mist said playfully. "Either way, the foal will be with us soon."
"And what a day that will be." Blue smiled, stroking Mist's stomach lovingly.
The next morning, Mist was in the castle, walking across the foyer on her way to the study, when she heard a knock at the door.
"Who could that be?" She wondered. Despite her pregnant state, she opened the door herself.
On the steps of the castle were Eclipse, Huckleberry, and Globe, each one carrying a travel case. Mist was surprised to see them so far from Dodge Junction.
"Howdy." Huckleberry grinned.
"Hi." Globe waved.
"Morning." Eclipse said curtly.
"Oh, hi..." Mist gaped, trying to hide her surprise.
"Wow, look at you!" Huckleberry grinned. "You're so big... yet somehow, still so foxy!"
"Thanks... I think." Mist said awkwardly. "What, um, what brings you guys here?"
"It was Big Red's idea." Eclipse declared. "He figured since we're all family now, it'd do us some good to come and visit you and Shine. 'Sibling bonding' was what he called it."
"Didn't Shine tell you?" Huckleberry asked. "Big Red sent a letter a couple of days ago. Shine should have gotten it by now."
Right on cue, Shine walked by.
"Hey, fellas!" He smiled. "Glad you finally made it!"
"Hey, Shine." Globe beamed.
"What's up, big guy?" Huckleberry grinned.
"Nice to see you again." Eclipse admitted.
"It's good to see you guys too." Shine declared.
"Shine, why didn't you tell me they were coming?" Mist asked.
"I wanted it to be a surprise." Shine shrugged.
"Do I really look like I'm fit for surprises right now?" Mist scowled.
"Heh, I like this gal's moxie." Eclipse smirked.
"Come on in, guys." Shine declared.
"Sorry about that, sis." Globe apologized to Mist. "I, er... can call you 'sis', right? I don't want to presume-"
"Of course you can." Mist smiled. "We're family now, remember?"
"Speaking of which, I'm afraid that means this won't work out." Huckleberry said suddenly.
"What won't work out?" Mist asked.
"You know, us." Huckleberry declared.
"...Us?" Mist frowned.
"I know I'm a handsome guy, and every filly would love to be with me." Huckleberry boasted. "But since we're technically related, it wouldn't be proper for us to try anything. That, and I've met somepony new."
"I see..." Mist remarked.
"Don't get me wrong, you're a great gal." Huckleberry declared. "But it never would've worked out. Please don't be too heartbroken."
"I think I'll be able to cope." Mist rolled her eyes.
"That's it." Huckleberry smiled supportively. "Be strong."
"Do you even listen to yourself when you talk?" Eclipse snorted.
"Of course." Huckleberry chuckled. "It's the sweetest sound there is..."
"Okay guys, we've got a spare room all made up for you." Shine declared. "It's just this way..."
"This place is incredible." Globe gaped, trying to look everywhere at once. "I've never even seen a picture of a castle before, and now I'm in one!"
"It's a pretty swanky place, alright." Huckleberry smiled.
"Eh, whatever." Eclipse shrugged. "Still, these high ceilings are giving me some ideas..."
Exactly what ideas Eclipse was getting was undivulged, as they walked into Celestia's path, and the trio quickly bowed out of instinct.
"That's enough of that, now." Celestia chuckled. "You three are our honoured guests, and may I remind you, family. There will be no need for bowing."
"I wasn't bowing." Eclipse lied. "I just... dropped something, that's all..."
"Sorry." Globe apologized. "Guess we haven't gotten used to that yet."
"Well, this visit of yours should prove the perfect opportunity for you to get it out of your systems." Celestia smiled. "Once ponies start seeing me all day, the urge to bow starts to fade."
"I hope so." Huckleberry groaned. "It'd be murder on my knees otherwise."
"I hope you enjoy your stay." Celestia smiled as she walked away. "See you at lunch."
"It's rather funny... I sorta expected royalty to be all stuck-up and smug." Eclipse admitted. "But she's pretty cool."
"And kinda hot." Huckleberry smirked, as he smirked at Shine and held up a hoof, "Props, big bro."
"Don't I know it." Shine chuckled, hoof-bumping him.
Shine led the boys to the guest room, which had been lavishly prepared.
"Wow." Globe gasped, taking in the top-rate furnishing.
"I'll have to second that." Eclipse remarked. "Suddenly, I'm starting to like this place."
