There are consequences to starting a family. Comfortable with his own being, his life is knocked off balance as his family grows around him, and he has nothing else to blame but his own actions for it happening. It is time to be a father.
There are consequences to starting a family. Comfortable with his own being, his life is knocked off balance as his family grows around him, and he has nothing else to blame but his own actions for it happening. It is time to be a father.
Once human, then kirin, then lover, then father, Winter Flames wants to fulfill his part in the family he's part of. He isn't at the head of it, but he is loved intensely, and that love is returned. Armed with a returned power of speech, he hopes he can wield this new weapon to make the next stage walkable.
Tags: Herd dynamics, pregnancy, childbirth, lots of family love and issues
If you want to know more about how Winter got here, that's the preview. But if you just want to follow him from here, that's fine too. Originally slated for one update per month by the loyal patron that is supporting it.
"Shoulda asked about that." Summer scowled at her husband. "A pony mare doesn't... normally go through this."
"I'm sorry." Winter closed in at her side, tail lashing with worry. Let the emotions out, let feelings be feelings. He wouldn't bottle up his anger, no more. The nirik would only be set free when it was needed. "Can I help?"
"Mmmf... Ah'm powerful glad you talk more these days." She curled to touch noses with him. "Because ah need yer words right now. And ah need you to understand. When a pony momma and... a pony daddy... love each other very much..."
"We did that." He nodded firmly, remembering the act clearly enough. "A few times."
She swatted at him, barking into laughter. "Don't gloat! We did that... a few times... Now I'm growing a new wonderful child... Now, mmm, normally, a pony momma stays nice and slender until that big day comes. This!" She curled a hoof at her midsection, growing round. "This ain't slender! Ya ruined mah figure! Pesky kirin blood..."
"We didn't ask about that..." They had failed to ask the kirin how kirins had their foals, but they also hadn't even thought it'd be at all different from ponies. "Can I help?" He was sure he wanted to do that.
"Well, for one... ah'm gonna use more days off than I planned..." Summer stomped a hoof on the ground. "I hate that part... I don't want to be a layabout... but..."
"You are working harder than me." He kissed her cheek gently. "You are growing another whole pony in there. That's work. That's a job. You don't even get a break." He smiled gently at his wife. "We should check with Maple."
"Right!" Summer righted herself, blushing faintly. "Went an' got words, then got all smooth with 'em..." She set off at a firm walk, not outside though. No need for that! The union of her house with Maple's had been a complete success. She had only to go down a hallway to spill out into Maple's living room. "Ya here?"
"Hm?" Maple peeked out from around a corner, a smile overtaking her features. "Summer! Winter! My favorite seasons done came to say hi." She rushed out to touch noses to each of them, her own midsection swollen with impending life.
Winter hummed softly. "Not as large."
Maple blinked at this judgement. "Um, ain't sure how to take that..."
"He ain't wrong." Summer went to stand next to Maple. They were both swollen, but one was larger than the other, and Summer was winning that race. "Winter!"
"W-what?" He recoiled, ears pinning. "You don't have to shout..."
Summer curled a hoof at herself. "Either ya gave me one big foal, or ah got two of them in there! Twins in ponies are powerful rare... An' need extra care..." She sagged against a wall. "I'll be wit' the doctors at the end of this."
Maple leaned in to rub her side to Summers. "You'll be wit' all of us. Also, ya... got a foal afore I did, so maybe ah'll just swell up wit' time. It's too early to be sure, ain't it?"
Winter nodded with Maple's words. "We'll be here, for sure. Do you need today off?"
"Yes," miserably admitted Summer. "Please tell Miss Jubilee..." She smirked at the thought. "Be sure to tell her why. She'll probably like that."
"Probably..." Winter thought of their boss/adoptive mother. She seemed to enjoy the idea of their family growing, and the steps involved. "I will tell her, and work twice as hard." He turned for the door, Maple's door, as it was closer. "Need anything else?"
Maple raised a hoof. "I want a big tub with sour candy."
Summer thumped against Maple. "Not candy! There's a reason swollen mares have a reputation. Pickles. And, mmm, somethin' spicy fer dinner, please..." She sank to the ground. "Thank you..."
"I wish I could do more." Winter fled, shopping trip planning in his head. "Love you." He smiled at the two and vanished out the door to work.
Maple gently pushed at Summer, rolling her over slowly onto her side. "Well, he may be gone, but ah'm still here. How can ah make ya happier?"
Summer kept right on rolling on her own power until her belly was up. "I feel like somepony's fillin' me up from the inside! It... ain't that much fun."
"No it ain't." Clearly it wasn't as bad for Maple, but she moved with Summer, a sympathetic look worn. "Hey..." which faded to curiosity as she spotted something. "That ain't normal." She placed a hoof on Summer's lower belly, rubbing in slow circles.
Summer squeaked, eyes going wide. "Sensitive!" But not entirely in a bad way. She shivered and wriggled, trying to get used to it, but having Maple casually massaging her udder like that was a new sensation from every angle, considering she basically didn't have one of those before gaining a child on the way. "What'd... you find?"
[lewd]
Maple nosed slowly through the soft fur, her tongue flicking out at that nub of flesh that made Summer shiver. "This right here..."
"What... is that?" Most ponies didn't have to think about that, or even really have that, but...
Maple recoiled suddenly, licking her lips. "That's... That's milk." She went right in, nosing the spot the milk had come from, rubbing her sensitive snoot on that equally sensitive teat. "May I? Ah wanna try a little..."
Summer reached down, grasping Maple's head from above gently. "Be careful... Um, but alright..." No harm was being done to her, so far she could see. "Sensitive," she hissed, but smiled a little at her wife. "So take it easy."
Maple sealed her lips around that nipple, but didn't suck. She gently gummed at the spot instead, rubbing with her hooves in slow full-udder caresses. The way summer groaned and flexed beneath her was guidance enough that she was pressing the right buttons. Her mouth filled with milk, not the cool sort one expected from a box or bottle, but warm, body temperature warm and full of the life giving first milk meant for a foal. Thick, sweet... and she kinda liked it.
She formed a tight seal arond the teat, nosing into the spot as she encouraged it to surrender that rich prize to her waiting tongue, not that said tongue was idle, teasing and rubbing at Summer, drawing ever louder squeaks of pleasure. Maple wasn't a foal, and she fed for pleasure, a pleasure she was all too happy to share right back. "Consarnit..." Summer moved to hug Maple's entire upper body close. "Don't... stop whatever yer doin'..." sighed out Summer, holding gently to her lover.
Maple parted gently from the udder, only to switch to the other Summer had. "You two deserve equal love." She sealed to it, daring a little suction, just a little. It was enough to get things moving rapidly with a squeaking gasp from the pony attached.
"If this is what... it'll feel like, no wonder mother ponies always look so sunny and rosey." Summer laughed at the serene mental image of a mother with that little blush in her cheeks. "Ah'da never guessed... Good fer 'em."
"Good fer us too," got out Maple in a brief break. "Yer lucky ya happen to be right tasty on top of bein' a great pony."
"Aw." She ruffled maple around her ears. "Love you too, silly thing."
[/lewd]
Winter trotted with determination into the factory where good days happened. "Good morning," he greeted to ponies as he went by, waving at a few that popped up at a good time during his gait. "Good morning."
"Morning, Winter!" A stallion returned the wave, already seated as his place on the sorting line. "Ready for a day?"
"Extra ready." Winter knocked gently on the office door. "Ma'am?"
"Is that a kirin ah hear?" came the belle behind the door. "Come right on in."
Winter pushed in and kicked the door shut behind him. "Ma'am."
"Still getting used to that." Cherry Jubilee was smiling brightly. "But I like it... You jus' keep on singin' those sweet notes ah yers. Now, what's on yer mind? I don't miss havin' to guess half the time."
Winter pointed back the way he just came. "Summer's out today. It's my fault."
Cherry inclined her head. "Well, if it involves yer foal, ah suppose it is at least half yer fault. But it's half her fault too. Shared thing, those foals." She giggled out a sigh. "Do bring them by when they're finished with their grand entrance. I wanna see my little new child! But, gettin' distracted. Ya know we got a policy fer this. Any little daughter ah mine's feelin' down with a foal, she just takes the day off." She had a generous maternity leave, covering most of their pay without a word of fuss. "You know that."
"I know... But this is worse."
Cherry sat up sharply. "Is she ill? Is somethin' wrong? You tell me right now!"
"N-no!" He waved his hooves negatively. "But... kirin." He pointed at himself. "She's growing more than... usual. She's..." He hugged a big imagined ball in front of himself. "She's fine, but big... She won't be coming back until... the child, probably... I'm so sorry. I am ready to work extra hard."
Cherry sank to the floor, sliding from her chair. "Poor thing... What happens when you decide to see what you get wit' somethin' ain't a pony." She closed with him. "Still, if she had to go an' pick somethin', 'least it's a pretty thing." She smooched his cheek, smiling at his effimate features. Winter was still as much mare as stallion in shape, leaning more towards mare than even most kirin did, and they were already pretty effimate. "Alright. I know ah can trust you. You'll be workin' fer two, and ah won't raise not one word until she's got a foal in her arms, and some time to get used to 'em. One thing!" She raised a hoof at that last part. "Somethin' a lot of fellas don't even think about, but ah do."
"What's that, ma'am?" He inclined his head at her, cheeks warmed from the gentle kiss placed on them. "Did I forget something?"
"Ya sure did. Fathers get time too, once the foal's here. I won't be expecting either of you fer a while. You love that foal and their mother. That'll be yer job! I'll expect you to be just as diligent about it, and ah will be askin', so you hug them close and keep 'em happy. That's what a father does." Cherry nodded along with her words in the same tempo. "An' ah got a feelin' you'll be a fine one of those."
Winter smiled. It was no large grin. He was still a bit relatively subdued. "Thank you. I should get to work." He parted with one final wave and emerged from the office to take his place on the line, horn already glowing with the promise of many sorted cherries.
The ponies around him seemed to notice his readiness, adopting stances of equal vigor. Their line would be moving faster that day. It wasn't the first time Winter put in extra effort, and they had learned the signs some time ago.
Cherry was a kind boss, but she got her numbers to balance in the end. It's how she kept her factory running. It was that kindness, and demand, that got Winter sorting manically. Good cherries there. Red, green, bad... He couldn't sort all of them, not at that extra speed, but they were a team. He had to look at the ones that escaped the pony in front of him, and there was a pony behind him to finish the job. So long as they each did their part, the machine worked, that machine made of living ponies that produced delicious cherries ready to buy.
It was hard work, but it was work he was alright doing. The rewards felt more than worth it.
As the darkness of morning surrounded him, Winter opened his eyes and looked around the gloomy room. He could make out the lump that was one of his wives and tensed, trying to edge away without waking her.
[lewd]
She had other plans in mind. With a soft grunt, she attacked, nuzzling at his soft belly like the expert predator she was. He stood no chance, falling back under her attack as she rolled on top of him, working her way downwards. "No work today, right?"
"No work today," he got out in a half-stammer, squirming under her nipping journey. "Did you... need anything?"
"Just one kirin. Oh, here's one." She found the source of his unique masculine scent, nuzzling slowly along his sheath, exposed with her teasing and desire. "The source of all my problems and joys."
Winter's ears quivered atop his head as he gasped and his body trembled in response. "Do... you want to call Maple?"
Summer was suddenly filled with excitement at the prospect of that. "Thoughtful thing... I wasn't even thinking of her, and that wasn't nice of me." She considered a moment. "If yer feelin' awake now, go fetch her. We're a family n' all." She seemed in no grand rush to leave that warm bed at the moment.
Winter hopped down and charged through the house, his shaft bouncing left and right with each step. Ponies, and kirins, could hide their sexuality completely, outside of a few tiny things like eyelashes, body curves, and snout shapes, but not when they were aroused, which he powerfully was. He was male. Even with the occasional confusion and lack of clarity, it was still very clear as he bounced and jostled down the hallway. "Maple?"
"Mm?" Maple peeked out of her bedroom, sleep vanishing from her features as she saw the state Winter was in. "Hey! Look at you, just wanderin' in here like that."
Winter approached Maple, his nose lightly brushing her cheek, his tail coiling and swaying with excitement. "Summer wants to play. Do you want to play?"
"Well, you obviously want to play." She casually leaned in under him and smooched his shaft, making it jump in a powerful tense at the touch. "Look at that... How kin ah say no to that?" She snickered softly, looking past him. "I don't see Summer, though. Where's she hidin'?"
Winter turned with a little nicker, leading the way back to Summer, just to jump in place at another kiss, placed directly on his heavy, and clearly functional considering the state of his wives, balls. "We should get together before we play." A faint bit of fire teased along his tail, resisting the urge to play right then and there.
Maple fell in with his stride. "Alright, alright! Not mah fault yer so fun to tease." She brushed against his side with her own. "Let's all play together."
They found Summer lounging in a half-curl, facing the door. "There ya are. Get up here." She pawed at the bed she hadn't left. "Feelin' powerful lazy today, so ah ain't leavin' this spot."
Maple bounded up onto the bed with a faint squeak of the coils beneath her. "That's alright. We got a ready Winter right here, and ah ain't weight down too badly yet." She said that, but sank, warping the bed with her rounded form. "Come on up here."
Winter stepped up, rather than leaping. He kissed each mare on the nose with a smile, the softness of his expression battling with the rock hard nature of his other signal. "How are you--" His question was cut off with Summer touching her nose to his pulsing shaft's head. "Mm..."
"Yeah." She kissed it, cradling that long pole in her hooves. "I love that you have words, but sometimes, it's time to be quiet. Now... ah'm busy puttin' together a foal for us all... an' ah'm feelin' like my factory ain't gettin' enough love. Just 'cause the lines are rollin' don't mean she don't want no inspections. A little... grease in the right spot, hm?"
Winter quirked one ear off. "It's time to be quiet," he tossed back at her, shaking his head at the awful humor she had displayed. Still, he climbed on her, hugging with all four hooves. "Inspector's on duty." Well, he could play a little on that game.
Summer flagged her tail up over her back, her nethers winking wide in invitation for him. "Come right on in then..." That she was already warmed up, not a thing ponies kept a very good secret of. "Maple, get over... here." She grabbed at Maple as soon as her wife was close enough, nipping and licking over her rump. "I'm gonna... do my part."
Maple squeaked, cheeks turning a bright shade as she surrendered to Summer's exploring snout. "Y-yes please..." She pinned her ears, settling just in front of Summar, not belly down, but back down, offering her crotch and facing Summer at once with her sitting up. "Did ah mention before? Ah had a thing fer you... a long time. I just... kinda pushed it away afore."
Summer ran her tongue slowly over the teardrop that was Maple's excited portal. "Really? Before Winter ever--" She tensed from back to front as Winter sank into her, their bodies joining in a blissful thrust. There was no pain and no violence there, a wonderful moment of simple unity. "Mmmm... I mighta made mistakes in places, but that part... Winter, you have the perfect dick."
Winter joined in the colored cheeks. That language was not the one he expected from his wives, usually. Then again, they were in the middle of... that. He drew her back as he drove his hips forward, working against her in sync with her motions, but they weren't external motions. She was feeling lazy, and she had meant it. Fortunately, the interior of ponies could move without the exterior. Her passage hugged firmly and rippled in clear signals of both her delight and as prompts for his motions against her.
Maple held Summer just behind her ears, drawing her tight as she gasped and squirmed. "Just... like that. Ah'd... return the favor, but yer a little busy."
Summer snorted into Maple, her tongue working deeper into the mare as she delved into the hot tunnel that flexed with excitement as she learned the proper places to tease. Each mare had their own specific points to please, and she was ready to find them, one by one. She said something, but it was muffled, her snout full of Maple syrup, and she didn't fight that.
Winter reached around Summer, hugging warmly in a full embrace. "She's sensitive down there," called out Maple with a playful smirk. "Go ahead."
Summer tensed, ear flipping back, just to shudder as Winter found the swollen udders that she hadn't seen a pony have before herself. "Mmmf." She nosed at Maple firmly, as if in revenge, but it only made Maple squeak and pant with obvious pleasure, failing entirely at exacting any price from her.
Winter played and nudged at her teats, though his hooves couldn't make the seal to get them flowing eagerly, instead little drips and dribbles on the bed as he began to shiver and hesitate, his moment crashing upon him. "Do it," Summer cried out, mildly muffled by where she was. Given permission, Winter pressed into her fully, drawing her back and sealing their connection as firmly as he could as that hot baby batter exploded into her.
Being creatures of flame, Summer squeaked as the heat rushed into and through her, echoed strangely from her interior as if the child she was creating was reacting to the heat with its own unspoken approval. Their family was a joyous one, and she was feeling it as she rode out the waves of her own delight. "That... was a lovely way to start the day." She flopped against Maple, nuzzling gently at her nethers. "Now who's... gonna make us breakfast?"
Winter nestled up against Summer's back, cuddling with her fondly.
Maple snickered at the sight. "I think Winter wants some quality wind down with you." She wriggled away from Summer's reach and hopped to the ground. "So, breakfast is my duty today." She trotted off at a spirited jog from the room.
Winter nuzzled into the back of Summer's head. "We owe her."
"Hm?"
"Maple. She is a good pony. A great wife." He nipped at Summer's ears gently. "We owe her."
"Alright." Slowly, Summer rolled over under Winter, still impaled, though that was becoming less the case as things cooled down in more way than one. "You have a point." She considered a moment before it came to her with a grin. "Why don't you help her in the kitchen?"
"Alright." Winter kissed her, lips to lips, nuzzling into the exchange as he drew back. "I should wash first." Still skinny and fit, unlike his mares, he jumped nimbly down and dashed off towards the closest bathroom.
[/lewd]
As he soaped and rinsed, his mind began to wander back to days of yesteryear. As he arrived in Equestria, he couldn't help but reminisce on his life prior to that, where he had significantly less fur than he did now, and assumed any lovers he encountered would also have the same lack of fur. He was there, with two of them at the same time. He was very lucky, or perverted, or both? No... In his experience, he had noticed that it was quite typical to have one furry thing situated on top of another furry thing. He had gone through some changes, and they were of the favorable sort.
He was happy to be single, but there had been a void of companionship. After that, they blessed him to become a father and have a family of his own. A growing family! He could not actually see his children, but he could vividly imagine their faces looking up at him with joy and happiness. Yes, he would make every effort to be the kind of father his children would be proud to call their own and be filled with happiness when they saw him.
It had been confusing at times... But worth the trip. Clean and glistening with what water remained, he hurried to the kitchen to find Maple at work preparing breakfast. "May I help?"
Maple looked over her shoulder. "Hey!" She waved him closer and threw an arm over his withers when he was close enough. "I'll never say no to a little Winter time. You looked like you were having fun."
Winter blushed faintly, but moved back to thump his cheek against her rump. "We could have fun too?"
"Tempting," she sang out. "But I'm making breakfast. And you're helping." She coiled to tap his nose. "Put that horn of yours to work. When I get done with that, and everypony's fed, maybe we can play."
Winter was still for a moment as he watched her before he used his brightly shining horn to provide assistance. "You've become more dependable. I like it."
"Have I?" She put out a pan just in time for Winter to drop things to cook in it. "Maybe we're all changing in different ways... You're turning into a daddy. I'm becoming a mom." She pointed at Winter. "A second mom. I didn't forget that. Summer's in charge, but I will take pride in my place. You just--" She stopped, being smooched right on the lips and her words cut off quite effectively. She pushed him back with a giggle. "Stop that~ Not that I don't like it... But let's finish this first."
Winter was practically embracing her as they cooked, side by side. "I love you."