"I'm wishing Big Red and Cherry sent us down here sooner!" Huckleberry leapt onto one of the three bed. "Check it out! These beds are like fluffy clouds!"
"Awesome!" Globe leapt onto his bed.
"Why do I always have to be the mature one?" Eclipse rolled his eyes. He suddenly grabbed a pillow, and tossed it at Huckleberry. "Pillow fight!"
"Oh, it's on!" Huckleberry chuckled, returning fire.
The boys' stay proved to be less eventful than they could have thought. Despite their former lives as troublemakers, they settled into castle life quite well. Although Globe had a bad habit of sneaking food from the kitchens...
As Mist walked along the castle grounds, she saw Globe standing by one of the kitchen windows. His horn was lit up, and several rolls were being floated out. She walked behind him, as quietly as she could, then loudly cleared her throat.
"Ahem."
"Ah!" Globe yelped. The rolls dropped as his magic shut off. "Mist... I, I was just..."
"Sharpening your levitation skills?" Mist played along.
"Yeah, that's right." Globe nodded. "Gotta keep the ol' skills sharp."
"And rolls are a good way to test them, right?" Mist asked.
"Right." Globe laughed awkwardly.
"You do know I'm just kidding, right?" Mist smirked.
"...Right." Globe hung his head.
"You know, Globe, you don't have to 'steal' the food." Mist explained, "The food is free. Heck, if you asked nicely, they would make you a five-course meal."
"Heh, sorry..." Globe chuckled sheepishly. "I guess I am still not used to the idea of being able to ask for food and get some just like that. I mean, just a month or so ago, we were still scrounging for food while... our old pa was off doing who knows what..." Globe's expression seem to darken. "Old habits die hard, you know..."
Mist was briefly cowed by Globe's words. She had heard of the boys' hardships from Big Red, especially of the small skirmish between him and Eclipse's biological father, Lunard. She was relieved that Big Red was okay, but after overhearing about it from Fletcher (who had went down there to bring him in), she knew that life was not easy for the boys... but that didn't compare to seeing the memories of those times written on Globe's face.
"Well, that was then, and this is now." She regained her composure with a smile. "And right now, if you want any food, just ask. The kitchen staff will be more than happy to make something for you."
"Okay... sis." Globe smiled.
"That's the way, bro." Mist tousled his mane.
Eclipse had taken advantage of the high ceilings and wide corridors to do some indoor flying. He narrowly avoiding colliding with anypony, save for one time when he crashed into a guard.
"Watch where you're going, kid!" The Guard yelled. "This is a castle, not an indoor flying course!"
"Well, sorry." Eclipse snorted, his rebellious nature still intact. "Just having a little fun, shiny-pants."
"Watch your mouth, kid." The Guard glared, "I have half a mind to report you for this."
"What, flying in these big ol' halls is illegal or something?" Eclipse smirked.
"Well... no." The Guard admitted. "But is frowned upon."
"By who?" Eclipse asked. "Uptight prudes like you?"
"Watch your tone, kid." The Guard growled. "Flying in the halls may not be illegal, but talking back to a Royal Guard just might have some bad consequences for you."
"Oh, yeah?" Eclipse sneered. "Just try it. I'm sure Prince Shine, my older brother, would love to hear about you antagonizing me over a little accident."
The Guard blanched slightly, slightly stepping away.
"I... I don't have time for this." He spluttered. "I have important duties to perform. Far more important than arguing with a petulant Griffon..."
"That's what I thought." Eclipse said triumphantly, as the Guard walked away.
Huckleberry was, for the most part, the least troublesome of the three, save for a tendency to give condescending compliments to the female staff.
"Wow, those are some lovely legs." He told a maid. "Guess maiding really agrees with you."
The maid didn't answer, though she gave Huckleberry a dirty look out of the corner of her eye.
That evening, everpony was gathered for dinner in the dining room.
"I trust everything is to your liking?" Celestia asked.
"Oh, yeah." Globe salivated over the food.
"Glad to hear it." Shine smiled.
"It's not exactly fish." Eclipse shrugged, as he ate the berry salad. "But it'll do."
"Been a while since I've shared a meal with a Griffon." Vito admitted.
"Meaning what, exactly?" Eclipse scowled.
"Nothing." Vito shrugged. "Sorry if it sounded racist or something."
"Don't mind him." Pureblood told Eclipse. "He has a habit of saying the wrong thing at the wrong time."