Maple's body moved back ever so slightly as she applied a gentle pressure. "I love you too..." A peaceful hush settled over the pair as they devoted their care and affection to making a breakfast that was so delectable it would have been worthy of a song. "Thank you for letting me be part of this family."
Maple ran her tongue over the frozen surface of the ice pop. It was her own creation. One had to mix maple with just the right other companions to make a proper pop, or you could end up with a slushy thing instead. Not that maple slush was an awful thing, a fine thing to stuff in a snow cone, really.
But that hadn't been her goal. She wanted an ice pop, and that was what she got, flopped on her side, nursing on the frozen sweet treat. She felt bloated and big and a little immobile. "Dang..." The kirin curse had caught up with her, leaving her rounded in a variety of ways.
A clopping from the door got her to sit up slowly. "Who's there?" she called out towards the closed door. "Ah'll be there, but it's gonna take a moment."
The door cracked open, something on the other side casually opening it just a little. "That you, Maple?" came the voice of a neighbor. "Everythin' alright? Jus' swingin' by to check in on you."
Maple smiled at the closed door, feeling a relief she didn't realize was needed. "Y'all are too nice... Ah'm a bit of a mess right now."
"Ain't no thing," assured the unseen stallion. "If ah can help, just lemme know!"
"Come in." She swiped at some of the drips of maple and stickiness, trying to compose herself as best she can as the stallion stepped in. "Sorry for the mess."
He took off his hat and held it between both hooves. "Ah came to help, not to throw blame around. Ah heard from Winter you two were havin' a hard time of it, and ah know he's kinda busy right now."
Maple groaned at the thought. "We're both out of work right now. Look at me! I'm a big blimp!" She fought her way to her hooves. "And he's workin' twice as hard in his own way to make sure we don't worry fer even half a second 'bout how the bits are comin'."
"Yer jus' fine, ma'am." He wasn't staring at her. That was impolite. "But ya could use a helpin' hoof. Mind if ah ain't the only one?"
This made Maple incline her head. "What? Only one what?"
"Helpin'." He whistled sharply, summoning the rest of Winter's poker buddies. "Friends gotta stick together! We'll get this place spruced up for ya."
The short pony with the large hat, Ten Gallon, tipped it on the way in. "Where would you like me to start?"
Maple couldn't see, eyes filling with tears. "Ya don't... have to..." But there they were, ready to help. "Winter made some fine friends... Well, if you're going to help, Ah insist ah know yer names!"
So they took a moment to introduce themselves. "Ma'am," following most of the names. Once they were said, they got to work cleaning and straightening.
"Ah'm Maple." Though the odds of any of them not knowing her name felt small. "Thank ya'all kindly for just... comin' like this. Did Winter ask ya?"
Ten Gallon peeked out of the kitchen, duster dangling from his jaw. "Nope."
"Reckon he never would," agreed a larger stallion. "Proud boy, that kirin. Why we figured we'd either come and get it done, or it wouldn't ever get done."
One walked past, taking out the trash. "That goes fer you too! This town ain't that big. We're a family, consarnit. So let us take care of a pony out of sorts." A loud chorus of cheers arose, all in agreement that helping a pony in need was a fine thing to do.
Maple perked an ear. She had heard something. She left the stallions to investigate the noise, drawn to Summer's room. "Everythin' alright?" She opened the door to find Summer peering at her confusedly. "Everythin's alright, promise!" She scurried in and closed the door behind her. "Buncha friends of Winter came to lend some helpin' hooves. Y'know, cleanin' up an' whatnot."
Summer skewed an ear off. "Really?" She jumped at a thump. "Sounds like they're half tearin' the house apart. Blasted stallions, don't know how to do thin's gently..."
"They're doing their best." Maple came in to gently rub noses with Summer. "Should I let them in here or not? Your call. They'll clean up. They ain't here to make fun of nopony. They saw me lookin' a mess and they didn't even bat a lash."
"You're still a mess." Despite that, she hugged Maple firmly. "We both do, er, are... Now... This is rude, help me up." With Maple's assistance, Summer got herself standing and they both headed out to the living room that had stallions rushing to and fro in their cleaning frenzy.
"Thank y'all kindly," started Summer, blushing mildly. "Ah'm hardly prepared for this... Sorry."
"Ain't no thang," assured one stallion that was doing the dishes with squeaks of the sponge against the dirty plate. "Winter's an upright kinda kirin. A fine friend."
"An' if his mares need a helpin' hoof," added another. "Well, ah ain't gonna let that be the case! 'Sides, he's gotta live here too.
"Oh, got jus' the thing." Maple hurried as best as her slow form allowed, throwing open the freezer and half-nosing out a five out of six pack of frozen maple sticks. "Eat up!"
Ten Gallon took one of the frozen treats and gave it a tasting lick. "Mmm, ain't bad." Which was sign enough to get the others over to try it, taking a pause from their work, at least briefly.
Maple watched them devour her sugary snacks with a smile with pride swelling visibly. "Mah best maple, made wit' love."
One of the stallions chuckled. "Yer makin' us blush. Ain't our place to take no love from another stallion's mare like that."
Maple snorted at the objection. "That's the kind of love that's alright to share. You take it an' you like it!"
"Yes, ma'am." The stallion had the sense to not argue that, tipping his hat instead. "Much 'ppreciated."
"Ah'll draw up a bath." A stallion trotted so gingerly towards one of the bathrooms. "Let you know when it's ready."
Summer clopped a hoof on her cheek. "It's nice bein' reminded we got such good neighbors like that. Ya know, this is the house they built."
"Ah remember..." It was hard to forget, their two houses having been mashed together, making their union as literal as possible. "They did a nice job with it too. I love our house."
"Love it too." Summer leaned over to smooch Maple's cheek. "An' the ponies in it." She jumped. "Ooo, easy in there..." She reached down to rub the spot where she'd been kicked from inside with a motion of her unborn foal. "Still ain't sure how big y'are, or if it's a colt or a filly... Think ah should check?"
Maple considered that with a soft hum. "Well... Checking is good, but you don't need to be told. Ah mean, let the nice doctor have a peek, jus' to be sure everythin's bakin' right in there, but they don't need to tell ya. That can still be a surprise. Not like we'll love 'em less whatever they come out as."
"That's true..." Summer sat up, spotting the bath drawing pony emerging. "Now, I don't mean to be rude, but I want that bath."
Maple swatted Summer's rump. "Go get 'em!"
As if Summer needed encouragement, she staggered towards the waiting water with an expectant grin.
Maple thanked the stallion on the way past. "Since yer all cleanin'... ah'll get the other bathroom." More mobile than Summer, she made herself to the second bathroom to enjoy some soap and the warm rays of a supportive community.
Winter returned home with a happy sigh. Another day's work complete! "I'm home," he called as he opened the door, just to pause. It was clean. It was all clean. Something had somehow... cleaned his house. "Everypony alright?" He hurried inside, horn closing the door behind him. "Summer, Maple?"
"Right here." Maple leaned out from the kitchen. "Welcome back!"
He smiled brightly and went for Maple. "Good. What happened?" He waved around at the strangely shining house. "Did you do this? You should be resting."
"I'm feeling more rested than I have in a week or two." She went in for a little peck that turned into a hug with him, resting against him with a happy sway of her tail. "Yer card buddies came by."
Winter's ears danced. "They did?!"
"They did." Maple turned away, heading for the fridge. "And they were ready to clean, so they did. You don't owe them anythin' more than showin' up fer the next game and whipping their flanks like they're missin'."
Winter sat with a smile. "That's... very nice of them. Is Summer alright? I don't see her."
"She's still bigger, and tireder, than me. She's gettin' her belly checked tomorrow, just to be double sure everythin's alright, but she feels fine, just big, and tired."
Winter felt woozy, thinking of that miracle in progress. "I will ask Miss Jubilee if I can go with her." He turned right back for the door. "I think she'll say yes, for this."
Maple tensed a moment. "Well... if we're makin' this a family trip, ah'll go too then! You'll make a mare jealous..."
"No!" He hurried to her side instead, rubbing against her. "You being there makes it even better. We'll make sure you're both alright."
"That sounds good." She smooched his cheek gently. "Go on and ask then. Ah got things under control thanks to those friends."
Winter trotted out with a big smile. He was blessed in so many ways it was hard to count. But he could whistle, so he did that instead on the way back to the factory. It was closed, or he'd still be working, but he went around the side and knocked on a metal door there.
It took a moment of quiet before the door opened a little. "Who's there?" asked a familiar voice.
"It's me, ma'am." Winter tipped his head at the closed door. "Sorry for coming so late in the day."
"It ain't day." Cherry threw open the door with a grin. "But I'll take a Winter at night once in a while." Her smile faded several notches. "You look serious. Everythin' alright?"
"Everything is fine, but they're going to the doctor tomorrow, to make sure everything is fine. I would like to go with them, if that's alright?"
Cherry stepped out of her factory to grab Winter by the cheeks between her hooves. "You adorable little thin'! Ah did say stallions get time too, and this counts. You go with them and be a good father, which means keepin' 'em company and cheerin' them out right now. Thank you fer lettin' me know." She turned back to her factory. "Let me know the day after how it went. Wanna know my little babyfilly's doin' alright."
"I will do that. Thank you, ma'am."
"Mom," she corrected. "Thank you, mom."
"Thank you, mom," he repeated properly. "Did you want to be there?"
"Temptin'! But ah got a factory to run." She threw open her hooves, encompassing all of the great building before her. "So ah'll be busy here. You be a quality dad, an' come runnin' to tell me the news afterwards. Each pony's got their place, ya hear?"
"Yes, Mom." He looked away and back. "Mom?"
"Hm?" She half turned towards him. "Somethin' else on yer mind?"
"Thank you." He could distantly remember someone else that had been mom, but that was a life and a world away. "You're a good mom."
"Aw. Ah do mah best." She trotted inside, kicking the door shut behind herself. They had settled everything, at least from her point of view.
Winter headed home, walking through the quiet streets of the sleepy country evening. Whistling felt right, so he picked up where he left off. Everything was ready for the next day!
"Sweet Seasons," called a nurse that wore a sherrif star despite not being one of those. "Ready?"
They, Winter, Summer and Maple had agreed to take that on as a family name. Less of a mouthful than all their names together. As that family unit, they rose and advanced towards the back. "It'll be fine," assured Winter, nudging left and right against either of them as they went. "I'm here."
"Happy ya are." Summer smooched his cheek and nodded to the doctor as he came into view. "Mornin', doc."
The doctor inclined his head at the two heavy mares that entered his office. "Forgive my saying, but it needs to be said. A question, are you--"
Maple fixed him a look. "We're not trying to show off. And we're not about to burs' just yet. 'Least ah don't think?" She reached back to run a hoof over her bloated belly. "That's what we're here to find out."
"Hm." He wheeled over a flat panel. "Now, as you may know, pony mares typically remain fairly slender the entire time. This has important survival benefits, as our ancient ancestors took advantage of. Some even say it helped shape our society." He moved the panel up next to Maple, obscuring much of her form behind it. "Since the mares were always ready to throw down as much as any stallion, neither side could get any ideas." The mares chuckled at that.
Summer grunted. "But that isn't us. We did get big, and we have slowed down... And other things..." She looked ready to hop, but aborted the idea, instead climbing up onto the examination bed there. "Not to be crude or nothin', but ah ain't never even seen a mare with teats this... big."
The doctor took a moment to consider Winter, but he was a boy, no matter how girly he could look at times. He had precious few hints as to why it would happen, other than being a kirin in the first place. "Is this typical of... kirin was it?"
Winter swallowed nervously. Letting his emotions out meant being nervous, and visibly so, more often. "I don't know. I didn't see any heavy kirin when we visited... Maybe it's just this... combination."
The doctor considered that with a rub of his hoof on his chin. "Maybe. We'd need to see more than one family to know for sure. Either way, let's have a look."
He flicked a big switch on the side of the panel and they could suddenly see into Maple's insides, though for most, it was a mess of pony organs and such, difficult for the untrained eyes to make much sense of. The doctor knew what to look for, adjusting the panel closer and further to get a better look at specific parts. "One... Yes, one healthy looking foal in there... Did you want to know if it's a colt or a filly?"
All three of them smiled so joyfully. One healthy foal, theirs. The room was quiet for a time, and the doctor gave them a moment to soak in the good news.
Summer recovered first. "No thanks. We'll find that out when they're in our arms. We'll love 'em fierce, no matter which they are."
Maple giggled from behind the screen. "Maybe they'll be like Winter, be a bit of both dependin' on how ya look at it."
The doctor resumed moving the panel slowly. "The foal looks fine, but let's inspect the mother. Hm... You weren't spinning any yarn. Those are impressively large." He could see Maple's udders, the milk showing up on the pony medical device clearly. "A mare doesn't typically express this much milk, and this way... Is it uncomfortable? Are you experiencing any pain?"
Maple's cheeks warmed up, doing her best to stand still behind the panel. "It gets full, but I... They help."
"They..." The doctor trailed off, figuring out how others might help. "I see." He sat. "Do you know how a mother normally feeds their foals?"
Summer frowned from the bed. "Wit' milk, obviously. We ain't short on that."
The doctor nodded at Summer. "Of course, but there's more to it." He reared up and grabbed a dangling cord in his teeth, pulling down a hanging picture of a proud mother. The mother was curled around a fresh young foal, a bottle in their face. The foal was nursing, caught in that moment of feeding. "A mother pony can create these." He pointed to the bottle. "And feeds their young with them."
Maple cocked a brow up high. "Then what're these for?" She pointed back at her teats, her arm and hoof visible on the panel with her pointing.
"A holdover." The doctor pointed to Maple's visible, thanks to the screen, udder. "When we were animals, we used teats the old fashioned way. At some point, as proper ponies, we started doing it with bottles. Same mother's milk, different delivery. I'm curious, if you'll oblige me. Since you have the milk, can you make a bottle? Imagine a foal, your foal. You want to feed them. Reach for the bottle."
Summer waved a hoof in the air with a frown.
"Don't be discouraged. Teaching a mother how to start is one of our jobs. Draw the hoof back. Imagine the bottle was already there. You're just pulling it out," gently coached the doctor, patient and kind in the instruction. "You're not making a bottle. You're pulling it free."
Maple gasped with a little jump. Attached to her right hoof was a bottle, filled with warm milk, ready for use. "Wow! Ah... did it." She angled the bottle left and right, making the milk slosh. "What do I do with it? We don't got no foals just yet."
Summer quickly got her own out, not ready to be outdone. "That weren't so hard... But... We still..."
"You still have those." The doctor nodded. "Which presents you with an option. While you're in public, I strongly recommend the bottle. It is... taboo... for a mother to be seen feeding anything, foal or not, like that." He coughed softly. "If you don't mind my musings, I would imagine that's because ponies can make bottles in the first place. The idea of a foal having to make such intimate contact stopped being such an obvious thing."
"Ah get it..." Summer waved her bottle at Winter. "You want it?"
Winter lit up bright, and the doctor joined in the embarrassment. "Some ponies enjoy pony milk, even other products. Pony milk is a fine milk, and you can use it for almost anything. Cheese, baking, ice cream if you felt like it..."
Winter peered at the doctor, imagining the milk he'd seen in the stores. "Is that where all the milk comes from?!"
"No! No..." The doctor waved that off. "Most milk you'll find comes from other fine creatures and critters that are willing to give it up. Milk from a pony is a niche market, at best. Still... Back to our inspection. Our mother looks fine, if a bit burdened, which is understandable. Summer? We should have a look at you now."
Summer slid down to her hooves. "Thanks for bein' good 'bout this."
The doctor wheeled the panel, meeting Summer halfway. "I do my best, but about what?"
"This." She waved at Maple, Winter, and herself. "We ain't 'xactly a traditional family, ah know that..."
"Some might argue you are extremely traditional. Old-fashioned." He began to examine her insides, eyes on the source of her bulk. "But not very standard in this day and age. But I'm a doctor. It's my job to make sure you're all healthy and happy, not to judge who you found love with. You all seem to be doing fine on that count, so I don't need to shove my nose into it."
Winter leaned against Maple, no longer behind a screen anymore. "We are very happy, together. How does it look?"
"Well... I can't say you have a healthy foal." He waved from one lump to another. "Because you have two."
Summer paled around her snout with a delirious laugh. "It ain't just ah'm ahead?!"
"Afraid not." He tapped at the screen. "Two, moving... Healthy..." He moved the screen around for better looks. "Two lovely foals. One of them..." He glanced at Winter with an unspoken question.
Winter inclined his head, not understanding a moment, but it came. "Oh! Does one of them have a horn, sir?"
"They do." The doctor nodded slowly as he turned his attention to Summer, inspecting her for issues. "The others didn't. All I'll say, promise."
Summer danced a little in place in nervous fidgets. "Ah get two, an' one of 'em has a horn... Lucky me!"
"Now now." The doctor made patting motions, but wasn't touching her. "I'm happy to say the horn doesn't usually cause any problems. It's the shoulders that slow things down. Front or back, the horn will get out of there without any trouble."
"Easy fer you to say." Summer gave Winter a glare. "But this ain't a unicorn horn, ah'm bettin'! Kirins have fancy horns, more places to get caught on things..." She shivered, not wanting any part of her insides to get caught on anything. "Do ya know anythin' 'bout kirin foals an' how they get out?"
"Not my specialty..." The doctor leaned the screen carefully. "How does your back feel?"
"Sore?"
"Makes sense," he mumbled to himself, continuing the inspection. "I'll dig into it and get back to you, just to be sure, but if you got it in, you can get it out. Pony mothers are not built for that to be untrue. You're a healthy mare, you can finish the job.
Summer let out a slow breath. "Right... Right! Got it in... Get it out." She glared at Winter anew. "You owe me." He hurried to her side and she got to nipping at him. "Damn your virility..." She buried her face in his shoulder and went still. "Lemme know when you're done."
"I think... the advice I have, you're already following, so just keep on doing what you're doing." He flicked the screen off. "Your family's growing, and you're growing with it. Now, to give you some good news, you should return to normal, once the foals are out of you, especially if you remain physically active. Even now, if you can, try to get some motion in." He turned to Maple. "I mean that more for you. You have little reason not to get out and feel some wind."
Maple saluted sharply. "You got it!" The same hoof lowered at Summer. "But what about her? She's a bit..."
"--Larger, yes," finished the doctor. "It would be unreasonable to expect her to move a lot right now... And I don't expect you have a pool." All three looked at him with wonder. A pool wasn't a common thing in that town. "I didn't think so. A pool she can submerge in would relieve her spine and let her get some motion in at the same time. Failing that, an elliptical device may be low impact enough to let her get some movement."
Summer sighed, imagining it. "That sounds really nice... But we don't got that... A nice tub's the closest we got, and that ain't gonna do what yer suggestin'."
Winter was already running numbers, but he lacked the most important one... "How much is a pool?" Heads turned to him. "How many bits?" he expanded. "To get one."
The doctor shook his head. "You'd want to ask a different pony for that. I treat ponies, not dig pools. Now, lovely as you all are, you seem to be healthy, both the adults and the new ponies hurrying to join us. Don't hesitate to come back if you'd like a new check or if something else comes up."
Summer nodded to the doctor. "Thanks fer the time, right 'ppreciate it. Maple, Winter?" She led the two out of the office and began the trek home. "Ah doubt a pool's cheap..."
"Three," giggled out Maple. "Three almost at once!"
Winter woke up, not in any smooth and gentle way. He was suddenly being pressed against, squished in a soft way that was still being squished. The squishing force was warm and, as he felt over it with confusion, female, one he knew quite well. His largest wife had rolled on top of him, and her sawing sounds implied she was still quite asleep.
He could hear the quieter snoring of Maple. She wasn't trying to smother him in pregnant mare. Summer used to not snore as loudly. Pregnancy had a variety of effects on a pony, bearing massive twins didn't help the situation. That was, at least, half his fault.
He pondered how to wriggle free of her without interrupting her sleep. She surely needed that... His horn glowed as he willed her entire body up just a precious few inches, enough to give space for him to slide to the floor and reach it with his cloven hooves. He just as quickly twirled and brought her down to the bed, kissing her cheek as he tucked her in, a smile on his face. Succe-- She grabbed him, wrapping her arms around his neck and kissing him right back. She made a noise, but it wasn't a word he could make out.
She was still very asleep, but hugging him. Winter rubbed his cheek against hers, returning the hug in a quiet moment of warmth before he gently eased her to the bed and made good his esc--
Maple was in the way. She was awake and watching him, standing in the doorway. She waved for him to follow and walked from the room.
Winter trailed after her into the living room. Calling it 'the' living room was a bit of a misnomer, it being one of two they had. "Are you alright?" he came up beside her.
"Ah'm fine." She curled to face him properly. "But she needed her sleep, an' ah'm awake. You, dear stallion, need something else."
Winter inclined his head. "What do I need? I was going to make breakfast. Would you like some?"
"Precious thing." She brought in her hooves on either of Winter's cheeks. "Always thinkin' 'bout us. But right now, ah'm thinkin' about you. Now, I want you to stop and think about you too. What can I do to make your day a little better?"
Winter mused on that with some conflict. He wasn't the pregnant one. He wasn't working to create new life. He'd just set that fire that was burning through his beloved's. It was literally his job to do something about that. What did he need?
"I can see those wheels spinning." She touched noses with him. "But they aren't goin' anywhere. Winter, you are our loved one, just as strong as we are yours. We want you to be happy. This isn't, and never was, about any of us sacrificin' that for the others."
Winter grabbed her, making her glow as he squeezed her a little from all directions in the most complete hug he knew how to give. "Thank you."
"Just sayin' the truth." She went in for fresh nuzzles. "I know Summer's a bit slow right now, but, lucky you, you have two of us, look at that."
"About that." Winter gently nudged her back. "I want to help her. I... I remember."
"Remember what?" She inclined an ear, brow raised. "That's a powerful vauge thing to say."
It felt powerfully vague to him. A tease of a life or two ago... "Someone very important to me... They didn't get help." He couldn't nail down who it was exactly, but someone very close... People had made noises of faith and well wishes, but nobody had done anything. "I want to help her. I am alright." He pointed at himself. "I am okay."
"Ah don't entirely believe that..." She put a hoof on his chest. "Yer workin' more than twice as hard so we ain't workin' at all. Ain't fair, even if it's all love-inspired." She went up to kiss him between the eyes, on the smooth scales he had there. "I love you too. I want to make you happy. Now, ain't not listenin' to what yer sayin'. Yer right, ah think... Summer really could use more ways t'move. Wouldn't mind it mahself. Good fer both of us. A pool's overkill."
He flipped his ornate ears back ."Then what?"
"That workout thin'." She left at a light trot, returning with a brochure in her mouth she spat out onto a table. "Been looking. Check this out." She tapped a hoof on the display. There was a pony standing on some curious contraption, each hoof with a pad to stand on. Little lines shows the movements, with legs swinging back and forth, in place. "That elliptical thing. No bouncin', which neither of us wanna do much."
Winter smiled at the sight of it. "Yes..." It looked just right to get his mares moving and healthy! He leaned in over the brochure, eyes scanning quickly over it. He found the price and sank to his haunches. "Oh." It was not cheap...
"Don't give up," sang out Maple, flipping a few pages in and tapping a bright yellow starred portion. "They have financial aid! Especially fer ponies that really need it."
That included sick ponies, very elderly ponies, and, as it turned out, pregnant ponies too. There was a little picture of Celestia's smiling bust. The crown itself would cover a great portion of the price to get the device to ponies in true need of it. "Praise the queen," he laughed out.
"Princess," corrected Maple. "But yeah, praise her! Right nice pony she is. So, that's one less thing for you to be stressing about." She nipped at his closer ear. "Handled, jus' like that."
"You are amazing." He grabbed her, hugging with both arms, hooves pressing in against her firmly. One worry, banished, just like that. "How do we order it?"
"Well!" She licked his throat and turned back to the brochure. "We could mail fer it, but ah'll walk into town and make a call. A lot faster." She wiggled each hoof in turn. "Feelin' mobile enough fer that. One little walk and we get what we want. What Celestia won't cover, they'll take over a year, so no big sudden bills."
"Please." He seperated from her, headed for the kitchen with a canter in his steps. A great burden had been lifted from him. He felt great, free, happy...
"Look at you." She followed after him, noticing something else he was feeling. She snickered as she trailed after him. "I'm very glad I could help... But I think I can help... even more..."
[clop]
Even as he began to will the ingredients to breakfast together, she found her own delectable treat. She nosed along his stiffness, inhaling the masculine scent of aroused kirin. "Poor thing. You were so worried, it was keeping you down." She kissed gently along the length of renewed twitching strength. "Time to celebrate."
Winter's hold on proto-breakfast wobbled as he felt himself sink into her ready mouth, being licked and nursed on eagerly. "You don't... have to." Even as he said it, he felt silly. Nopony had to do that. She wanted to. He brought up a hoof to rub over her head as she sank over him, submerging him in warm heat that was doing a great job of distracting his cooking despite his efforts.
He let out a shuddering grasp as her broad equine tongue pressed inside his increasingly excited pole, a firm twitch sending a splash of his essence across her tongue. "Mmmf." He was trying to be quiet, but the urge to speak was growing. He pulled her closer, his flexing against her work even as his eyes moved from one pan to another, still cooking despite it all.
Winter had gone without for a little while, tense and worried for others, he had just forgotten such things could be an issue. He exploded with a sharp yelp. To Maple's credit, she caught the pan that would have crashed to the ground from his slack magical grip. "Thatta boy." The sudden flop had removed him from her reach, but she was smirking, one hind hoof working him as he let out the last sprays. "To the last drop..." She finished the meal without complaint. [end clop]
Maple slid towards the food as Winter recovered. "Go take a bath, I have this."
"Yeah..." He shook himself out lightly. "Good idea. Um..." He considered her, making breakfast. "I wanted to make it for you."
"You're a mess," she sang, not looking back. "And I want to cook for you even harder. Go, wash, enjoy what I make."
"Right..." He forced himself to accept the kindness she was offering and went off to clean up. He returned to find the food on three plates, two of them being eaten from. Summer had joined at some point and was devouring the food eagerly.
"There ya are." Summer waved as Winter joined them. "Maple mentioned you went an' got messy with the food. Don't do that, silly thing." She rolled her eyes, having no clue what actually happened. "Now what's this surprise?"
"This!" Maple slid a brochure out from under a plate, the one she'd shown before. "I'm going to order this, for us." She pushed it ahead of Summer. "Doesn't it look fun?"
Summer laughed nervously. "It looks like work... But if I can do it, I should." She rubbed at her big belly. "You two deserve a mom in good condition, hm?" The children could not respond to her, but she responded to their quiet with little coos and rubs. "That's right... You can have your first workout with me."
Maple clopped with a big smile. "That's what I was saying! I'll stop by in town and put in the order. You alright an hour or two while I do that?"
"Of course." Summer pushed her plate back. "I can keep things reasonable for that long, I'm sure." She leaned over for a smooch on Winter's cheek. "Fresh-cleaned Kirin, one of the best kinds." She nuzzled into his fur, enjoying the scent of their soap and the lighter fragrances of the cleaned Winter. "Won't that be expensive? Not to be a downer."
Winter crossed his arms in an X. "Celestia will pay for most of it if it's for a pony who needs it, like two pregnant mares." He willed his food up to chomp joyfully. "Mmm, nice touch, what did you put in it?" Maple pointed to a jar of spice. "I never tried that." His clever special someponies... He could feel little but joy towards them. "Not here." He crunched on the fried oats, humming with satisfied appetite. "Want to walk together? We can make that call."
"Mmmm." Maple pushed her plate back, done. "Don't you have to go to work?"
"We can walk together until we have to seperate." He quickly gobbled up the rest of his food and slid to his hooves. "The day will start better with you there."
"Aw." She went to his side and they started out. "I'll be back as soon as I can, Summer. Be safe, alright?"
Summer blurted a laugh. "I'll manage. This house isn't that dangerous, shoot... Just come on back as soon as yer done. Ah'll get lonely by myself..."
"Soon as I can, promise." She slipped out the door Winter was holding for her with his magic. "To the phone!" They didn't have a phone in the house, but she knew where to find one. They hiked together down the road, getting waves and smiles along the way.
There were a few curious looks. Mares didn't usually show so much, but most of them were kind expressions. News of their state hadn't been a secret for very long.
"Maple." A mare was waving from the side of the road. "It's a few years yet... But do bring your little one by when they're ready."
Maple smiled brightly. "Of course!" She swung her head back to Winter. "That's the teacher. She's real nice."
Winter joined in waving at her. "Good. Our foals will need a nice and good teacher." He nudged against her. "Let's get you to a phone."
"You have a large package at the mail office." The mare pointed the way towards the post office. "Did you plan to pick it up, or did you need us to bring it here?" She smiled brightly, looking ready to take care of it either way.
Winter considered the cheerful mail mare. "If you can bring it, that would be nice. I don't know how to put it together."
"Me neither." She inclined her head. "We don't assemble it, sorry... Um, if it helps, it usually comes with instructions." She saluted suddenly. "It's our job to get it to you, and we will do that! So, bring it here, or you'll pick it up there?"
"Bring it here, please. Thank you." Winter closed the door on the mailmare and returned to his wives. "I think the elliptical is here. They'll bring it by. We just have to set it up."
Maple clapped with excitement. "Ooo! I can't wait. I'll help." She pushed up to her hooves. "You don't get to work the maple trees without putting your hooves right on things. I'm not scared."
Winter smooched her cheek. "We'll work together."
With readiness, they were there when the knock came and they welcomed the sizable crate into their home. Winter grabbed it in his magic, but had to focus down to a single plank to make any progress at opening it. When he gave a sharp yank on a single plank, he could pry it free of the nails that held it down, and slowly they gained access.
Maple reached into the opening and began tearing into it, revealing the huge metal thing that seemed to be the central part, and little extra parts that went with it. "Hmmm..."
The two worked together to get the biggest part situated rightside up. It almost looked like a thing! They set the pedals in on the four posts, and it started to look closed to what the picture had displayed. "Almost..." Winter found a strange panel and put it up near the front, then ran the plug over to the wall. Soon, they had a workout machine ready for use!
"What is going on out here?" Summer emerged, peering curiously at the strange device in her living area. "Is that the walking-in-place thing?"
"Yes." Winter considered it a moment, then realized... He flicked it on with a flash of magic. It chimed and started booting up. "Fancy..." It tickled at old memories. Did he have one of those at some point? "Who wants to try it first?"
"Me!" Maple stepped up carefully onto the thing, almost tripping, but soon she had mounted it properly, hooves down on the platforms. "Alright! What... are these?" She peered at the strange panel and its brightly displayed buttons. "Quick start?" She touched her nose to that one. It chimed pleasantly and pictures began to display, as if she were walking if one pretended it was a front view. It showed her pace at 0 trots a minute.
She wasn't moving, so that made sense. She burst into giggles and tried walking, but it wasn't a machine for walking, exactly. It took her a moment to get used to the swaying rocking motion required, but she got into it and began powering along, the movie being displayed speeding up as if she were walking all the more briskly along the simulated terrain. "This is neat! Ah like it..." Stats showed her pace and pulse and other such vital statistics as she worked.
Summer leaned in from the side, watching the monitor. "How does it know so much about you?"
Winter held up the owner's manual. "It says it gets that from your hooves." He pointed one of his own at Maple's energetically pedalling ones. "That makes sense..."
Summer turned her hoof around. "Hoof to heart," she giggled. "Yeah, that makes sense... Huh. It knows how heavy you are too." She colored at that. "It's going to make fun of me..."
"It won't." He went in to nuzzle gently with her. "And your goal isn't to lose weight, just for that weight to be healthier."
"Stop tryin' to be reasonable!" She stuck out her tongue at him. "When do ah get a turn?"
"Oh, sorry." Maple touched her nose to the end button and dismounted to the ground, giggling. "Fun! We should try to use that everyday. Give it a try."
Summer climbed up slowly into place, letting out a little sigh. "I was a little worried I wouldn't fit..." But there was plenty of room for her to stand on it. "Now how does this thing work?"
Winter flipped through the instructions. "Ever had a place you wanted to take a hike through?"
"Any place?" Summer's vision went distant, roaming through exotic locations. "What about.... Southern Equestria, where it's all sandy."
Winter inclined his head. There was plenty of dirt outside... But he didn't argue out loud, instead showing and pressing the buttons to ask the machine for that location. The workout was ready, starting in a town square in the middle of the sandy south. "You can walk now."
She tried to walk, much as Maple had, with limited success. "Slide," urged Maple, and she did, transitioning to the swishing motions that got her hooves moving without any jostling motions.
"Oooo," she breathed out, already a little short of breath, but smiling. "This is... Interesting." She accelerated, the movie showing her powering out into the desert along a sandy road. "That's... That's funny." She got to watching her progress as she hiked. One part of it showed a big topdown of the whole course with a little icon of her walking. The rest showed the first person view of the exotic locale. It didn't fool anypony into thinking they were there, but it seemed to amuse her anyway. "Look at me go..."
Maple clopped in time with Winter's pace. "Look at you go!" she called out in solidarity. "We'll be looking better in no time." She giggled. "The worst part will be taking turns."
"Dont'... worry... about that." Summer's breathing was coming harder as she pushed, clearly working up a lather, body sheening with the exertion. "Ah'll get tired soon 'nough..."
Winter watched with a smile. They were liking it. It would help them be healthy. It was worth all that would be paid for it, and more... "Maple."
"Hm?" She jerked her head towards him as he talked. "What?"
"I am putting you in charge." He circles around the machine and Summer to get at her. "To make sure you both get your walk every day. Can you do that?"
"That's a big responsibility." She curled a hoof to her chin. "But ah'm ready!" Her attention slid back to Summer. "It ain't a race. You're looking worn, slow down a bit. Power walk, don't try to gallop."
"Right... Right..." She slowed down with a powerful gust of air. "Ah was... Whew... That really can take it out of you... Ah guess that's half the point..."
Winter pointed to a part in the manual. "You can adjust the resistance."
Maple's eyes shone with wonder. "Ooo! Walk slower, but harder... Like going up a hill..."
The manual hinted that some models could literally tilt up, to really go uphill, but that was not the model they had. They'd live without that feature... Winter nuzzled Maple gently. "Like it?"
"Love it!" She stood up. "Can't even wait to get another turn. I want to..." She paused. "Oh..." She brought a hoof to her belly and settled slowly. "I'm not the only one that wants to move... Hello in there."
Winter lowered his face to her belly. "Hello," he gently echoed.
Maple winced, but was smiling through it. "Ooo, I think they heard you... that's daddy..."
"Am I missing a family moment?" huffed out Summer, still walking along. "No fair!"
"Sorry." Maple slowly stood up. "Little one's just lively today. I think they're just as excited about this. Hm, did yours quicken? I imagine so."
"Celestia, yes!" Summer let out a breathless laugh. "Good morning and good evening. They make sure I know they're there. It's impossible to miss..." She slowed to a stop and dismounted unsteadily. "I am tired..."
Maple hopped right up and resumed the trek through the sandy desert. "I'm not!"
Winter went to nuzzle Summer's larger belly, and felt it. One of the little one's inside had kicked him, right in his nuzzling snout. It stung just a little, but he could feel only joy at that moment. "Oh..." He smooched the very spot it had come from. "Hello there... I can't wait to meet you."
Summer rested her hooves on either side of Winter's face as he nuzzled against her. "That is so pure..." Her breathing was slowing, recovering from her time on the machine. "Thank you..."
Winter sat up. "For?" He angled his ornate horn at the machine. "That? You are very welcome."
"Not that... But I am glad... I meant being here, and being a good father." She slowly rolled forward to get her snout to his, touching noses. "For being a good creature." They hugged close and she winced with a laugh. "They love you too."
He could feel it, little motions where their bellies touched. "Does it hurt?"
"A little." She sat back with a sigh. "But not too bad... They're just... woke up... Little things." She cradled her belly with a smile. "I want to hold them too... But you can't hurry these things along."
"No..." Winter stood up. "You're in charge," he called to Maple.
"Aye aye!" She didn't salute, busy cycling in place as she was. "Operation fit mommas is go!"
"I should go." Work, he had to get to it. "You two have fun." He went for a smooch on either of their cheeks, only to get caught.
Maple darted, missing the cheek kiss and getting full on lips involved, smooching with him and still cycling her hooves through it, breathing hard through her nose as she pressed against him. It was a curious sensation, to kiss a clearly exerting mare, but Winter was smiling, and she pressed.
Summer was the one that came between them. "Let him get to work. He'll be back." Summer kissed his cheek. "Have a nice day at work."
"I will." He rubbed noses with her, but got moving for the door. "Be safe. Come if you need anything." He slipped out the door, trusting them to take care of themselves while he was away.
"Party Pooper," panted out Maple, slowing in her motions. "Whew... I must have been really out of shape... Getting that tired so quickly... I hate it." She smiled at the machine as she slowed to a stop. "But, thanks to you, I plan to fix that."
Summer folded her arms. "How often are you going to make me do that?"
"As often as I can get away with it." She closed to touch noses. "You know it's good for you. And imagine Winter. He's working, right now, so we can keep that."
"Yeah..." Guilt was a motivation. She clambered up and resumed the journey across the sands, but only at a gentle walking pace. "This counts, right?"
"Yep!" Maple sat back, watching Summer go. "That's way more exercise than we were getting just sitting there... We'll want some trotting mixed in there, maybe even a gallop when you get used to it... But even walking counts."
"Even walking counts," echoed Summer with an unsure smile. If even walking counted, she could do that, and she was doing that, plodding through the simulated dunes of that faraway desert. "That was really nice of the princess... paying for most of this. I don't even pay her taxes."
Maple colored faintly. "I do a little."
Summer lifted an ear at that. That meant... "Business is that good?"
"Good enough to pay some taxes." Maple waved a hoof. "Maybe not this year, with this foal knocking me out of the orchard. But! I plan to get right back into it."
"One step at a time," gently cautioned Summer, walking forward.
Maple shifted uncomfortably on the examination table, its crinkly paper rustling beneath her. She was back at the clinic they had visited months earlier for a checkup. The same kind doctor was there, busying himself with laying out towels and instruments.
"Remember your breathing," he coached gently. "Nice and slow."
Maple tried to focus on her breath, but it was difficult with the contractions coming one after another. She grimaced, sucking air sharply through her teeth.
Summer blotted Maple's forehead with a damp cloth, her face etched with concern. "You're doing so good," she offered, though her voice betrayed her worry for her dear friend.
Winter stood at Maple's other side, holding her hoof tightly. As she cried out in pain, memories of another life flickered through his mind. A human life, hands gripping a hospital bed instead of hooves. The echo of a woman's anguished cries. A child lost before its time.
He squeezed his eyes shut, pushing the visions away. Not now. Maple and their foal needed him present.
The doctor slid his stool over and lifted the sheet. "You're fully dilated. It's time to push."
Maple bore down hard, her face reddening from exertion. The contractions were an all consuming force now, her body working to expel this foal on its own timeframe.