"I know somepony like that..." Eclipse glanced at Huckleberry
"Say, how are you pulling off that gold-wing tips thing?" Huckleberry asked Shine. "It's awesome."
"It's... a long story." Shine declared.
"I'd like to hear it sometime." Huckleberry smiled. "Maybe even pass on the style to some friends."
"I'm afraid it won't be that easy." Gothic stated.
"That's too bad." Huckleberry shrugged. "It'd be a real moneymaker."
As usual, Globe was the one to finish first.
"Ohh, that was good." He sighed, rubbing his stomach.
"Hope you saved some room for dessert." Mist smiled. "We're having some dark chocolate soufflé."
"...Is this heaven?" Globe asked.
"It's as close as we can get." Huckleberry chuckled.
"We're also having caramel wafers on the side." Constell smiled.
"Ooohhh..." Globe drooled.
"Careful, now." Eclipse joked. "You keep this up, Globe might not want to go home."
"And that would be just awful..." Shine joked.
One afternoon, Mist was in the gardens, lying in the shade. She soon found herself joined by the boys.
"Hey guys." She smiled. "Enjoying your visit?"
"You bet." Globe grinned. "I thought Big Red and Cherry had a nice place. But this... this is something else."
"Yeah, it's okay." Mist shrugged.
"Still, the homestead has its charm." Huckleberry admitted.
"Not to mention you don't have to worry about getting lost there." Eclipse added. "Seriously, this place is like a maze sometimes."
"Oh, I know." Mist chuckled. "The first week I was here, I got lost all the time!"
"So, how long before you finally pop?" Eclipse asked bluntly. "Big Red told us it should be happening any day now."
"That's the plan." Mist shrugged. "I just hope Blue will be there with me when it happens..."
"Where is that husband of yours, anyway?" Huckleberry asked, a spike of accusation in his speech. "I hadn't seen him at all during our stay."
"At work." Mist replied, catching the tone of his voice. "Bringing in money to provide for his family."
"Good for him." Huckleberry muttered. "A fine mare like you needs taking care of."
"True." Mist agreed. "So, are you guys looking forward to being uncles?"
"You bet!" Globe beamed.
"Sounds like fun." Huckleberry nodded. "I'm gonna be a fun uncle to that little guy."
"I'm up for it." Eclipse shrugged. "Just don't ask me to change its diaper."
At that moment, Caboose entered the garden.
"Everything okay out here, Princess Mist?" He asked. "Need anything?"
"I'm fine, Caboose." Mist smiled.
"You sure?" Caboose asked. "I know you're getting close to the old due date."
"Tell us about it." Eclipse declared.
"Yeah, we're all getting a little anxious, waiting for that foal to come out of her butt." Caboose remarked. "...That's where foals come out from, right? The butt?"
"Caboose, you have two kids." Mist pointed out. "How can you not know where foals come out?"
"...I had my eyes closed at both births. The first, I fainted, the second, I wanted to see, but I tripped on a dropped glove." Caboose shrugged. "Quick question, what's the umbilical cord? I heard that term a lot, yet I've never really seen a picture of it."
"Is he serious?" Eclipse frowned.
"The bigger question is 'Is he sane?'" Huckleberry snorted.
"Come on, guys." Globe declared, chuckling lightly. "I'm sure he's just kidding. He is a Royal Guard, after all. They don't give the job to just anypony..."
"That you may be surprised." Mist muttered.
"You sure I can't get you anything?" Caboose asked.
"No, Caboose." Mist shook her head. "I'm..." She felt a slight twinge in her stomach. "...Fine."
"Fair enough." Caboose shrugged. "Call if you need me! Or even if you don't. I like our talks... It's better than a day at the amusement park with a drunk minotaur. All the yelling, and hugs... Ah, good times."
Eclipse watched as Caboose left.
"How did that guy become a Guardspony?" He frowned.
"Let's be fair." Huckleberry declared. "Maybe he got hit on the head after he joined up, and that's why he's so nutty."
"No, he's always like that." Mist admitted. "I met his brothers and his niece. He's been that way for a while."
"I don't see the problem." Globe shrugged. "I thought he was pretty funny."
"He kinda is." Mist smiled. "He's just... an acquired taste."
"Suddenly, going home doesn't seem so bad..." Eclipse muttered.
"Ooh..." Mist felt a sudden, stronger pain in her stomach.
"Um, what's going on?" Eclipse asked, his feathers tensing with worry.
"Ah!" Mist gasped, as warm fluid suddenly gushed out from between her back legs, gushed over the ground.
"Ewwww!" Huckleberry gagged. "What the heck is that stuff?"
"What do you think it is?" Eclipse growled. "She's going into labor, dummy!"
"What, now?!" Globe gasped, as he started running in circles. "Oh jeez, oh jeez, oh jeez.... What are we gonna do?!"
"I can't take this." Huckleberry grimaced. "If she drops that foal right in front of us, I'm gonna heave!"
"As usual, the Griffon manages to keep his head." Eclipse sighed. he rushed over to the door and yelled "Help! Princess Mist is in labor!"
To Eclipse's dismay, Caboose answered.
"Oh, no." Huckleberry groaned. "Anypony else?"
"It's time?" Caboose asked. "Good! Time for that little foal to go firing out of your butt, Mist!"
"Can't we wait for some other Guard?" Eclipse asked.
"Hospital..." Mist groaned. "Now!"
"You got it." Caboose nodded. "Here, I'll carry you."
"I'll carry her." Eclipse insisted, not trusting Caboose with such a precious task.
"You?" Caboose frowned. "No offense, but isn't she a little..." He made a balloon gesture with his hoof.
"I got this." Eclipse nodded as he helped the writhing Mist onto his back, "I carried Globe and Huck around a lot when I was little."
"Suit yourself." Caboose shrugged. "Just try not to get any of that wet stuff on you."
"...Too late." Eclipse groaned, his back already damp, trying to ignore the icky feeling.
"Oh, gross!" Huckleberry cringed.
"I'll still provide a Guard's escort." Caboose smiled. "Let's go!"
"Come on, you two." Eclipse told Huckleberry and Globe.
"Us?" Globe asked. "but-"
"No 'buts'!" Eclipse snarled. "Mist is family, remember? That means we stick with her. She'll need all the support she can get! Understood?"
"...Okay." Globe sighed.
"Ugh, I just know I'm gonna end up losing my lunch..." Huckleberry groaned as he reluctantly followed his brothers.
As they rushed down the corridors, Caboose spotted Captain Fletcher Ulysses.
"What's the rush, Lieutenant?" Fletcher asked.
"I'm afraid Princess Mist has gone into labor, Captain." Caboose declared. "As such, I'm escorting her and these boys to Canterlot General."
"And abandoning your duties?" Fletcher frowned. "Princess or not, escorting a pregnant mare to the hospital could be done by any Royal Guardspony. You have duties to perform here, Lieutenant. Simply have one of the other Guards handle this."
"With respect, sir, I can't do that." Caboose said firmly. "I'm the nearest Guard at hoof... and besides, I'm emotionally invested."
"Less talking, more walking!" Mist wailed.
"You heard the mare!" Eclipse told Fletcher. "Either make a decision, or get out of the way!"
"Sir, please." Caboose pleaded.
"...Very well." Fletcher sighed, realizing how determined Caboose was. "Just remember that you'll be making up for lost time later on."
"Yes, sir." Caboose saluted, stifling a groan. "Thank you, sir! And, er, if you could send a Guard to inform Mist's husband, I would really appreciate that."
"Consider it done." Fletcher nodded.
"Thanks, Cap." Caboose smiled.
Caboose and the others raced down the corridor.
"Good luck, Lieutenant." Fletcher gave another nod. "Try not to mess things up."
Once they exited the castle, Caboose led them to a carriage.
"Get in, quick!" He urged.
Eclipse gently settled Mist onto the carriage.
"There." He smiled. "It's gonna be okay, Mist..."
"I know." Mist said through gritted teeth.
"What are you waiting for?" Caboose asked the Pegasi at the front of the carriage. "Canterlot General, on the double!"
"Yes, sir!" The Pegasi nodded, taking off in seconds.
"Hang in there, sis." Globe declared.
"Yeah." Huckleberry nodded. "Try not to let the foal pop out right here. In front of us..."
Eclipse cuffed Huckleberry across the back of his head.
"Not. Helping." He growled.
"Well excuse me for being a little squeamish!" Huckleberry pouted.
"Just try not to puke when the foal comes." Eclipse ordered.
"Boy, we're really high up." Globe muttered, as they soared through the clouds. "I think I might be getting airsick."