Maple's screams mingled with the memories, but Winter clung to her hoof. "Breathe," he urged. "You're so strong."
"One more big push," encouraged the doctor.
Digging deep, Maple funneled every ounce of strength into bringing her baby into the world. Her cries mingled with that of the foal as it emerged in a rush of fluid and blood.
The doctor briskly cleared the tiny nostrils before a resounding wail filled the room. "Colt!" he proclaimed, placing the foal on Maple's heaving chest.
As the adrenaline rush subsided, Maple found herself awash in a sea of new sensations and emotions. The colt's wet warmth against her, his cries triggering some primal instinct within her. She counted his delicate hooves and took in his downy coat, still matted from the birth canal. Love overwhelmed her.
When the foal emerged, joy flooded Winter's heart, yet melancholy still lurked beneath. He should be elated meeting his son, but grief over his past life colored the moment.
Still, gazing at the tiny colt filled him with hope. This was a new chance, a new world. He would be the father this child needed.
Summer looked on, enraptured by this new life. "What's his name? Ya never told us."
As Maple whispered "Spruce", Winter made a silent promise to them both. He would leave the shadows of his old life behind and walk fully into this new dawn.
They all quietly absorbed the gravity of this moment. The intense process of bringing forth new life, now settled into calm stillness.
"Welcome home, Spruce," Winter offered, choking back tears. Their family was now bigger, bonded by this shared experience of ushering in a new foal.
The doctor wiped his brow with a swipe of his fetlock. "You did quite well. You barely needed me." He looked pleased at his report, nodding. "Ideally, that's how it should always be. Do you have a doula?"
Summer perked her ears. "A do-what?"
"Doula?" repeated the doctor. "Birth coach. They give tips on what to do to prepare for things, and how to do the process. Think of them, in a way, like an assistant midwife?" He could see the clueless looks on both mares, one heavy still. "My apologies, thought you might have had one. Maple's looking far more fit than the last time I saw her, and that birth went so smoothly. Hm. You did an even better job then. That fitness and preparation made all the difference. I'm impressed!" He began tidying up his supplies. "Let me know if you need anything else. Get some rest."
Maple cradled little Spruce, heart swelling with pride. The doctor was right, all that exercise had paid off. She had never felt so strong and capable.
Planting a gentle kiss on Spruce's tiny muzzle, she sighed contentedly. Their family was now a little bit bigger, and her body a little bit stronger.
Summer took her chance to approach the doctor. "'xplain one thing to me! Ah'm very proud and happy fer Maple." She inclined her head towards the joyfully recovering mother. "But why? Ah'm bigger!" She pointed back at her bloated midsection. "Ah'm pretty sure ah got my foals first! Why did she pop them out before ah did?!"
The doctor tensed at the angry, tired, plea of the mother. "My apologies, but you're both dealing with hybrid children, which complicates things... Not to mention..." He waves over Summer's great midsection. "You have twins, another layer of complexity that can throw off dates easily. Look on the bright side."
Summer raised a doubting brow. "There's a bright side?"
"Oh, yes." He smiled as brightly as he could manage. "Now that she's recovering, you'll soon have two ponies that will care for you gladly."
Maple giggled at the doctor's words. "He ain't wrong. Ah'll be glad to lend a hoof. Um..." She gently jostled Spruce in her arms. "But ah may ask fer help in kind with Spruce." The foal wriggled against her. As if by magic, Maple knew. "Are you hungry, little guy?" She conjured a bottle of milk without thought, just making the motion of passing the bottle over and the bottle was there by the time her hoof arrived at Spruce's waiting mouth. The foal slurped and gulped down the fresh, warm, milk eagerly.
Maple started suddenly. "Oh! Am ah still fat? Somepony check!"
Summer turned towards Maple, sweeping her eyes over the prone new mother. "You look like you did before we started this. A full recovery."
"Yes!" Maple pumped a free hoof, looking quite happy for the news. "I love you forever, Winter, but you make your mares fat. Glad that's temporary."
Winter colored darkly at the accusation, but he couldn't think of a way to argue it. Each mare he had put a child into had indeed swollen up, unlike normal ponies. "Sorry. Did it hurt?"
"Being fat? No, just annoying... Giving birth? Yes! But..." She kissed Spruce softly. "It was a good hurt, and for a good reason... I'd do it again... But not today! Give a mare a break."
With Spruce nursed and nestled against his mother, the small family took a fresh moment to let it all soak in. The chatter gave way to quiet joy and anticipation.
"He's so perfect," Maple whispered, tracing his tiny features with the tip of her hoof.
Winter blinked back proud tears. "Just like his mother."
Summer sidled up beside them, her own heavy middle preceding her. "An' he'll have himself a little brother or sister soon enough, maybe both?." She winced, rubbing at the pronounced bulge. "Real soon, from the feel of it."
The doctor nodded sympathetically. "Any day now for you. Remember what I coached Summer through today. Breathing, motion, having support." He gestured to Summer and Maple. "You'll do wonderfully."
As they left the clinic, the sun felt especially warm on their backs, basking them in the glow of new beginnings.
"Let's get Spruce home," said Winter, already picturing the nursery awaiting its first occupant.
Summer laughed. "Yes, one down, two to go!" She bumped her swollen belly against Winter playfully. "No rest for the blessed."
They returned home, but not without being spotted. It wasn't as if they were trying to hide, just walking down the dirt roads of their town. "Winter!" There was Ten Gallon, tipping that oversized hat of his. "Look at you, all of ya!" He came closer on his small legs. "Did it go well? Guessin' it did, considering that little bundle! They're cute as a button! Um... They a colt or a filly?" Poor guy wasn't sure which they were with a pony so very young.
Winter smiled at his poker friend. "Hello. He is a colt. Say hello to Spruce."
"Maple made a Spruce?" He snorted with a warm smile. "Love it." He reared up for a better look. "Look at you... How are you doing, ma'am?"
"Tired," Maple laughed out. "Ready to get home and rest. Nice to see you though. How are the boys?"
"We haven't changed." Ten Gallon fell to all fours. "Glad we could help make this happen. I'll be sure to let all the other players know the good news." He turned to Winter with a bit of a feral grin. "But don't think this means we'll go easy on you! Bring your best poker face next game!"
Winter chuckled. "Wouldn't dream of you going easy on me."
Ten Gallon tipped his hat at Maple. "You take care now! Rest up with that little one." His smile faded a touch as he regarded Summer's ponderous middle. "And you take care too. Not much longer now..."
Summer sighed, shifting her weight. "Sure feels that way. They feel ready to join the world."
"We'll be ready when they really are." Winter moved to support Summer's back.
"You two let me know if you need anything at all," pressed Ten Gallon. "My door's always open."
With another cheeky grin, he moseyed off, leaving the expectant parents to make their way home.
"Can you believe it?" marveled Maple as they walked. "We're parents. This still feels like a dream." She nuzzled drowsy Spruce, his tiny breaths warm against her chest.
"The best dream," said Winter, blinking back emotion. Their family was growing in the most wonderful way.
The sight of their little home had never been so welcome. Another chapter was beginning.
They headed inside the two houses that had literally been brought together to make one larger one. "Glad we have this space." Winter looked around as they walked in. "Time to put it to use."
Maple walked right past him, to the nursery they had set up. She considered putting Spruce down, but ultimately changed her mind, emerging with her colt still in arm. "Nah..."
Summer inclined her head at Maple. "I thought you were rushing to put him down. What changed your mind?" She went to a couch and sank on it with a happy sigh. "Ah'm ready to take a load off and take a nap."
Winter closed to nuzzle Maple's cheek. "I'm curious too." He shared a nuzzle with little Spruce. "You don't have to... But why?" They had a lovely crib they had purchased, but there was no colt in it.
Summer bounced her little infant gently. "Because I want to hold him like this for as long as ah can right now... Ah'm so in love... Ah feel like puttin' him down... Why would ah do that?!" She smooched her new child. "Havin' him here is way better. 'Sides, if he needs anythin', Ah'll be right here to..."
She trailed off, coloring a moment. "To change his diaper," She finished, hurrying off to handle that. Nobody said being a mother was clean work.
Winter smiled as Maple disappeared to tend to Spruce. Summer was right - every moment was precious now.
"I know it won't be easy, but I can't wait for this," he said, sitting beside Summer. "Changing diapers, wakin' up at all hours...I'm ready for all of it."
Summer laughed, the motion making her swollen belly jiggle. "You say that now. Just you wait 'til your beauty sleep gets interrupted." Her smile faded a touch as she rubbed her distended middle. "But you're right. It'll be worth it to hold our own little ones."
She tensed, face contorting. "Might be sooner than we thought..."
Winter's eyes flew open. "Now? Are you..."
"Just a contraction...false alarm," Summer breathed, relaxing again. "But that felt real."
At that moment, Maple returned, gently swaying with little Spruce. "How's it going in here?"
"Just anticipating our future sleepless nights," chuckled out Winter.
"We'll be pros at this in no time" Maple let Winter take Spruce into his arms. The new father gazed adoringly at his son, heart overflowing. Their family was steadily growing, each day bringing new blessings big and small.
Later that morning, Maple gently placed the sleeping Spruce in his crib so she could get ready to go outside. She tucked a soft blanket around him and smiled as his tiny nose twitched. Though it pained her to let him out of her sight, she knew he was safe.
Maple made her way to the kitchen to pack a picnic lunch. She hummed as she worked, imagining the fresh air and sunshine. Soon they would be napping under the shade of the maple trees together. Or so she hoped. After a little thing...
Just as Maple finished packing up the basket, she heard Spruce's cries. She hurried to the nursery and scooped him up, nuzzling his fuzzy cheek.
"Did you wake up and get lonely?" she crooned. Spruce's eyes locked on hers, his cries subsiding. "Let's get going then, my sapling."
Maple made sure he was bundled up snugly before heading out the door into the warm spring day. She paused at the door. "Sure you don't want to come with?"
Summer waved Maple off, before she almost fell, slamming the pedal of the stepper she was in the middle of using. "Go on. I'll get my excercise in. Enjoy not being trapped in a round shape."
"Plan to! But if you need anything..." Maple nuzzled her little child. "I'm here."
"Since you're insisting." Summer turned her vision towards the roof. "I want something cold. Something cold but sour. Can you do that?"
"On it!" Maple saluted with her free hoof and walked out into the light fully. It was a delightfully warm day. Dry, as the desert tended to be. Maple liked that just fine. Dry heat was way better than the other kind.
Maple offered a fresh bottle to Spruce. "Today's a special day, little guy."
"Ooo?" Spruce didn't know how to speak, or even how to listen, but his mom sounded excited about something, so that was reason enough to make a noise at her.
"Mmmhmm." She nosed at him as she walked. "You'll get to meet some other little babies just like you. A bunch of foals, looking so cute!" She giggled with joy at the imagined idea. "And you get to walk." As fun as keeping her infant swaddled was, he was a pony. Equines could walk pretty fast. She didn't want to get in the way of his development.
Maple strode cheerfully down the dusty road, cradling little Spruce as she went. The warm spring breeze ruffled his fuzz, making him blink and wiggle.
Soon the town square came into view, dotted with foals and their watchful parents. Maple spotted familiar faces from their pregnancy classes and waved.
"Look Spruce, your friends are here already!" She set him down gingerly on the soft grass. For a moment he just sat there, wide-eyed. Then his tiny hooves began to paddle and he took a few shaky steps into the world.
Maple's heart surged with pride. "That's my boy!"
The other foals tottered and frolicked nearby, oblivious to Spruce's milestone. But their parents noticed, offering Maple congratulations and encouragement.
"He'll be galloping 'fore you know it," said Clementine, mother of a bubbly filly. "They grow up so fast."
Maple nodded, not taking her eyes off her wobbly colt. "I know I'll blink and he'll be all grown up. Gotta treasure each day."
She positioned herself a few paces from Spruce, coaxing him on. He furrowed his brow, tongue poking out, and pressed onward using Maple as his focal point.
Each tiny step filled her with joy. Soon he plopped into her waiting arms, rewarded with nuzzles and a bottle.
Maple sighed contentedly, watching the foals play under the warm sun. This was just the start of their adventures together.
"Gaa." Another foal, another colt, had approached. They were looking at Spruce like they were the most fascinating thing. "Aaa?"
Spruce inclined their head and rolled over, tilting too powerfully. The two colts giggled, both equally as amused by the mishap. Spruce rolled back to his hooves and the two came together, looking, sniffing, and nosing. After a moment of careful examination, a decision was made.
The two let out a happy little noise and began to play. the game had no rules, and no goal really. They just swatted at one another, laughed, and wrestled with no particular aim. It was the play tiny infants could manage, and it made Maple's heart swell. "You're gonna kill me with a sugar overdose..."
"I know the feeling." A stallion was there, watching the other colt. "Every little thing he does..."
Spruce perked an ear at the... father? "Howdy there. Um, your son? Spruce seems to like him."
"Little Dust Storm?" He reached to pat his little colt, making them squeal and laugh. "I've only known him a month, and he's already won me over a dozen times." He pointed a hoof at himself. "I'm Sandy Shores. You... are Maple. Heard of you."
Maple's ears danced. "Ah'm famous?!"
Sandy chuckled. "How could you not be? Reckon it was decided when ya went and married two creatures at once, and one of 'em ain't even a pony!"
Maple colored, reminded of her unusual family. "True... Um, ain't upset?"
"Why would I be?" He cocked a brow. "I was there, at the wedding. I didn't see many unhappy faces. Whole town is cheering you on. Oops." He went to fetch Dust Storm before the colt wandered too far away. "Little fella..."
Maple beamed as she watched Spruce and Dust Storm tumble together in the grass. How wonderful for Spruce to have a little playmate already.
"They're getting along great!" said Maple. "We should get these two together more often for playdates."
"I'd like that," replied Sandy Shores, nuzzling his wandering colt. "Let me know when you're free. Dust Storm could use some socializing."
Maple raised a hoof. "It gets better. Soon there'll be three foals when you stop by. Summer's due any moment now."
Sandy started at that. "Oh, right, she doin' okay?" A quick nod from Maple got him to exhale with relief.
The two foals seemed oblivious to the world around them as they frolicked and giggled together. Maple's heart swelled seeing her little one so carefree and happy.
A yawn from Spruce let her know naptime was approaching. She bundled him up and waved goodbye to Sandy Shores and Dust Storm.
"Say bye to your new friend," she whispered to the drowsy colt. "We'll see them again real soon."
The walk home was peaceful, Spruce snoring softly in Maple's arms. She took the long way back, stopping by a small shopping stand to grab a pack of ice pops in sour flavor, just as requested.
When they arrived home, Maple saw that Summer had fallen asleep sitting up on her exercise machine. She stifled a chuckle and put away the cold treat Summer had requested earlier. A little nap sounded pretty good right about then.
Maple settled on the couch with Spruce, thinking ahead to the next adventure. She finally had the friendship, family, and future she had always longed for.
"Mmm?" Summer almost fell over as she woke up. "Maple?" She stepped off the machine. "I did it, I finished the course. Then... ah was a little tired and..."
Maple clapped gently, arm wrapped around Spruce to keep them steady. "Ah know you could do it. You were lookin' peaceful so I let you doze. Ice pop's in the fridge."
"Ice..." It clicked and Summer smiled very so widely. "You are a hero." She trotted quickly off and returned, sucking on the icicle with satisfied humms. "Just the stuff." She looked over Maple and Spruce. "Don't you two look comfie... I hope I can look the same when they come." She reached back, rubbing her swollen side.
"I'll help." Maple kissed Spruce's head, making him smile in his sleep. "We're a family. Oh, little Spruce made a friend, another colt. They may swing by sometime. Won't it be nice when they meet yours?"
"How nice." Summer sat, still nursing her frozen treat. "I hear that's a thing sometimes... with a community, having batches of foals close together. It's... actually kind of comforting, knowing we're part of one of those." She coiled to nuzzle her side. "Come on out of there, you two. You have friends to meet." They couldn't respond, but that didn't stop her from talking to them.
Summer smiled as she imagined her twins frolicking with Spruce and Dust Storm. It warmed her heart to think of their little ones growing up together, forging lasting bonds.
"Just a little longer, my darlings," she whispered, rubbing her swollen belly. The twins seemed to somersault inside her at the sound of her voice.
Maple grinned, picturing the three foals playing and giggling. "They're gonna be the best of friends, I just know it."
Spruce yawned, blinking up at his mother sleepily. The morning's adventures had tuckered him out. Maple gently placed him in his crib, humming a lullaby till he drifted off.
Returning to the living room, she asked Summer, "Need anything? Maybe a hoof rub?"
"That sounds divine." Summer stretched out with a groan. "These two weigh a ton. Remind me again why I thought twins was a good idea?" She winked playfully.
Maple grinned, kneading Summer's tense shoulders. "Because you have so much love to give."
Summer sighed blissfully as the massage soothed her aches. "You always know just what to say."
Maple worked down from those shoulders to Summer's legs. "You really did finish that..." She could feel that tension under her hooves. Summer had given herself a workout. "Don't press too hard, mama. You're so close to bursting." She smooched one of those legs as she went.
Summer dropped the ice pop stick, the sourness gone, just wood left behind. "Yes, mom." She stuck out her tongue as Maple, the two giggling. "You changed your mind?"
"About what?" Maple arrived at Summer's hooves, working them gently between her own.
"The crib." summer pointed with a toss of her head. "I thought you didn't want to put spruce in there."
"Not as a habit." Maple wrinkled her snout. "But I only have so many hooves. Putting him down once in a while is... Well, it's that or you don't get hoofrubs. Which is it?"
Summer snorted softly. "Ask Winter. Bet he could find somethin' ta let ya keep Spruce close and do other thin's."
Maple worked Summer's tense muscles, eliciting satisfied groans. Though heavy with foals, Summer felt pampered under her gentle care.
"I don't know how I'll cope when you go back to the orchard," sighed Summer, stretching her limbs with a contented smile.
"You kiddin'? You'll be begging me to give you some space once those twins arrive," Maple chuckled. Still, Summer's sentiment touched her. Their bond had deepened during this journey together.
Finishing the rub, Maple helped Summer to her hooves. "Why don't you go soak in a nice bath? You've earned it after all that exercise."
"Join me?" asked Summer. "We rarely get girl time these days. Could be our last chance before the twins get here."
"I'd love that!" Maple gently placed a snoozing Spruce in his crib before drawing Summer a warm bath.
The two mares sunk blissfully into the water, letting the heat penetrate their sore muscles. Maple lathered Summer's coat, massaging her rounded belly. For now, all was peaceful.
"Can you believe it's almost time?" murmured Summer, eyes closed. "Our family's gonna double in size real soon."
"I know!" Maple squeaked. "Ready or not, here they come."
Summer captured Maple's hoof beneath the water. "With you by my side when the day comes, I'm not scared one bit."
Maple's eyes misted at her dear friend's words. Come what may, they would face it together. She got the water going, warm, but not too hot. She added some bubbling shampoo and called Summer in.
Summer gladly descended into the warm water. "Oooo, yeah... Just the stuff." It only got better when she gained a Maple to hug and cuddle.
Summer gritted her teeth, trying to focus on maintaining a steady rhythm as she slid her hooves back and forth on the elliptical machine. She was determined to stick to her exercise routine, despite the added weight and awkwardness from her heavy twin belly.
As she moved, an odd sensation began swirling inside. At first subtle, like butterflies fluttering. Then it intensified, rippling through her body in waves.
Summer paused, catching her breath. The feeling ebbed momentarily. Just gas pains probably, she assured herself. But as she resumed her workout, the waves returned even stronger.