"You know what? That goes for you too." Eclipse growled. "No puking, period."
Meanwhile, down at the Blazin' Blue's tavern...
"So, how are things?" Luxury asked. "I heard there's some guests at the castle."
"Yeah, those three kids Big Red and Cherry adopted." Blue shrugged. "Decent bunch. But a couple of them are on the rambunctious side."
"Constell mentioned them last night." Luxury grinned. "She said they've livened things up over there."
"That's what Mist says too." Blue chuckled. "I just hope it's not too lively over there. You never know, too much action might get Mist to pop early..."
Suddenly, a royal guard kicked the door down.
"Whoa!" Blue gaped, "What the buck-"
"Mr. Blazes, your wife is in labor!" He said breathlessly. "She is on her way to the hospital as we speak!"
"Oh no..." Blue groaned. "I knew this would happen..." He rang a bell by the bar. "Sorry, folks! Early closing today! I've got a birth to get to!"
"Look, we understand, Blue." Luxury smiled. "You go see that foal of yours being born."
The rest of the customers cheered in the affirmative as they filed out of the bar.
"Okay." Blue locked the bar up tight. "Fatherhood, here I come..."
Blue took flight, heading to the hospital as fast as he could. As he arrived, he rushed to reception.
"Princess Mist." He gulped back some air. "Where is she?"
"Third floor, room ten." The receptionist said curtly.
"Thanks." Blue nodded, as he raced upwards.
As he reached the room, he found Caboose and the others waiting outside.
"Is the foal-" He started.
"Not yet." Eclipse answered.
"Thank Faust." Huckleberry gagged.
"Okay, I'm going in." Blue declared.
"You're a braver stallion than me." Globe declared.
Blue rushed inside. Mist was in a great deal of pain, the foal struggling to get out.
"I'm here, babe." Blue smiled.
"I knew you'd come..." Mist whispered.
"Wouldn't miss this for the world." Blue chuckled, holding her hoof.
"Ah!" Mist suddenly screeched.
"That's it, babe." Blue urged. "Go with the pain. I'll be right here with you."
"Okay, let's get started. I'll just put some gloves on." The doctor, a beige, black-maned (and moustached) stallion by the name of Hart, reached into a box. "Huh. I could've sworn this was the box where I keep the gloves. It feels like the box where we keep the used needles. Maybe if I dig a little deeper. ...No, it just feels like more needles." He pulled his hoof out, revealing it to be speared with needles. "Yeah, this isn't the glove box..."
Dr Hart collapsed.
"Oh buck, now what?" Blue yelped. "Who's going to deliver the foal?"
"What's going on?" Caboose rushed. "I heard the sound of somepony collapsing."
"That was the doctor." "Mist groaned.
"And now there's nopony to help deliver the foal." Blue groaned.
"I'll do it." Caboose offered.
"What?" Blue frowned.
"Yeah, why not?" Caboose shrugged. "I was there at the birth of both my kids. True, I didn't see everything, but I think I got the gist of it."
"Ahhh!" Mist yelled.
"Okay, fine." Blue gave in. "Do it!"
"Okey-dokey." Caboose kneeled down to inspect matters. "Huh, no foal, but it looks like Mist is blowing a bubble."
"That's the foal's head." Blue pointed out. "Push! Push!"
"I am! It won't go back in!" Caboose yelped.
"No, Mist has to push!" Blue retorted. "Caboose, you pull!"
Before long, Mist's screeches of pain were replaced by another sound: The cries of a newborn foal. The foal had a dark blue coat with a light blue mane, and striking orange eyes. Alerted by the cries, the boys rushed in.
"What's wrong?" Eclipse asked.
"Is it over?" Huckleberry cringed, trying to guard himself from any "gross" stuff.
"I hope everything's okay." Globe fretted, on the verge of hyperventilating.
"Well, congratulations, you two..." Caboose smiled, as he held the newborn foal in his hooves, as he looked at it, "It's a beautiful baby filly!"
"Oh, a baby filly?" Mist sighed happily, eyes filled with tears, "I'm so happy."
"Alright!" Blue whooped.
"Yeah!" Globe whooped.
"Yee-haaa!" Huckleberry cheered.
"Nice." Eclipse grinned.
"Wait..." Caboose squinted at the foal's lower part. "She has a ding-dong... well, we'll have to something about that!"
"It's a colt, buckethead!" Eclipse yelled, as he took the foal away from him.
"There's no need to be rude." Caboose glared at Eclipse. "It's a mistake anypony could make."
"Anypony with half a brain, maybe..." Huckleberry scowled.
"Oh my gosh, I'm an uncle!" Globe cheered... before fainting.
"We're all uncles now." Eclipse shrugged. "Try and get some perspective, Globe."
"Yeah, it's not all about you, bro." Huckleberry added.
"Well... here you go..." Eclipse smiled warmly as he passed the colt to Mist. "Here's your son..."
"Oh, he's beautiful." Mist whispered.
"What do you want to call him?" Blue asked.
"I like... Tempest." Mist smiled.
"Tempest?" Huckleberry frowned.
"Any particular reason?" Blue asked.
"Because his arrival was like a storm." Mist smiled. "It really made our lives crazy, and now, we've got this little storm in our hooves."
"Alright, then." Blue smiled. "'Tempest' it is."
"Okay, he's your foal..." Eclipse shrugged.
"I like it." Globe grinned, having regained consciousness.
"Suck-up." Huckleberry muttered.
"Aw, isn't that beautiful..." Caboose sighed, as Blue and Mist held each other and Tempest.
Dr. Hart suddenly stood up, his hoof still covered in needles.
"Why haven't you sent for help?!" He wailed.
"Shh." Caboose shushed him. "You're ruining the moment."
A short while later, Shine, Celestia, Spitfire and Soarin' were gathered alongside the boys to meet the new addition.
"Oh, he's gorgeous." Spitfire cooed.
"You mean handsome." Soarin' chuckled. "Takes after his grandpa."
"Congratulations, Mist." Celestia grinned.
"Yes, congrats..." Shine smiled, "How are you feeling? You know, all things considered?"
"I'm fine." Mist yawned. "Just a little tired, is all."
"Well, I'm proud of you, sis." Shine beamed, as he turned to Blue, "You too, Blue... can't believe I'm really an uncle now."
"Welcome to the club." Eclipse joked.
"Well, I must give credit where credit's due." Mist declared. "If our new siblings or Caboose hadn't been there, I might not have made it in time. Thanks, guys."
"Aw, shucks..." Globe smiled.
"No problemo." Huckleberry grinned.
"Anything for family." Eclipse said proudly.
"Family." Blue sighed. "That's what we are, alright. One great big, happy family."
"I love you guys!" Caboose suddenly hugged everypony but Mist, Blue and Tempest.
"Boy, this guy's got a grip..." Eclipse groaned.
"I hate to see what he'd do if he didn't love us..." Huckleberry cringed.
After returning home from the hospital, Mist placed Tempest in his new cot. She and Blue watched over him as he slept.
"After waiting so long for Tempest to arrive, I can hardly believe he's finally here." Mist admitted.
"It was well worth the wait, wasn't it?" Blue embraced her.
"It sure was." Mist grinned. "Now we're a family: Mommy, daddy, and foal."
"Three always was my lucky number." Blue chuckled.
"And it feels like it's mine, too." Mist smiled, nuzzling against her husband. "Thanks for this, Blue. If it weren't for you, none of this would have ever happened."
"Well, it's not like it was a one-pony show." Blue said humbly. "You played your part, too."
"I sure did." Mist yawned. "A pretty big part, actually."
"Come on." Blue steered Mist towards their bed. "I think you've earned a rest."
"Ohh, but I don't want to." Mist whined. "I want to stay here and look at our beautiful foal."
"Relax, he's not going anywhere." Blue grinned. "You'll have plenty of time to look at him after a good night's sleep."
"Okay..." Mist sighed, giving in.
The two climbed into bed together.
"Good night... mom." Blue chuckled.
"Night... dad." Mist beamed.
They shared one last kiss before falling asleep together. Tempest slept soundly in his cot, unaware of his parent's exhaustion.
A couple of weeks later, after getting settled into raising a foal, Mist and Blue decided to take a couple of days off, so they could have the "real honeymoon" Blue had promised his wife. Blueblood had graciously offered to let them use his beachfront villa over in Manehattan, and they had gleefully accepted. Back in Canterlot, Big Red and Cherry were watching over Tempest. Blue and Mist had asked them in order to make up for them not being there on the day Tempest was born.
Despite their plans, Blue and Mist found themselves reluctant to leave their foal.
"Maybe we should postpone the honeymoon." Blue frowned.