Realization dawned, followed by a spike of adrenaline. Her knees almost buckled.
"Maple!" Summer shouted. "It's happening!"
Maple came skidding into the room, nearly losing her balance. "Wait, now? For real??"
Summer nodded, expression taut. She slid off the machine with Maple's support, sweat beading her brow.
"Just breathe," Maple urged. "I'll get everything ready!" She felt her chest tighten seeing Summer in such discomfort. But she had to keep it together.
The moment they had eagerly awaited for months had finally arrived. And it was sure to be a marathon. Maple looked ready despite that. "Let's get you somewhere--"
"We ain't goin' nowhere!" Summer clopped a hoof down.
She barely dismounted the machine, heaving as she forced her way towards the coach. "Not... nowhere..."
Maple trailed after Summer. "Not forcin' ya, promise... Ah'm here for ya. What can ah getcha?"
Summer sank into the soft fabric, taking a little relaxed breath, but that relaxation was brief, body tensing as she prepared for what she had to do.
That wasn't fair. She wasn't preparing for some distant thing. It was already happening. Her children were being moved into position inside her. She was becoming a mother. "Water... Water please!"
"Water!" Maple galloped away, coming back with a pitcher in her mouth and a large glass balanced on her back. "Water!" She set the pitcher down and got to pouring out a glass worth. "Breath nice and deep. I made it through this. Yer gonna do it better!"
Summer grabbed the glass in both hooves, chugging desperately. Rivulets spilled down her chin as she gasped for air.
"Easy..." Maple touched a hoof to her clenching back. "We got this."
Though Maple projected calm, internally her mind raced almost as fast as her heart. Each cry from Summer cut deep.
But she had to be strong. "Breathe with me..." She took loud, exaggerated inhales, urging Summer to match her pace. After a few cycles, some tension left Summer's frame.
"Atta girl..." Maple took the empty glass, refilling it. "You're bringing two little ones into the world. That ain't easy."
She raised the glass to Summer's lips. Between gulps, Summer choked out "Stay close..."
"Wild horses couldn't drag me away." Maple set down the empty glass, then laid both forehooves on Summer's rippling belly. "I got you..."
As the next contraction gripped Summer, Maple applied gentle pressure, easing some of the agony. Her voice remained steady, breathing guidance calming her friend.
Privately though, fear and helplessness choked Maple as violently as the contractions seized Summer. She blinked back tears, willing strength into her pep talks and touch.
"Yer...a saint..." Summer cringed in renewed anguish. How she wished it was her supporting Maple weeks ago.
But Maple met her gaze with conviction. However long this took, she would weather it all beside her. "Yers is different."
Summer perked an ear, the other sagged back and low as she panted. "Whattaya mean?"
"Ah think it's the twins." She slowly stroked over that large belly. "Don't matter, we're makin' it."
"We're... makin' it..." huffed out Summer in tired agreement. "Why'd ah have to be in the middle of my workout!"
Maple smiled at that complaint. "Bad timing." She nuzzled Summer gently. "I'm more upset Winter ain't here."
A piteous moan issued from Summer. "I want him here!" But there was no practical way to go running off to him with her in that state, and no other ponies to ask to do it.
"Then we'll just have to bring him to you!" Maple leapt up with a bolt of inspiration. The lingering distress on Summer's face propelled her into action.
Hurrying to the desk, Maple snatched some parchment, dribbling hot wax along the crinkled sheet. She pressed their family emblem into it, a shimmering maple leaf backed by feather and flame. If only she could spark the magic to whisk this plea to Winter. But she had no horn for spells. I have to try something...
In bold hoofwriting she scrawled Winter's name, dotting the page with pleading urgency. "Come swiftly...we need you."
"I'll get this to him, I swear it." Maple folded the letter between her teeth. At the door she paused, hesitation warring with duty. Could she bear leaving Summer's side?
A tremulous groan cemented Maple's resolve. Their family needed to be together now. She would be swift as the wind, one way or another.
"I'll be back soon!" Maple promised, clipping down the road towards the factory, blast of adrenaline drowning her own anxiety.
Summer was left behind, huffing and groaning. She had nopony left at her side. On one hoof, she'd get even more, soon, hopefully?
On the other, she had none at that moment, and she really wanted one. "What a deal..." She grunted as the urge to push rippled over her. She flopped onto her side, tail lashing. "Ain't fer waitin'..."
Elsewhere, Maple raced up to the cherry factory. "Hold up there," demanded a smiling guard. "'Noon, miss Maple, but ya know only workers 'llowed in there during work hours."
Maple thrust the letter held firmly in her mouth at the guard, huffing for breath. "Take... take it!"
The guard inclined his head. "Huh?" But he reached with both hooves for the letter. It was addressed clearly enough. "Oh... Okay?" Looking quite unsure, he vanished inside with the clip-clop of his hooves, leaving Maple panting on the dusty side of the road.
Restless minutes crawled by as Maple paced outside the factory, affliction tangling with hope in her gut.
Finally Winter burst through the doors, face flushed, breathless. "Is it happening? For real this time?"
Maple could only nod, nudging him into a gallop. "She needs us..."
Their dash kicked up plumes of dust, laborers pausing to gaze after the sprinting couple. In tense silence they raced against fate's clock, praying time would spare them.
Nearly stumbling over the threshold, the pair froze at the threshold of the living room. Summer knelt on a thick quilt, face clenched, mane matted with sweat.
A tiny wet bundle lay before her. Dark eyes blinked up at the bedraggled parents, tiny chest heaving.
Summer managed a weak smile. "This one...couldn't wait..."
Winter rushed close, reverently cradling the mewling foal - a girl judging by her wispy mane. Miracle she had arrived safely alone.
Heart bursting, he turned the filly to study her perfect features. She had four solid hooves, dark grey fur and a deep purple mane and tail. "She's flawless..." he whispered.
The shrill cry of his newborn daughter was the sweetest sound imaginable after the fraught race home. Though one child had yet to emerge, now at last their family was whole.
Maple slid into position next to Summer. "Look atcha! Ya did one. The other'll be even easier!"
"Ain't... so sure of that." Summer pointed with her nose. "That there's not a kirin, which means the one left... gotta be the one. Their... little horn has to come out."
Maple gently rubbed against her. "Unicorns pop out horned little foals all the time. Time to channel yer inner uni-mom!"
Summer burst into tired laughter at that. "Don't got many 'uni-moms' in mah family!"
Worried or not, the child was coming. Their sister had opened the way, and there wasn't anything in their way. She groaned as her belly trembled, pushing the child down rapidly. "They're... comin'..."
Winter carried the first of the twins over carefully. "We're here. We're here."
The head poked free first, that curved little horn jutting into the air. It was a darker red, but still red, like Winter's. Their mane was thick and curly, a brigther red in shade. Like their sister, their fur was a dark grey.
Winter sank to his knees, cradling the first of the twins. "Here comes your...." Brother? Sister? He couldn't know until that foal finished coming free. "Sibling."
Summer let out a sudden squeak. It wasn't a pained yowl, or even a stressed heave. It was more surprise as she dropped the foal into Maple's waiting grasp. "Did... Was?" She looked back over her shoulder. "Are they okay?!"
It was as if she couldn't even believe the second one could come so quickly, but such could be the way with twins.
Maple was rocking and nuzzling at the newborn. "He is fine, and he wants you." She shuffled up to offer the little kirin colt to Summer. "Congratulations, mom. You pushed two into the world."
Summer cradled the colt close, bleary eyes raking over his damp form. four hooves, a gentle spiral horn, the tiniest muzzle she had ever seen.
As he let out a trembling wail, relief and euphoria crashed over Summer at once. The final moments were a frantic blur - had he truly emerged safely? But the shrill proof lay nestled against her pounding heart.
"Shhh, Mama's here." She dotted his fuzzy head with tender kisses until his cries softened to hiccuping whimpers. "My little warrior..." Pride swelled within her like the crashing tide. They had weathered the agony as one, he and she. Now at long last, after carrying him those many moons, she could nuzzle her precious son.
Winter eased down beside them, their dark-maned daughter snoozing in his embrace. "You were so brave," he whispered, touching his horn to hers.
Maple squeezed Summer tight from the other side, joyful tears streaking her cheeks. "Two perfect little foals...and the strongest mama I ever did see."
Exhaustion saturated Summer's bones, but contentment kept it at bay. Her family, gathered close at last. She had so much love left to give the twins...as soon as she caught her breath.
Winter sat up next to his tired wife. "When yer feelin' better... I'll go report this." He pointed to the two perfect foals. "Town has two new residents," he sighed out with a happy smile. "How are you feeling? Can I get any..."
He trailed off, realizing Summer had simply faded away into slumber. "Oh."
Maple giggled softly. "Felt a bit like that, but ah had to walk home, so no naps a little while."
She nestled against Summer. "Good thin' she has a nice big family. Bet that's part ah why she fell asleep. She knows we won't let nothin' bad happen."
"No!" Winter nuzzled each little foal, then paused. "Maple."
She perked up. "What?"
"Get yours." Winter smiled gently. "All three foals should meet each other."
"Spruce!" Maple bounced to her hooves and rushed off, returning with her little Spruce. "Look what we got you."
"Goo?" Spruce reached for their siblings, and soon all three were eagerly hoofing at one another in joyful exploration. Somehow, they seemed to know they were family, and only joy radiated from the three of them.
At least until the new filly kicked the new colt in the face. There was some huffing and complaining, but the fight didn't last long before the play resumed.
Winter laughed gently at the sight. "Foals," he sighed out. "I love them all... What are their names? Did Summer mention?"
"Um..." Maple looked at summer's sleeping form. "Afraid not. We'll have to wait fer her to wake up afore we can learn."
Spruce gave a puzzled blink then reached to bap his brother's wiggling hoof. The brief scuffle melted into giggles, tails whipping in joy.
While the foals bonded, Maple eased a pillow beneath slumbering Summer, draping a blanket over her spent form. She had earned every moment of rest.
"However long it takes, we'll be right here when you wake," Maple whispered, heart overflowing. Their first hours together as a fully forged family unit.
As Maple nestled against Summer's back, Winter gathered all three foals into the crook of his legs. Soon the tired trio was snoring in a peaceful pile, tiny legs twitching.
Gazing at the foals, Maple marveled at the miracles Summer had ushered into being. "I can't wait to know their names..." she breathed.
"Me too." Winter's chest swelled gazing upon his progeny. "For now, we should rest too. Something tells me we'll need our strength."
Maple laughed softly, eyes sliding shut. "I reckon sleep becomes a rare luxury now for all of us parents."
In that moment though, she was content to savor this: new life, old love, and the promise of a future fused by family. Whatever came next, they would weather joyfully together.
Winter sat up sharply, to find he had something attached to his face. He lit his horn and gently grabbed it to discover they were holding a little colt. "Spruce? Oh..."
It hit him. He didn't have to go to work. At best, he only had to get word that his family had grown, and he was busy being a father. "Good morning, Spruce." He nuzzled the foal with a smile. "You got two siblings yesterday, isn't it amazing?"
Spruce let out an excited babble at that, hoofing at his father's snout.
The noise stirred Summer. She rose with a yawn and a shiver. "MMmmm... Am I hearing two ponies I love?"
"You are." Winter floated Spruce into Summer's grasp. "Also, you lost weight."
Summer hugged Spruce gently, but didn't resist peeking at herself. The weight of her pregnancy had fallen free. She was her usual slender self. "Thank Celestia... Maple?"
"Mm?" Maple only partially sat up, the two other foals resting on her. "Good morning. Can I know the names of these two adorable creatures on my back now?"
Summer beamed with sleepy pride at her newborn twins. "This little darling is Dawn," she said, indicating the filly with the wispy purple mane. "And her rambunctious brother here is Dusk."
Dusk wriggled and kicked his tiny hooves against Maple's side, eliciting a giggle from her. "Well howdy there, Dusk. You sure are a feisty one."
Winter nuzzled his nose against the colt's fuzzy cheek. "Dawn and Dusk. Fitting names for our twins that arrived together." He smiled at Summer. "They're perfect."
Spruce babbled excitedly, reaching his tiny hooves toward his new siblings. The three foals seemed instantly drawn together despite their exhaustion from entering the world just hours before.
Summer eased herself to her hooves, wincing slightly but waving off Winter's concern. "Just a few new-momma aches, I'll mend quick." She peered lovingly at the three foals. "I can't believe they're really here."
"We're officially outnumbered," chuckled Maple. She passed Dusk to Summer before scooping up sleepy Dawn. "But we got enough love for a whole herd of little ones."
Summer nuzzled Dusk's downy forehead, giggling as he suckled on her mane. "With you two by my side, I'm ready for anything these precious gifts bring our way."
"One thing..." Winter petted each of them with little touches of his magic. "Kirin." He locked his gaze on little Dusk. "I think they usually have a name that's cold and hot. This one's just cold, with no hot."
Summer pointed at Dawn. "There's his heat right there." She fell against Winter, snuggling gently. "Just like you are Winter, and I am summer. We are whole, together."
"Oh." Winter looked between the two foals. "That... makes sense. But they're siblings, not mates."
Maple burst into what became laughter. "What, like Siblings ain't allowed to fit together? They'll love each other for all days, even if they get another family later."
Dawn grabbed Dusk, the two falling over in lazy wrestling that lacked much energy on either side, but the babble sounded happy enough.
Winter blinked back touched tears as he regarded Dawn and Dusk tussling together. Even in their first hours, the bond between twins ran deep. Who was he to define what form that love took as they grew?
"You're absolutely right, my loves," he said, drawing Summer and Maple close. "All that matters is they have each other, and us. Their names are perfect."
Dusk let out an ear-piercing wail, face scrunching crimson. Likely a soiled diaper or an empty tummy had set him off. Before the cryfest could gain steam, Winter gently lifted the colt.
"Shhh I've got you son," he murmured, nestling Dusk into the crook of his neck. The white-noise thrum of Winter's purr soothed the colt's cries to hiccups. With a few swaying strides, Winter had his boy calm.
Summer shook her head in amazement, cradling grumpy Dawn who was growing irritated by her brother's outburst.
"Three foals, and you're already a pro papa," praised Maple.
Witnessing Winter bonding with their son made Summer fall deeper in love. She knew in her soul he would move mountains for those foals if need be.
"Speaking of pros..." Summer nodded gratefully as Maple took fussing Dawn. "These little angels are gonna be hungry. Time I learn how the bottles work."
With Dusk snuggled against his chest, Maple guided Summer step-by-step until, with a gasp of delight, she produced a warm bottle brimming with nurturing milk.
Together they fed their greedy, growing foals, ready for every blessing and trial of parenthood. As long as they faced it as one family.
Winter did his part, changing each foal. "This is my job, or it should be." He inclined his head. "I'm the one with a horn." Requesting his wives shove their face any closer to... that... when he could just avoid the topic entirely felt unfair. "Least I can do."
"Pro. Papa." Maple rubbed sidelong against Winter. "Now... What do we do with that?" She pointed at the elliptical machine dominating the living room. "It was super great when we couldn't move, but now..."
Summer shrugged. "But now we can use it while keeping an eye on the foals. Even if we're not stupidly fat, a good trot won't hurt any of us." She prodded at Winter. "That includes you. Time to get your turn. We're going to be stuck inside more often than not, so time for your rounds with it."
Winter eyed the elliptical machine, realizing his wives had a point. With three rambunctious foals underhoof now, opportunities to get outdoor exercise would be scarce.
"Alright my dears, you've convinced me," he conceded. "I suppose I should set a good example staying active with our little ones watching."
He stepped onto the foot platforms a bit awkwardly, getting a feel for the swaying rhythm required. As the simulated terrain started scrolling before his eyes, he had to admit it was an invigorating sensation. And the foals seemed enthralled!
Spruce clapped his tiny hooves, babbling encouragement. Even sleepy Dawn and Dusk roused enough to watch their long-legged father striding in place.
"Lookit Papa go!" Maple cheered. She turned the resistance up a notch, eliciting subtle signs of exertion from Winter. "Just ease into it, find your pace."
Though fitness had never been his forte, Winter soon hit a smooth rhythm. Watching his family's smiling faces fueled him on.
When his lanky legs grew weary, Summer took up the reins, sashaying those slender hips as she cycled in place. Motherhood had only amplified her radiance. "Being thin again is so nice. Gonna walk all day!"
As the twins began to fuss from their makeshift playpen, Maple scooped them up, humming a soothing melody. Even at their most shrill, those tiny voices captivated her.
The family fell into an easyflowing routine: tag-teaming the elliptical, wrangling wiggly foals, stealing any snatches of togetherness they could. And through it all, their shared bond only grew.
"However often I can manage it, this will be my new habit," declared Winter during one brief respite. For his family's sake, he would master this machine - maybe even learn to enjoy it.
"But, for now, lunch." He headed into the kitchen, eyes darting in search of the ingredients. "Does my newest mother have a specific hunger? She deserves the best."
Maple clapped her hooves. "If we're celebrating, why don't we order out? Somethin' fancy, and they can send word to the factory 'bout us."
Distant memories of another life came to Winter. He held some strange device. He somehow told it... Oh. "Do we have a phone?"
Summer kissed the foal in her arms and put them on her back. "I think... I have one in storage." She trotted off with her newborn.
Maple inclined her head. "I didn't think she did..."
Summer returned dragging a small wagon by the strap clenched in her teeth. Inside sat an antique telephone, cord dangling.
"Completely forgot I had this ol' thing stashed away," she remarked, parking the wagon with a flourish. "Was my granny's ages ago. Reckon it still works though!"
Winter inspected the phone curiously while Maple helped get it hooked up. His foggy memories solidified - yes, somehow you spoke into this odd device and placed orders for food to be delivered.
After a few crackling minutes of confusion, success! They had placed an order for the fanciest cuisine the local restaurant offered. That wasn't that fancy, objectively. But food was coming. Word would soon reach the factory of their expanded family as well.
While they awaited their meal, foals were fed, diapers changed, and the new parents stole moments of togetherness between tasks. Still in awe of the twins and the new shape of their family, they oscillated between giddiness and nervousness about the road ahead.
A soft knock came from the door. "Come in," called Winter.
The door swung open to reveal a smiling stallion with saddlebags burdened with food. Even the savory scents couldn't mask the undercurrent of anxiety in Winter. Call it first-time parent jitters, but an ominous shadow lingered just outside his joy. Thoughts of his past swirled with considerations of the future. He had a family to raise, but had there been one before?
But then Dusk let out a milky burp, sending his sisters into squeals. The sound shattered Winter's gloomy reverie, pulling him back to the warmth of the present. Here surrounded by new life and love, the ghosts could not follow.
"Everything ok, hun?" Maple asked, passing Winter a heaping plate.
He smiled softly, tension uncoiling from his shoulders. "Couldn't be better." The future was unwritten, fresh with hope. All was just as it should be.
He chomped his own food, but grabbed a fork, floating a spoonfull over to Summer. "Say 'ah'."
Summer gave him a glare. "Yer not..." The fork floated there patiently. "Fine." She rolled her eyes. "Silly thin'." She opened her mouth and chomped the food. "Mmm, that it tastes so good makes me want to forgive you, this time."
Maple pointed at her snout. "Mah turn!" That she didn't have the same reservations was clear.
Winter was all too happy to indulge her, feeding Maple one fork at a time.
Summer squirmed and grumbled. "No fair... I want a turn." And there was a fork, floating ahead of her. She had said it. She couldn't change her mind without looking bad, so they took turns, Winter happily feeding both new mothers back and forth. "You deserve this. You two will be feeding them, let me feed you a little."
Maple licked some rice off her snout. "No complaints. Silly stallion, are you jealous?"
"No." He touched his nose to Maple's cheek. "I just want to be the best father I can be."
Summer let out a happy sigh. "Yer already doin' that, ya silly."
Excited giggles and squeals echoed through their home. The foals were exploring the space, each other, and much anything else in reach of their hooves.
For one of them, their hoof wasn't even the limit, their horn glowing as they grabbed things far above themselves to inspect, to the concern of their parents.
All three of said parents were quite busy, running around after their healthy little foals.
They almost didn't hear the knocking at the door. Winter looked up, snout spotted with the remnants of breakfast Spruce had dotted him with. "Who is it?" He went to the door, opening it with his magic. "Hello?"
There, on the other side of that door, was Cherry Jubilee. She was smiling brilliantly, flanked by two stout stallions. "My oh my! My little son and daughter look overwhelmed." She waved her attending stallions forward. "Just rest your hooves, momma Jubilee is here to help."
Winter blinked in surprise as his boss, Cherry Jubilee swept into the chaotic scene, flanked by helpers. A wave of relief washed over him at the prospect of extra hooves to wrangle the exuberant foals.
Winter hugged Cherry tightly, tears slipping down his furry cheeks. With his boss's staunch support, raising three foals felt suddenly far less daunting.
"We can't thank you enough for coming by to help, Miss Jubilee," he said. Though not related by blood, her warm guidance over the years had earned her an honorary place in his heart.
Cherry waved a hoof. "Think nothin' of it! Those sweet foals are as good as kin in my book."
She smiled at Maple cradling baby Spruce. "An' that goes for all you new parents. Y'all are part of the factory family now too."
Summer lifted her head from Maple's shoulder, eyes glistening. "We're so lucky to have you lookin' out for us, ma'am. Havin' some extra hooves today was just what we needed."
"Anytime, honey. I'll be checkin' in regular so's you can get a wink a sleep." Cherry glanced to where the twin foals had woken and were now clamoring for attention from her assistants. "Speakin' of which, looks like my boys got their hooves full again. What say we get these little pumpkins fed an' down for their naps?"
Maple laughed awkwardly. "I don't... work at that factory."
Cherry waved that concern away. "Ya done went an' married two who did. Yer family, says so right there. So's your foal, who's their foal too." She snorted a smile. "Now, fellas, let's clean up everythin'!"
Winter worked to ferry the children towards their room, holding them with his magic gently. "Being a parent is hard work."
Cherry laughed at that. "I've heard those words from many lips, honey."
One of the stallions went up to Summer. "Ma'am. Is it alright to put things in yer fridge?"
Summer blinked. "What? Sure. What are you puttin' in there?" Summer watched with wide eyes as the helpful stallion began unloading covered dishes from his saddlebags into the fridge.
"Just whippin' up some meals for y'all so you don't have to fuss 'bout cooking for a spell," he explained. "Nothin' too fancy, but should last you a few days."
"That's so thoughtful!" Maple clapped her hooves as she watched curiously as he stacked containers brimming with hay casseroles, vegetable stir fries, fresh-baked pies and more.
"With three foals runnin' us ragged, havin' some ready-made vittles on hoof will be a real lifesaver." Summer let out a releived sigh.
The stallion tipped his hat. "Happy to help, ma'am. We want you focusin' on those sweet littles, not worryin' 'bout recipes and dishes an' such."
His cooking partner emerged from the kitchen, having tidied and sterilized every surface. "Everything's sparklin' in there now. Those bitty ones make big messes!"
Cherry Jubilee supervised as Winter lined the yawning foals up for diaper changes and bottle feedings. Though still a novice father, under her guidance he was growing more confident.
"Lookit you, changin' and feedin' them babies like a pro!" she praised. Seeing Winter bonding with the children warmed her heart. She just knew he would move mountains for those little ones.
"Now let's get these sleepy Cutie Pies to bed," said Cherry, bundling burped and changed babies into the nearby crib. The foals were out like lights before their heads hit the pillows. "There now, ain't they precious?"
The new parents nodded, bleary but grateful. Winter turned to Cherry. "You didn't have to do that."
"Ah didn't." She waved the stallions out of the house. "But ah did. And ah don't regret it none. You take care of those foals, eat up, and do it some more! Yer on break, don't forget. I don't wanna see any of ya over at that factory for a few months!"
The family waved gratefully as the storm of aid washed out of their house. With a clap of the door, they were alone, with everything cleaned and all in hoof.
Winter chuckled softly. "This feels odd... After having no breaks for a while, I got... used to it."
Maple smooched his cheek. "Ah hear that! But..." She flopped over bonelessly. "Not turnin' it down."
Soon they were all curled up, sprawled over one another in weary but loving ways as they faded out, joining their foals in slumber.
A blissful tranquility settled over the house as all its weary occupants surrendered to much needed rest. Curled affectionately amidst his sleeping loves, Winter's tension melted into the cushions.
For these precious hours, the endless needs and noise of three infants gave way to stillness. Yet the silence did not unnerve him as it once might have. Instead he relished the calm, letting his family's tranquil rhythms soothe his frazzled nerves.
Maple's soft snores mingled with the occasional tiny whuffle from the nearby crib. No cries or clutter disturbed the moment, their duties briefly suspended.
Winter nuzzled his cheek against Maple's, then gently re-situated a slumbering Summer so her neck wouldn't cramp. Gazing at his family enveloped in quiet peace, his heart swelled with fierce, protective love.
However abruptly their tranquility ended, the memory of resting securely together would sustain them. For now, Winter let the hush wash over him, blinking back grateful tears.
This stillness was a gift - one he would treasure through the clamor ahead. A chance to remember who they were beneath their fraying edges. Partners bound by an unbreakable bond.
Winter sat up, stretching. A soft noise had stirred him. Oh, Dusk was looking at him. He smiled at his fellow kirin. "Good..." He looked to a clock. "Afternoon." Sleep schedules were very optional for parents of newborns.
Dusk reached up for his father with a happy coo.
Winter hopped to his hooves. "How do I say no to that?" He hurried over and scooped up his foal, nuzzling at them ticklishly, to their delight. That gave him a chance to sniff. Smelled like Dusk, and no dirty daipers.
He took a moment to check Dawn and Spruce, who were still slumbering. Sure all was well, he sat with Dusk and set the foal just in front of himself. "Hey there, little slugger..." Did ponies play baseball? Did he? What was baseball? Those thoughts and others jostled about in Winter's confused mind.
His past life loved to jostle about at the worst times. He pushed them away, focusing on Dusk. "You'll be the stallion of the house, one day." He touched noses with Dusk. "No rush. You're a kid, and that's wonderful."
Dusk babbled happily, reaching to pat Winter's nose with his tiny hooves. Though he couldn't grasp the words, his father's gentle tone conveyed enough meaning.
Winter smiled, heart swelling as he watched Dusk explore and discover. Every moment was a new revelation to those wide eyes - each texture, sound, scent.
When Dusk tipped forward a bit too eagerly, Winter caught him, cradling his son against the crook of his chest. "Careful there, my little explorer."
Dusk gazed up at him, eyes full of trust, tiny fingers tracing the ornate swirls of Winter's horn. He seemed fascinated by their shape and warmth.
"You like that, huh?" Winter murmured. "It make your papa a bit different. But different can be good, sometimes."
Different had brought him to this strange, wondrous new family. Now when Winter regarded his odd appearance in the mirror, for the first time he felt pride rather than discomfort.
"This horn helped lead me to your mother. And some day, yours will guide you towards amazing places too." He touched his nose gently to Dusk's tiny spiral horn. "Wherever you wander, always know your family's love will light your way home."
Dusk's eyes slowly blinked as sleep reclaimed him. Safe in his father's embrace, the foal surrendered to dreams brimming with light.
Winter floated Dusk carefully back into the crib with the others. He turned to find the large eyes of Maple on him.
"My papa." She pounced him in a firm hug, squeezing with happy little giggles. "Love you so much."
Winter turned in her grasp to hug Maple back. "I couldn't be happier... Let's let the foals sleep."
They detached and walked quietly out to the living room.
Winter clasped Maple's hoof in his magic, leading her to the couch where they sank in side-by-side, keeping their voices hushed. Though the silence felt foreign after days of infant chaos, he welcomed the change to focus one-on-one.
"Hard to believe our family doubled overnight," he murmured. "Part of me still fears I'll wake up alone."
Maple squeezed his hoof, leaning to rest her head against his. "Not a chance of that happenin' now that you're stuck with us, sugar."
Her playful grin softened. "But I know what ya mean. Sometimes when I look at Spruce I wonder if he's just a dream. Then he smiles and....bam! My heart near bursts."
Winter chuckled softly. "They have a way of tangling you 'round their tiny hooves quick as can be. I'd face a whole army of windigoes for those three little puffballs."
"With Daddy Winter guardin' them, no windigo would stand a chance!" teased Maple. Her mirth stilled as she studied their clasped hooves. "Speakin' of...do you miss... that place, where yer from?"
Winter followed her gaze. Once the sight of his cloven hoof would have unsettled him, the oddness underscoring his isolation. Now it symbolized the family he had found.
"It's all fuzzy now, just... a past," he admitted. "My old home feels like another lifetime now. One I won't be returning to." He planted a kiss on Maple's forehead. "You are my home - you and Summer and our little pumpkin patch. All I'll ever need."
Maple nipped at his throat suddenly. "If I wasn't worried 'bout the little ones wakin' up any second, this'd be a fine time for some... play."
Winter wrinkled his nose, letting Winter knock him over onto his back. "I'd take you up on that... But, like you said, they could wake up any moment, and leaving Summer to fend for herself sounds unfair."
"Very unfair." Maple wriggled her nose in sympathy. "Wouldn't want her to do that. Ah think nature planned this."
Winter looked at her quizzically.
"Ah mean it." Maple poked him in the chest. "They make sure yer nice an' busy with newborns so you don't do nothin' to make new foals until they're at least a little grown. A sneaky game! Nature, ah swear..."
Winter blinked, Maple's implication clicking into place. "Ohhh. I suppose that makes sense, from nature's view."
He reached to stroke Maple's ear. "The blessing and the burden of new life - completely consuming your focus."
She nodded, eyes glinting playfully. "Good thing there's three of us tag-teamin' parenthood. Maybe we can wrangle some 'us time' here an' there once we get these rambunctious rascals on a schedule."
"I'll look forward to our 'us time'," chuckled Winter. Silently though, he resolved not to pine for intimacy while his beloveds were still recovering. Their needs came first.
A faint cry carried from the other room - Dawn awake and ready to rally her siblings no doubt. Winter pressed his nose affectionately to Maple's.
"Speaking of our little rabble-rousers..." He helped her up with an exaggerated groan. "I think the naptime ceasefire has officially ended."
Already the twins' fusses were escalating to impatient demands. Winter and Maple hurried to rescue bleary Summer from their tiny taskmasters' clutches.
"We're coming, wee ones!" Maple sang out. Winter squeezed her hoof, bracing for the loving chaos ahead. Their pumpkin patch was ripe and rowdy.
Winter settled in his favorite card chair. "Good to be back."
"Good to have ya back." Ten Gallon tipped his namesake hat. "Just didn't expect..."
All eyes wandered to the little ones joyfully playing right next to their table. "Ya really brought all of 'em?"
Winter sat up taller. "How could I not? How could I go play and leave my mares working behind? We can keep an eye on them, and play some cards."
There was some soft muttering, but the first hand was dealt. The game would start, foals or not.
Even if one of them got distracted with little Spruce, petting them and laughing instead of taking their turn for a moment.
A chorus of gleeful squeals arose from the foals as they tumbled together, revelling in their new playmates. The card players exchanged amused glances, distracted from their hands more often than not.
"Can't blame ya fer bringin' the whole team," chuckled Ten Gallon. "I reckon they liven things up a bit 'round here."
He tossed a berry which Dawn pounced on eagerly. Nearby, Spruce and Dusk scampered about pretending to be brave adventurers exploring a cavern, if their sound effects were any clue.
Winter grinned, heart warmed at the acceptance from his longtime card comrades. "Hope they aren't too rowdy. But after being cooped up, they're loving a change of scenery."
"Aw, they ain't hurtin' nothin'," Ten Gallon drawled. "Kinda nice seein' fresh young 'uns enjoyin' themselves." He studied his lackluster cards with a sigh then folded. No great loss; the foals' antics proved entertainment enough.
Basking in this casual camaraderie, Winter finally felt the tense knot between his shoulders uncoil. Growing apprehension had shadowed him as the twins' birth approached - would parenthood isolate him from his social circle? Render poker nights obsolete?
But just like always, the circle made space for him, foals and all. Even better, his friends seemed to relish the new dynamic, fawning over babies between hands and surrendering poor plays without complaint. Easy as that, Winter's worlds realigned seamlessly thanks to open hearts.
This acceptance untangled the last lingering threads of loneliness in him. However rowdy his family grew, he would always have room at the table among friends.
Back home, two liberated mothers hugged firmly, belly to belly. "Ah love you so much." Summer nosed Maple. "An' ah need you to understand that. Sometimes, Ah think you think ah'm here fer Winter, and yer jus'... an extra ah put up with."
Maple colored, hugging back, but saying nothing.
"See!" Summer nosed into Maple's cheek all the firmer as they tipped over, lose in their embrace. "See? It ain't like that... You're my wife. I didn't agree to that just to get Winter. We're a herd, and I mean it." She kissed over Maple's chest, nuzzling the soft furry floof there. "You are my mare as surely as he is my stallion."
"I..." Maple glanced away a moment. "I admitted this afore... But I was in love with you way before Winter showed up." She brought a hoof to her cheek in awkard rubbing. "Ah was just so scared to admit it... Winter... Was a fine excuse..."
Summer rolled on top of Summer, tail swaying above her. "I wish you'd told me earlier, but it couldn't... have been that way." She wrinkled her nose. "I had to be lonely... To go get Winter... It's... Strange, but it had to work out that way, or we wouldn't have this family."
Maple wrinkled her snout. "Destiny," she gasped out. "Lookin' us right in the face and laughin' at us." So she laughed back, hugging Summer close. "You're about the prettiest mare ah know."
Summer hiked a brow. "Dunno, there's another competin' right here, and she's a looker." She smooched Maple's nose, working towards her throat.
Maple surrendered to Summer's affectionate nuzzles, her own grasp never loosening. Each kiss kindled the embers smoldering between them from that first furtive flush of attraction. No longer obscured by doubt or propriety.
"Never dreamed you'd feel that way 'bout plain ol' me," Maple murmured, combing her hooves through Summer's wind-strewn mane. "Never been so happy to be wrong."
Summer's eyes glistened with mirth even as she nibbled a line from Maple's jaw to her collar. "Only thing plain 'bout you is how pretty you are, darlin'."
Maple squeaked, squirming as those bold lips grazed tender spots. "Flatterer..." she hissed, breathless. Her hooves traced trembling encouragement down Summer's back.
With the babies away under Winter's eye, the mares let patience fall away. The tide they had dammed up came rushing through at last in a deluge of hungry affection.
"Need to give my best girl proper attention." Summer's echoing growls left no mystery about her intent.
Maple shuddered, wordless pleas shaping her grin. She rolled Summer gently atop her, presenting herself without reservation now. Bodies meshed seamlessly, kindling the spark that would soon engulf them.
"Please..." whispered Maple hoarsely. All lingering coyness burned away in that feral flame reflecting back through Summer's gaze.
At long last they would act on their desire for one another without the foals resting adorably between them. Heart, body and spirit. Summer intended to leave no inch of her beloved unfelt - or unfulfilled.
"All yours," Maple panted, welcoming the exquisite fate rushing to meet her. "Now and always..."
The house was quiet around them, the couch soft beneath them. The lights were dim, but their eyes burned bright enough to see all they needed to see in their increasingly passionate cuddles.
"Goes both ways." Summer bumped foreheads with Maple. "All yours. Now... an' always." She trembled, heat growing in her.
Summer gazed into Maple's shimmering eyes, her own brimming with heartfelt emotion. She brushed a stray lock of mane back from Maple's face and said, "I'll always be here for you. Your happiness means the world to me."
Maple leaned into her tender touch. She took Summer's hoof in her own and squeezed gently. "And I'll be beside you through whatever life brings. Your friendship gives me strength." Maple's voice wavered with gratitude.
They held each other in cozy silence as the afternoon light faded to dusk. Their hearts felt full, bonds reaffirmed.
Summer eventually gave voice to an idle musing that had surfaced. "Remember when we first met? Reckon we're both might different mares now, but my care for you sure ain't changed."
"Nor mine for you," Maple replied earnestly. "If anything, it's only grown deeper."
Summer suddenly snorted. "Ah feel kinda bad, leavin' Winter with the foals like that."
Maple pecked across Summer's snout, drawing her closer. "Ah asked him, to give us a moment to just be... together. He didn't even hesitate, because we both have a lovely hubby."
"Aw." Summer nipped at Maple's ear gently. "That we do..." She flashed a grin. "Now we just need to figure out how we get him in here..."
Maple laughed at that, tickling at Summer's side with her hooves to get her laughing along. "There won't be time for all three of us together fer some time yet. But if you need me to watch them... I'll do that fer you two."
Summer touched noses with Maple. "We'll all do that. Because we all love each other, and... shoot... We got three, so one can make sure the other two have cuddle time... an' more."
Maple giggled at that, rolling over so she could be on top. "Is it wrong just cuddling feels pretty great right now? Cuddling nice and close to one of my favorite ponies."
Maple nuzzled against Summer, warmth radiating between them as they held each other close. After the whirlwind of new parenthood, simply laying peacefully in her wife's embrace felt like the height of luxury.
Summer traced idle circles through Maple's coat, each caress kindling a gentle heat under her skin. "Sure ain't wrong to me," she murmured. "Could stay like this for hours and be perfectly content."
Maple sighed, eyes slipping shut as she tucked her head beneath Summer's chin. The steady thrum of her heartbeat and rise-fall of breath lulled Maple towards drowsy bliss.
"Bein' new mommas keeps us busy as bees sunrise to sunset," she mumbled. "Gettin' our cuddle quota met matters too though."
Summer dropped a tender kiss between Maple's ears, eliciting a happy hum. As much as exhaustion gnawed at them both, she knew Maple was right - carving out one-on-one time, however modest, kept their connection nourished.
"You jus' tell me when yer cravin' more of this," Summer whispered, "and we'll steal away a spell."
She grinned slyly. "Maybe get me to foalsit next go 'round..."
Maple peered up through heavy lids, matching her wife's playful smile. "Now that idea deserves some proper plannin'."
Nuzzling closer, the mares let a tranquil silence settle, thoughts drifting to possible trysts yet to come. For now, this oasis of intimacy amidst the storms of domestic chaos was haven enough.
Winter set out his hand. "Two of a kind."
The boys laughed. That was not Winter's strongest hand of the night by far. Better were slapped down, defeating it. Bits were exchanged, but the mood was a positive one.
"Knew my new hat would bring me some luck." The stallion nodded, bouncing little Dusk on his head. "Yer son has a keen eye fer the cards!"
"Well don't that beat all!" Winter chuckled at seeing tiny little Dusk flap his hooves from atop his comrade's ten-gallon hat. "Looks like I got double-teamed by more'n just the cards tonight."
He flashed Dusk a playful smile as the gangly colt leaned precariously to bat at the brightly colored poker chips, tail wagging gleefully.
"Careful now, buckaroo," the older stallion drawled, angling his hat's brim so Dusk couldn't topple onto the table. "Yer Pop might got two wives but I reckon you're two hoof-fuls all on yer lonesome!"