"Maybe." Mist mused. "But Big Red and Cherry came all this way. We can't just turn them away."
"I know." Blue sighed. "But still, I don't know if I can stand to be away from the little guy."
"Me neither." Mist sighed.
Their musings were cut short by a knock at the door. Blue opened it to reveal Big Red and Cherry.
"Here's grampa an' grandma!" Big Red whooped.
"Where's that little cutie pie?" Cherry asked.
"He's, uh... right this way." Blue sighed.
Tempest was in a cot in the corner of the living room, playing with the sun rattle Celestia got him.
"There he is!" Cherry cooed, picking him up. "Hello, darling! I'm your grandma Cherry!"
Cherry blew raspberries on Tempest's tummy, causing him to giggle loudly.
"We got this." Big Red told Blue and Mist. "Y'all kin get goin'."
Blue and Mist looked at each other.
"Yeah, about that..." Blue frowned.
"We're not sure we want to go." Mist admitted. "We don't want to leave Tempest."
"Ah know how ya feel." Big Red smiled. "When you and Shine were small, Ah couldn't bear ta let ya outta mah sight. But it's okay. This'll be good fer all a' ya. 'Sides, ya wanna break up that cute li'l scene?" He pointed out Cherry, who was cuddling Tempest.
"Guess not." Blue shrugged.
"Well, we can at least say goodbye." Mist sighed, walking over to Tempest. "Goodbye, Tempy. Be a good boy for mommy." She kissed him on the forehead.
"Ma!" Tempest squeaked.
"Yeah, have fun with grandma and grandpa." Blue tickled his son.
"Heh!" Tempest giggled.
"Don't worry." Cherry smiled. "We'll take good care of him."
"We know you will." Mist smiled. "Come on, Blue."
"Coming." Blue sighed.
As they left the house, they gave one last look to Tempest, who was playing with his grandparents, before departing.
After arriving at the villa, they were still a little down.
"Things just seem so empty without Tempest." Mist sighed.
"I know." Blue nodded. "But he'll be okay. And we really should make the best of this, instead of just moping around. Wanna go down to the beach?"
"...Sure." Mist smiled.
They made their way down to the beach. For a while, they just lay there, impassive. Then Blue splashed Mist, which lead to a frenzied splash fight. After that, their worries slowly faded, as they made the most of their locale, going for swims and soaking up rays on the sand.
After spending the day in the sun, Blue and Mist went inside for some... nocturnal activities.
Outside the bedroom, Blue was about to come in, his wife having promised a "surprise."
"Okay, come on in..." Mist purred from behind the door.
As Blue entered the room, his jaw dropped. Mist was wearing the blue-striped socks he had gotten her for their anniversary all those months ago. At that moment, Blue became quite aware of how well Mist had worked off the left-over weight from the pregnancy.
"Well, what do you think?" Mist said seductively.
"...Wow." Blue gasped, walking unsteadily over to her. "I mean... wow."
"Good call on these, Blue." Mist smiled, extending a leg. "They really suit me."
"They sure do." Blue said breathlessly, as he joined her on the bed. "I'm so glad I bought them instead of that scarf I first thought of."
"Me too." Mist grinned, lightly caressing Blue's mane. "Scarves aren't quite as sexy as socks." She whispered in his ear. "Though I could have tied you up with it..."
Blue laughed awkwardly, trying to resist his burning desire just a little longer.
"Come on, handsome." Mist kissed him on the cheek. "It's been a while since it was just you and me. Now, let's get down to business."
"Oh, yeah..." Blue sighed, finally giving in.
They started out by kissing each other. Then Mist pushed Blue onto the bed, and leapt on top of him. She stroked his cheek with a silky sock-covered hoof.
"I love you." She smiled.
"I love you too." Blue grinned. "And I've been waiting for this for so very long."
"Me too." Mist nuzzled him. "And I'm looking at making up for lost time. Who knows? Maybe one of these days, we'll make a little playmate for Tempest."
"Maybe." Blue shrugged. "But for now, let's just enjoy ourselves."
"That's the plan." Mist chuckled.
The couple kissed and cuddled, happier than ever. The pregnancy had been quite a trial, but they had passed with flying colors. In the coming years, they would raise Tempest with as much love and care as possible, slowly but surely molding him into a fine young stallion of his own. But that would come later. For now, they were focused entirely on the moment they were sharing, a moment that had been long in coming.
The End.