The table erupted in guffaws. Though he'd lost the round, Winter found it impossible to feel gloomy. Not with his son babbling happily amongst his tight-knit crew of uncles and cousins.
"The little nipper really does favor you," noted Ten Gallon, watching Dusk try chewing on a poker chip. "That inquisitive spark sure shines out through them big ruby eyes of his."
The other players chimed their agreement. As Winter gazed at Dusk exploring this new stimuli, his throat tightened with pride. However he fared at poker going forward, a regular at their table his son would always be.
"Glad you think so," Winter replied gruffly. "He'll grow up knowin' his way 'round a good poker spread, thanks to all you fine fellas."
Another bout of laughter warmed the lamplit room. The next hand seemed hardly to matter as all gathered 'round enthralled by baby Dusk's antics, Winter included.
He glanced at where Dawn and Spruce were sprawled over one another in peaceful slumber. His heart thumped once at the adorable sight of it. "Guys, hate to bring this up." He took up the next hand dealt to him. "But I feel... really lucky. Being a dad's been tough, and it'll get tougher... But I don't regret it, not even a second. If I ever say I do, slap me until I get it right again."
A chorus of agreement rose up around the table. "You got it, brother," Ten Gallon affirmed, thumping Winter heartily on the back. "Ain't a stallion here who'd let you forget what a gift them young'uns are."
The others nodded, gazing with fondness at the snoozing foals. "Any jackrabbit complains 'bout raisin' their little hares gets a swift kick in the pants from me," declared another player named Cactus Jim.
"Darn tootin'," a large red-bearded fellow concurred before tossing back a swig of cider. "My Missus will tell ya when our twins came, I panicked somethin' fierce thinkin' I weren't cut out fer fatherin'...but now I can't picture life without 'em clutterin' things up."
Winter smiled around at the circle of kindred spirits as Dawn emitted a tiny snore. However overwhelmed he felt stumbling through first-time parenthood, this ragtag team would prop him up.
"Sure am lucky you fine fellers took my odd-duck self in way back when," he said. "Can't imagine better uncles fer my little trio than all you card sharks."
"Well if that don't beat all!" Ten Gallon removed his hat so Dusk could gnaw happily on the brim. "Makes a guy feel pretty special ya think that highly of us."
Their conversation meandered for hours it seemed - babies and bets flowing freely as laugher echoed late into the evening. And Winter knew contentment deeper than ever among his found family.
"Hello." A mare stood at their doorstep with a hopeful smile.
Maple inclined her head slowly. "Ah... remember you! Yer the schoolmarm!"
"That's me." She pointed past the protective parents at the foals playing inside. "And ah've been tryin' somethin' new. Call it a 'pre' school. We keep an eye on the little ones, too little fer proper school, an' we teach 'em while we're at it. Gentle lessons for growin' minds. It gives them a headstart when they get to real school. 'Least, that's the idea. We've only had one year of it so far, but it worked so well." She leaned in a bit past the door. "It also gives the parents a break each day, since they're with me."
Winter lifted an ear. "But..." He frowned. "My break will end soon... I will have to work." And that meant less eyes and hooves around to keep their foals safe and happy. "Why can't being a father be a job?"
Summer rubbed along his side. "It is a job. A job so big we call in backup, like this teacher here."
The teacher smiled brightly at that. "Exactly. It takes a whole town to raise a child right. I'm just another part of that town. This isn't me forcin' the matter none. You get to decide. But... The foals that came last year are doin' do much better. You want the very best fer yer little ones, hm?"
All three parents looked guilty, eyes wandering the room, then settling on the foals in question, playing joyfully.
Maple smiled gently at the play. "Ah don't want to stop them from playing and learnin' each other as much as any book learnin' you might give 'em."
The teacher nodded kindly, following Maple's gaze to where the foals frolicked. "Oh don't you worry none, they'll have plenty of playtime with their little herd."
She smiled wistfully. "Truth be told, letting them socialize is half the reason for my little 'pre-school.' Gets them used to bein' 'round other young'uns before they join up in the big schoolhouse."
Maple glanced uncertainly at Winter and Summer. As much as her protective mother's intuition hated the thought of separation during Spruce's precious early years, the teacher's words resonated.
Summer laid a sympathetic hoof on Maple's shoulder. "Ain't like we'd be alone neither. This one here will be goin' back to the orchard 'fore long." Maple sighed but couldn't argue; they'd discussed her return to work many times.
"Very true!" The teacher clapped her hooves eagerly. "Why, they'd have a parent or dotin' auntie facin' them when they got home each day. Plus two whole years of gentle schoolin' ahead before the full-day program starts."
Maple still wavered, anguishing over disrupting the young ones' carefree existence.
Sensing her turmoil, the teacher added gently, "How's about I give you a trial week? If it don't suit the little pumpkins or you parents, nopony's forcin' you to stay on. Just see how it goes."
The new parents exchanged anxious but hopeful looks. "Reckon one week couldn't hurt none..." Summer said. She knew this was part of equine life; still, releasing her babies felt unnatural so soon.
But the teacher's warm confidence was contagious. If this gave their foals a leg up while still allowing family time, they owed it to try.
"Alright, Miss Teacher," Maple relented with a quavering grin, "you got yerself three new students fer a trial spell."
The foals cheered, responding only to their parents' evident excitement. But soon, the teacher mused privately, her little academy would captivate those receptive young minds, heart and soul.
She wandered off with a content smile on her face.
Winter's horn glowed along its stripes as he willed the door shut. "I didn't catch her name."
Summer blinked softly. "Oh! Silly me. So many of us went to school under her, 'just about everyone calls her 'teacher', but she does have a name besides that. Not very fair to just keep calling her what her job is..." She frowned with thought. "Now what was it..." She turned to Maple.
Maple squeaked. "Put the pressure on me! Ah see how it is, hm. Wasn't she Miss Acorn?" She smiled gently. "Like her mark, a nice hatchin' acorn, reachin' up tall."
Summer sat to clop her hooves. "That's it! Miss Acorn."
"Miss Acorn it is," Winter affirmed with an approving nod. Her gentle patience and hopeful demeanor suited the name well; he could easily picture her flourishing students like tender oak saplings.
He turned a thoughtful gaze towards where the foals still romped and squealed, oblivious to the prospect of encountering Miss Acorn's kindly guidance soon.
"Do you suppose she really can prepare them that much better before real school starts?" He kept his tone light, not wishing to add further weight to the mares' obvious unease over this pending transition.
Summer scuffed a hoof across the floorboards, eyebrows knitted. "I reckon there's some sense to gettin' them acquainted with learnin' their ABC's and numbers aforehoof..."
She offered Winter a wavering grin. "Plus they oughta get comfortable bein' apart from us now an' again. Can't baby them forever, much as I wanna."
Maple moved to stand beside the crib, her bittersweet smile belying watery eyes as she took in their wriggling trio. "Our little trailblazers are growin' quicker than grass in springtime..."
She swallowed hard, giving their tiny hooves and sprouting manes a tender stroke. When she turned to face Winter though, fresh resolve lifted her expression.
"If Miss Acorn can give even one of ours a boost on their path, that's enough fer me. We'll make sure these precious hearts know home's always their true school."
Winter hugged Maple close, blinking past the lump in his own throat. Through all seasons ahead, their steadfast care would light the young ones' way. But a thought occured with a jump. "Maybe it isn't about the school learning at all." The mares looked at him with confusion. "Didn't she mention it? This is a chance for them to meet their schoolmates, and get used to being around them. This isn't about learning really fast, but getting used to all of it. It's an advanced..." Winter smiled gently. "An advanced friendship lesson."
Summer let out a happy sigh at that. "Well! Who am I to deny my little ones a friendship lesson? Ah'll just hope they make more friends than they can even count."
Maple hiked a brow at that. "They ain't good at countin' just yet. Pretty sure even one friend'll beat that out." She giggled gently. "But it'd be nice either way. Now, ah'm gonna cook up somethin' fer ya, what'll it be?"
Winter's eyes shined with thoughts of sweetened Maple offerings. Nothing she cooked avoided a little touch of sugar, often in the form of maple. "Bring on the oats and some veggies. That is what I want today."
"You got it." Maple trotted off with lunch on her mind.
As Maple's hoofbeats faded towards the kitchen, Winter turned a thoughtful gaze back to the roughhousing foals. "Hard to believe how quickly they're sprouting up, isn't it?"
He chuckled softly. "Why Dusk nearly reaches my knee now when he stands on those gangly matchsticks of his. And don't their coats seem shinier by the day?"
Summer clicked her tongue in mock dismay even as pride shone through her expression. "Next thing ya know he'll be racin' circles 'round us instead of the other way 'round."
She sidled up to affectionately nuzzle first Winter then each foal in turn. "But ya know...much as I wanna keep 'em tiny, safe and near forever, it gladdens me to watch 'em stretch their little wings."
Placing a hoof gently upon Dawn's back as the filly scrambled atop a mound of blocks, Summer felt her throat tighten.
"They'll be ready and eager to take those first brave steps outside our door if we give 'em strong roots to stand sturdy."
She turned watery eyes up to meet Winter's understanding gaze. "And knowin' they got good souls like Miss Acorn lookin' out for 'em too...well, reckon no harm lettin' 'em spread their branches a bit."
Winter enfolded Summer close, blinking back similarly misty emotion. To nurture their saplings wherever they strove towards sunlight - it was every parent's honor and adventure. "Yeah," he sighed out, nuzzling back at her gently. "An adventure, for them, and for us. Let's be at least half as brave."
"At least," she giggled out. "Look at 'em. They're not worried about this." She reached in and scooped up Dusk. "Those other foals better not pick on you..." He was the oddest of them all, with his kirin horn and cloven little hooves. In a class full of ponies, one would be a kirin. "Ah... suppose that's why this helps. They'll all get to meet before proper class class."
The day seemed to arrive all too quickly. They went to the schoolhouse, little foals balancing on each of their backs, one to a loving parent each. The schoolyard had nothing but the smallest foals, ranging from the youngest, about the same age as Dusk, Dawn, and Spruce, ranging up to the foals that looked just about ready for real school.
Miss Acorn was there, smiling brightly at the newest parents approached. "There you are! Ah'll admit, some parents get cold hooves. Ah was a little scared you might not make it." She pat at the ground near her. "Put down those little ones. Time for them to play and meet their newest friends.
Timid uncertainty flickered across Dusk’s bright eyes as he observed strange new fillies and colts tumbling across the yard. Instinctively he nestled closer against his mother's sturdy back, tiny hooves gripping tighter. His littermates mirrored his hesitation, shrinking against their parents with tentative curiosity.
Miss Acorn offered the anxious trio an encouraging smile. “No need for nerves, little sprouts! All your new chums felt the same first day. Why, some of their mommies and daddies had a harder time leavin’ them than they did stayin’!”
A few parents within earshot chuckled ruefully at the truth of it.
Crouching down, Miss Acorn extended a patient hoof towards the new arrivals. “How ‘bouts we start nice and slow, hm? I’m Miss Acorn and I already can tell we’re gonna be good friends.”
At the familiar name, Spruce perked up first. Sliding off Maple’s back, he took a wary step forward to sniff the teacher’s hoof before glancing back at his mother. Maple’s trembling yet proud smile fortified his courage.
Miss Acorn’s eyes crinkled joyfully. “Thatta boy, Spruce! What a polite gentlecolt you are.” She looked expectantly to Dawn and Dusk as other foals began wandering over to assess the new playmates. “Who wants to say hello to Spruce’s new school buddies next?”
Bolstered by Spruce’s boldness, tiny Dawn scrambled after her brother, stumbling a little in the grass. No way would her brothers leave her behind! Dusk followed suit a moment later as the twins took up curious yet shy posts just behind Spruce.
Miss Acorn nodded in satisfaction, gently nudging the two groups of foals closer. “There now, that wasn’t so hard was it? Let’s all get to know each other while your folks settle in.” The teacher guided the new parents towards the waiting semi-circle of mothers and fathers exchanging solidarity and sympathy. This small academy was rooted equally in scholastic learning and emotional growth after all.
And someday those little saplings would stand tall as proud partners, but first came that delicate dance of trust.
One familiar face was there among the parents. "Maple!" Sandy Shores hugged her briefly. "Feels like forever since we ran into each other." He looked off to where Spruce had run into the colt they had met that day, Dust Storm, and were already joyfully playing. "And they remember each other, right away. Aw..."
"Aw," joined Maple, watching the playing with just as warm a smile. "I should have thought of you being here, but it skipped my mind!" She turned to Winter and Summer, eagerly introducing the father she had run into.
Preschool was a fine time for parents to meet each other too. The whole family had a chance to grow together.
Summer stretched her arms up and away with a loud grunt. "Ah can't stand it!" She glared at the house around her as if it had done something. "It's just." She cut herself off with a scowl, stomping to the exercise equipment and hopping on it. "Hate it."
She began a vigorous trotting session down the simulated streets of Canterlot, trying her very best to shake the funk. It wasn't working. "This house is too quiet!"
With both Winter and Maple back at work and her lovely little ones at pre-school, she had been left alone in the house. She thought it would be relaxing. Instead, it was maddening. "Hate!"
She huffed, trying to calm herself. "You're a grown pony. You can handle this. Yer not stuck in one house, think bigger." She nodded, closing her eyes and imagining the town as a whole. "Ah could, yes, there." She stepped off the machine, ending her trot. "Let's not cry about it and get to doin' something!"
Summer took a fortifying breath and squared her shoulders, squelching the loneliness threatening to sink its claws back in. She had weathered isolation before. This was merely an echo, she reassured herself - no need to spiral down that well of despair again.
Besides - her family was thriving, merely occupied elsewhere at the moment! She ought to feel pride, not resentment.
"Think bigger," Summer muttered, seizing her saddlebags. No law said she must wilt here in an empty home when the whole bustling town awaited. She would simply...redirect her energies.
Pausing at the doorway, she glanced back, half expecting tiny hooves to come pattering after. But the rooms remained still. Quiet.
Summer grimaced. How she missed that sweet chaos already! Yet there was no turning back the clock's steady march. And didn't those precious pupils need a place to return home to?
"This house may feel mighty big and empty now," Summer declared, bracing her shoulders, "but it's my duty and delight to make it full o' love an' welcome when they all come trottin' back."
With purposeful strides she embarked into town, whistling a spritely melody. Lonely or not, life carried brightly onward! She would tend the hearth - and herself - until her family gathered 'round again.
First stop - the market, where she could fuss and fill the pantry for her loved ones. Summer smiled, picturing the little ones helping bake sweet potato pies tonight. Then maybe a new throw blanket to finish, for curling close as she listened to each foal's largely unintelligible babble about their day.
"Summer?"
Summer looked over at the mare that had said it. "Oh, if it isn't..."
The mare rolled a hoof with a smirk. "You got it..."
But the name refused to rise, buried in so many life events. Summer wilted with a tense laugh. "Ah am so sorry. Didn't we go to school together?"
"We sure did." The mare didn't look offended. "We used to spend Hearth's Warming together more oft than not. Lovely times. Where ya been, Sum Sum?"
Summer blinked as memories began to raise. "Hickory Treats?"
Hickory flashed a bright smile. "Ah knew it'd come to ya." She closed and the two hugged warmly. "The moment you got involved with that kirin fella, ah really lost ya. How's--" She paused, glancing away, ears pinned briefly. "How's that workin' out?"
Summer returned her childhood friend's embrace fiercely, blinking back a swell of nostalgia. Sweet reunion after so much water under the bridge! Yet Hickory's unfinished query pricked her conscience. In her personal bliss, had she neglected this treasured companion?
Drawing back, Summer searched Hickory's face, reading the flicker of hesitation in her gentle eyes. She knew that veiled skepticism all too well - had felt strangers' doubtful glances often in Winter's company those first fragile years. Recalled wishing fiercely that even one friend would stand proudly at her side through the raised brows and barbed whispers.
Resolve hardened Summer's jaw. She had left Hickory alone on that twisting path, but no more. This new chapter would be written differently!
"Oh Hickory..." Summer clasped her hoof, beaming pure sunshine. "It's workin' out more wondrous than I ever dreamed! Why, Winter's just the sweetest soul ya ever did meet, an' his kindness grows daily as him an' Maple raise up our precious foals."
At Hickory's astonished blink, Summer fished a photo from her saddlebag with maternal pride. "Can ya believe it? We got three now - Spruce, Dusk and lil' Dawn! An' I tell ya true, ain't nopony makes me feel so loved an' secure as my dear husband an' wife."
She squeezed Hickory's hoof, meeting her uncertainty with affectionate conviction. "I know it ain't some fairytale romance by most standards...but my family is my whole world, Hickory. My happy endin' and new beginnin' all at once!"
Gazing fondly at the photo, Hickory slowly nodded, tension easing from her posture. "I can see plain as day that sparkle in yer eye, Sum...If'n these two make you shine so, I ain't one to begrudge it."
When her soft grin returned, Summer exhaled relief, embracing her once more. "Enough 'bout me - tell me everythin' I missed, Hickory! Seems I got some catchin' up to do with my best gal..."
Hickory snorted with a flick of her tail. "Not so fast." She raised a hoof to Summer's snout, pressing it. "Start by not pretendin' havin' a husband an' a wife is a normal thin'. It ain't." She chuckled with a smile. "So tell me how that's working out? Ah barely got time to keep mah husband straight. Havin' two sounds like a huge headache, not gonna lie."
At their mention, Summer imagined Hickory's husband, and went dark in the cheeks. "Your husband! He met Maple... An' ah blanked! Sandy Shores, ain't he?"
"That's the one." Hickory laughed at that, a rueful smile on her face. "Love him when I'm not ready to throttle him over somethin'. A fine stallion. No regrets. He's a great papa, loves his kid like nothin' else in the world."
Summer sighed gently at that. "Winter's the same way. Here's to good fathers." The two mares touched hooves in agreement with that idea. "Now... ain't gonna claim it'd always work out the same. We had some rough patches, but we stuck it out, an' we learned each other... And my family's nothin' but... The deepest love, ah mean it."
Hickory eyed Summer thoughtfully as they meandered through the market stalls. She tried picturing Sandy cozied up with another mare, laughter and little ones abounding. The image simply wouldn’t gel. But then Sandy had barely mastered managing their solitary Dust Storm some days!
“Deepest love, hm?” Hickory pursed her lips. “Won’t deny I’m havin’ a hard time wrappin’ my head ‘round it...then again, I knew that kirin of yours seemed a gentle soul right off.”
She bumped Summer playfully with her hip. “An’ however unorthodox yer arrangein’ is, ain’t no erasin’ that look in yer eyes whenever you say their names.”
Summer flushed, unable to restrain a sentimental sigh. Before she could elaborate though, Hickory waved a dismissive hoof, chortling.
“Aw shoot, you’ll have me blubberin’ in the daisies next. I believe ya, hun. Just glad it all turned out.” She halted, brows pinching. “It did all turn out, right? Can’t been no picnic gettin’ hitched to two at once. Folks didn’t give you sour grapes ‘bout it I hope?”
Summer's bright laughter surprised her. "Oh heavens no! Well..." Summer grinned impishly. "Most were real supportive, ‘specially once Spruce came along. But Cousin Citrus, oh how that old biddy carried on somethin’ awful!”
Hickory cackled brightly. “Do tell! Bet she turned as green as her namesake, fussin’ over improperness. So what outta wedlock scandal did ya lay on the ol’lady?”
Linking Hickory’s foreleg through her own, Summer regaled her with the tale of Citrus’ snide remarks and how karma had the last laugh. Their chorus of mirth turned more than a few bemused heads down the market lanes. But Summer didn’t care one whit - her dear friend was back at her side.
"Ah can't even say how much today's brightened me up." Summer lifted her bag of purchased things. "Ah should get this home." She looked away and back to Hickory. "Wanna--" Summer smiled hopefully. "--see it? Don't think you've visited the bigger house."
Hickory brightened immediately. "You bet ah would! Haven't visited in near forever." She stepped past Summer, looking ready to lead the way. "Let's see it! What's come of the place? Same, no, you jus' said it got bigger. You built an extension on it?"
Summer laughed nervously, walking along. "Ain't like that. Maple had a fine house, didn't want to give it up. Ah didn't either. So--" She clopped two hooves together with a brief pause in her walking. "--we put 'em together."
Hickory slowed a little. "You jus'." She rolled a hoof in the air wildly. "You put 'em together?! That ain't the answer most ponies would go fer, ya silly thing."
Hickory eyed Summer skeptically during their brisk trot towards the unusual abode. “So lemme get this straight--" Hickory leaned in closer. "--you an’ that tree-tappin’ pony jus’--" She imitated the earlier hoof clop. "--tied yer houses into one great big two-family affair?”
Summer flashed a dimpled, unrepentant grin. “Well, the fellers haulin’ em made it look easy as pie. Bet they coulda made us one great big ol’ mansion if’n we asked sweet enough!”
Despite herself Hickory snorted, shaking her head. Trust Summer to defy convention at every turn, even down to her living quarters! “Only you, Sum--" Her ears danced. "--though I confess, havin’ the built-in foalsitters next door probably takes a load off.”
She blinked as the quaint saltbox cottages came into view around the bend - homes she knew well - now bridged by a simple enclosed walkway that flowed seamlessly into expanded dimensions.
Summer swept a hoof towards the cheery estate, flush with pride. “It’s been the perfect fit, Hickory! Never trippin’ over each other but always nearby when we need extra hooves on deck.”
She nudged her friend playfully. “C’mon then, I’ll give ya the grand tour ‘fore the little seeds come spillin’ in from school!”
Despite her lingering reservations, Hickory found herself charmed by the unconventional abode’s warm, patchwork charm as Summer guided her through each tidy room. This hodgepodge haven bore no resemblance to Cold Sterling Manor’s imposing opulence, yet felt thrice as nurturing.
“Y’all really have found yer own groove here,” Hickory mused at last, watching squirrels scamper outside the window where once two separate walls had stood.
Summer's smile glowed pure sunshine in return. “With my family surrounding me, I’m home wherever we wander. But I won’t pretend having our little castle don’t feed my soul too!”
Without being asked, Hickory began grabbing things from Summer's bag and helping get them away. "You know." She pushed a can into a drawer. "You have to come visit, yer whole family! Sandy's already met the lot of you, so shouldn't be no big deal."
She brightened. "Oh! We have this fine grill just in front. We should have a nice BBQ. Roast up some delicious things, all be together." She went in for a fresh hug on Summer. "Two families, happy together."
Summer smiled at the thought of it. "Now that sounds jus' lovely. We'll just have to find a day when we're all off from work to do it."
Hickory snorted loudly. "They don't ever tell you in school that schedules are the things that'll go standin' in the way as an adult. But don't you worry not one little bit. We'll figure it out, an' then it's time for a grill."
Summer bumped gently against her rediscovered friend. "That sounds wonderful. Ah'll be at work in a few days mahself, but ah got the same schedule as Winter, so that ain't even makin' it harder for ya."
Hickory clapped with building joy. "Ah'll post about it. Maybe we'll get a few townies stoppin' by to share in the fun. This'll be great."
Summer smirked at her friend. Getting excited about her plans was a very Hickory thing to do, but she felt she was safe letting Hickory gallop forward towards it. "Sounds like a blast."
Finally, it had happened. Both were back at work, and both had the day off. Maple was tending to her trees, which left Summer and Winter cuddled up on the couch. There were no foals, they were at preschool. That peace wouldn't last for long. Their little foals couldn't be away for too long, or they'd get upset.
They had only a limited amount of time to do what they wanted to do, so Summer took it on herself to begin, giving Winter's ornate horn a gentle kiss, then another, working down towards the base with a little purr.
Winter gasped softly, then hummed. "That's a nice way to start the day." He gently rubbed along Summer's back, enjoying the attention. "But... I want to make you feel good too."
Summer giggled. "Why not at the same time?" She rubbed her muzzle against his, then moved to nuzzle at his neck. "We're not exactly new to this anymore, Winter."
He chuckled softly, but nodded. "You have a point." He grabbed her in his magic, that field that let him take hold of her from every direction at the same time. He pulled her up and around so he could slide gently on top of her instead of being side by side. "There." He leaned down to kiss her, a slow, gentle kiss, before pulling back. "I'll start."
He began kissing down her body, slowly, enjoying the taste of her fur, the softness of it. He nuzzled into her chest as his long, tufted, tail curled upwards behind him to tease along her legs, brushing her inner thighs and making her hooves kick into the air.
Summer squeaked at the ticklish touch, but she couldn't deny how much she enjoyed it. "Winter!" She gasped, feeling his lips brush her stomach. "Oh, you tease."
He chuckled, kissing her stomach again, before moving down, until he was between her legs, looking up at her. "I'll give you what you want."
Summer moaned, watching him lean in, and the moment she felt his tongue press against her, she couldn't help but cry out in pleasure. He used the end of his snout to tickle along her entrance as his tongue gently lapped and explored that delicate portal, pressing forward only as far as he felt welcome within his beloved wife.
Summer was soon panting, her hooves kicking in the air as she cried out in bliss. "Winter!" She moaned, feeling him explore her deeply. "Yes, yes, Winter!"
He didn't stop, his tongue gently exploring her, tasting her, and it wasn't long before he felt her body tense, then relax, and a warm wetness filled his mouth. That was a sign that he had done well, but it was barely the start of things. He loyally cleaned his mess, keeping her warm and ready. "Shall we keep playing? Or--" He swayed his hips, long shaft swaying in silent offering of his core masculinity.
Summer giggled. "I want to ride you." She wiggled free of his magic, then moved to push him down, sitting on his stomach, and rubbing her slit against his length. "Mmm.. It feels like forever." She pressed back, parting herself with the slow union. "Since the foals started growing, bless each and every one of 'em."
Winter moaned softly, feeling her press onto him. "Bless them, yes. But right now..." He bucked gently, driving himself into her, deeper and deeper. "I want to enjoy you."
Summer burst into giggles. "I feel love enough to bless the entire damned town right now." She groaned with the next shove. "That's just the way." She scrunched her snout as she drove back, making it a two pony performance. "I want to feel you kiss the bottom, gently."
Winter reached up, rubbing her chest. "Then let's do that." He bucked, shoving himself deeper into her, and she gasped, feeling him fill her, and then the base of his shaft pressed against her, and she could feel him inside her, deep inside her. It was a brief moment. He knew how long he was, and how deep she was. He was longer than she had to give. She flushed warm and red, remembering it was her fault that was the case.
She had ordered a kirin to exacting specifications, and Winter was that perfect creature. He touched her innermost point, but so gently, just letting her know he had been there before backing up and driving against her, every movement making her body sing with delight.
"Yes, yes, Winter, yes!" She cried out, her hooves pushing against his chest, trying to hold him still, but he was stronger, and he kept going, making her feel so good. "You are all the stallion ah--" She stopped trying to talk, waves of pleasure stunning her a moment. He kept driving, extending that blissful moment.
He drove into her, again and again, the sound of their bodies meeting filling the air. "Summer, I'm close." He moaned, and she felt him twitch inside her, and she pushed back, wanting to feel it.
She felt him throb, and then he let out a cry of his own, and she felt the warmth of his seed filling her, and she shuddered, her own climax rushing through her, and she slumped down, breathing heavily. She could feel that heat filling her completely, some of it running down as most of it escaped deeper inside of her. She shivered gently, nuzzling against him. "I love you."
Winter panted, his eyes closed. "I love you too." He gently hugged her, and then she felt him pull out of her, and she let out a little moan. He was softenening and retreating into his sheath, but his energy remained. Blissfully, he hugged and stroked over her with both his reaching hooves and little touches of his magic, teasing her. "It doesn't have to be over."
Summer giggled. "We have a few hours." She looked up at him. "And you've got the energy to spare." She licked his chin. "I think we should do it again."
Winter smiled. "I would like that." He rubbed along her back. "But let's get something to eat first."
Summer giggled. "Ah, you're a real romantic." She rolled off of him, and they both got up, heading for the kitchen. She paused suddenly. "One moment." She quickly veered off into the bathroom with a pinkened face.
Winter inclined his head, watching her flee, but perked with an idea. He continued his march into the kitchen and got to making dinner for Summer. Surely she'd be happy to have it ready when she returned, or so he figured.
Summer came out of the bathroom, her fur brushed and fluffed, and her mane straightened out. She trotted into the kitchen, and stopped, smiling at Winter. "Oh, you're cooking." She hopped up into a seat. "You little lovecake." She clapped gently. "I would have helped, but I needed a little--" She rolled a hoof in the air. "Lady's cleanup. Your fault, by the way."
Winter smiled. "I am sorry, but you did ask for it." He set a plate down in front of her. "I made a quick meal. Hope it's alright."
Summer leaned in for a little sniff. "Any meal of yours? I doubt it'll be jus' 'alright'." With a grin, she slurped up a muzzle-full and joyfully chomped. "Mmm."
Winter sat down across from her with his own plate, and they ate together, enjoying the simple meal. They finished quickly, and then Summer hopped up, trotting around the table to kiss Winter. "Ah, that was great." She shivered gently. "In every way. Ah've loved you, this whole time, but it's nice to remember the spicy bits too. You an' Maple should take a turn the moment the chance pops up, only fair."
Winter nodded, nuzzling her. "I'll do my best to arrange it." He glanced towards the door. "But we have a little time yet. Shall we continue?"
Summer giggled. "Tease!" She considered a moment. "Let's do it--" She leaned in. "Horse style." She hopped to the floor and lifted her tail out of the way. She winked at him, from the wrong, or perfectly right, end, inviting him atop her. "Ain't no need for foreplay, ah'm already feeling hot an' bothered."
Winter smiled, getting up and moving behind her. "If you're sure." He lined himself up with her, and gently pressed in, sliding into her, and she let out a moan. "I love you." He began to move, nudging himself in little by little.
"Stop teasing." She gently whipped him with her tail. "You started already. Ah can take it. Horse style!"
"I love you too much to hurt you." He kissed along her spine, working upwards and stepping forward carefully to carry himself inside her at the same time. "I love every part of you, inside and out."
Summer groaned. "I love you, but you're killing me here." She pushed back, taking him deeper, and he moaned softly. "I'm not some delicate flower. I want you, all of you."
Fortunately for them both, he had reached as far as he could go. With that point, he drew back and thrust home, working perfectly up to that point of maximum depth. His ears pinned back as pleasure sang through him. "I don't know if you know, but this is--" He grit his teeth as he pulled her back against a firm push. "--Just as good for me, at least."
Summer laughed. "I know it is." She pushed back, meeting his next thrust. "You're a stallion, ain't ya?" She gasped as he drove into her. "You like to fill mares with your seed."
"Only special mares." He kissed her back, working along the sides. "Only very special mares." He rocked against her, making her entire form sway with the power of his motions. "The rest can go find their own stallions."
Summer laughed. "I'm glad you feel that way." She pushed back, feeling him throb inside her. "I love you."
"I love you too." He held her close, and she could feel him throbbing, and she knew he was close. The end of his powerful tool was starting to swell, a sure sign of an equine getting close to his limit. She also felt brushing of his magic as he teased all over her, focusing on the spots he knew made her squirm.
She moaned, feeling his magic tease her nipples, and she felt her legs tremble. "Winter!" She cried out, feeling him throb inside her, and then she felt him twitch, and she knew he was about to burst. She was not without tools to welcome it, clenching tightly around his tool and milking it with firm strokes of her passage. "Go on--"
He cried out, and she felt him pulse, and then he released, filling her with his seed, and she cried out in delight, her body tensing, and then relaxing, and she could feel him still going, and she pushed back, feeling his seed escape and run down her legs. "Yes, yes, Winter!"
They were not satisfied until they got to number three, their mutual howls filling the previously quiet house.
Summer let out a very equine snort, shaking herself beneath him. "Ah happen to like horse style. Ain't nothin' like a classic once in a while."
Winer hugged her firmly, then slid back, ending up on his haunches, panting. "That was wonderful, lovely wife of mine. I will gladly give you exactly what you want."
Summer rolled over, looking up at him. "You know what I want?" She reached up, touching his cheek. "I want you to be happy. I want you to be safe. I want you to be healthy."
Winter warmed at each desire for his well-being. Rather than trying to rise to the same poetic level, he just went in for a kiss, the two hugging close together in that blissful moment of solidarity.
Summer pointed to a clock on the wall. "We should get goin' to pick up those little foals of ours. They don't deserve to wait just 'cause their parents are dang hornballs, hm?"
Winter nodded. "You're right. Let's get cleaned up."
Summer smiled. "I'll get the water runnin'. You get the towels."
The family was together again, all three foals babbling about their day at school. "Miss Acorn says we're doing so good!" Spruce cheered, hopping up and down. "She says I'm the smartest one in the class!"
Winter nodded along with that. "Those are big words. A pony can be all kinds of smart. Did she say what kind of smart you were showing off?"
Spruce shook his head. "She didn't, but she said I was smart. So I must be smart!"
Dawn was just as excited, though she had to show off her own way. "I got to play with a new friend today!" She jumped up and down. "She was nice! She wanted to play with me, and we played on the swings, and then we played with the blocks, and then she wanted to play with my hair, but I didn't want to, so we played tag instead!"
Summer smiled. "That sounds like a lot of fun. Did you get her name?"
Dawn nodded. "Her name is Missy, and she's my friend."
Maple looked to Dusk. "And how did your day go?"
Dusk was quiet, not saying anything. He was thinking about the day. He had made a new friend, but he didn't know what to think of him. He was different, and he wasn't sure what to make of that. "There was a pony." He pointed up at his ornate kirin horn. "I think he liked this. He kept looking. He asked a lotta questions."
Winter tensed with concern. "Were they bad questions?"
"No." Dusk hummed gently. "Just questions, a lot of them. I think he likes me, but he asks a lot."
Maple nodded. "It's okay to have a friend who asks a lot of questions. It's a good thing. It means he wants to know more about you."
Dusk nodded. "I asked him a question. He seems nice and odd."
Summer giggled. "We all seem odd to somepony else. Ah'm sure you'll be great friends."
Dusk smiled. "I hope so." He sat up and looked to his siblings. "Tomorrow, we all play, together?"
Spruce and Dawn nodded, and the three ran off to play together.
Summer sighed, leaning against Winter. "Ah can't believe they're growin' up so fast. They're not babies anymore."
Winter pressed back gently, one hoof waving Maple to join them in a warm pile of pleased parental bodies. "It's so good to see. Oh, I got this, in the mail." With his glowing horn, he pulled over a letter, floating it in the air before them all. "There's a kirin festival, and they thought to invite me. I don't have to go, but they'd like it, if I want it. They said you two are invited too, as my plus ones"
The three looked at the paper, considering. "Sounds kinda nice." Summer rubbed a hoof over her belly, smirking at Winter. "Get to celebrate bein' a kirin parent for a while. Seems the kirin folks think you're part of the herd, if they sent you an invitation."
Winter smiled at that. "Do you think the kids would like it?"
Summer laughed. "Please? Of course they would. Seeing more kirin than just their dad? Dusk especially will be beside himself. We done told 'em about other kirin, but actually seein' 'em?" She rolled a hoof. "Ah bet he'll want to go with you, even. Bet he'll wanna learn all about it."
Winter chuckled. "That's true, isn't it?" He looked at Maple, who shrugged.
Maple propped her head against a hoof. "Our little family's made of tough little love balls. They'll get along." She bumped her head against Winter. "So consider us on-board."
"Excellent." Winter telekinetically put the letter away. "We'll have to prepare. Get new clothes."
Maple glanced at Summer, and Summer grinned back at her. "Oh, we'll get some fine things to wear." She bumped against Winter. "Soon as you tell us what kind of 'ritual' this is. Won't do to show up wearin' the wrong kinda thin'."
Summer clopped her hooves together suddenly. "Actually, why don't we just wait on the clothes until we're there? The kirin'll have the right duds, and they won't mind gettin' a few bits either."
Maple laughed, and Winter smirked. "A fine plan."
Summer nodded. "See? I know a few things myself." She smiled at Maple and Winter. "I am happy. I got you both here. We have the little ones. The family's together, an' we can be ourselves. This is my heaven." She hugged them both, and the little family cuddled together, just enjoying each other's company.
Each parent ensured they had the time off to make the trip. Cherry Jubilee perked when asked. "Shoot, ain't fair." She threw a hoof, likely to snap fingers, if she had any. "Ah wanna see this town of kirin. Are they like Winter at all?"
Summer shook her head with a patient smile. "Only a little. They have the horns, the hooves, and the fancy tail. The fellas look a little girly, but not so extreme like Winter has it, ya know?"
"No, ah don't. That's why ah asked." Cherry came around her desk to hug Summer gently. "You go an' have fun. Ah'll just be jealous back home."
Summer laughed. "Good to hear! We'll have a great time, feel certain ah that."
The two waved and parted. Summer headed home to report that was handled, and the family could focus on preparing for the trip.
On the other side of Dodge Junction, Winter was busy seeing to the last details of the journey.
"Aww." Miss Acorn gave Winter a sweet pat. "The kirin would love to see you, Mister Winter, and you can bring the foals to see other kirin! We're all learning, together."
Winter smiled, considering the situation a quiet moment. "It will be nice, I think, for them all to meet more kirin. Thank you, for being such a good teacher."
"Of course, that's my job, after all!" Miss Acorn paused, looking past him to where his foals were happily playing together. "Besides, Spruce has really taken to the other children, and it's been good to see Dusk opening up more."
Winter looked to Dusk, the foal that matched him most closely. "He is not closed, just that he only says things when there are things that need to be said. He shook himself gently. "I can understand that."
Miss Acorn smiled, knowingly. "Oh yes, I am quite aware of how that can be, Mister Winter. But it is my duty to ensure that he comes out of his shell, so to speak. I am always proud when my students take those first steps towards a better, brighter tomorrow."
"You are a truly gifted teacher." Winter bowed to her, a low, graceful bow, before straightening up again. "I'll have them take notes about the fun, to share with the other students when they get back."
She smiled warmly, cheeks going faintly rosy. "Well, I look forward to hearing about it, as well as telling the other foals too." She waved as he turned away and trotted over to his foals to join them in play.
Confident his foals were in good hooves, Winter headed home to join the others. With everything taken care of, they were soon gathered at the train station and stepping on board the train. Winter sighed gently as he sat, Spruce in his lap. "The last time I was on a train, I was very confused."
Summer frowned as she settled next to him with Dusk on her lap. "It was scary for me, but I thought I would do my best."
Dusk blinked up at the adults, curious.
Maple nuzzled little Dusk. "That was before you all even existed past a sparkle in our eyes. We were all kinda confused, but Winter most of all. He didn't know how to be Winter, especially the kirin part. We made this trip to help."
Summer smiled at her foal, giving his head a little rub. "Maybe you'll be more confident than Daddy was, if'n you ever want to travel by yourself."
Winter squeezed Summer's shoulder gently with his magic. "Dusk, you've already raced ahead of me." He swayed his tail against the bench he was seated on. "You like being a kirin?"
Dusk thought for a long moment, then nodded. "It's neat."
They all burst into laughter at the understated affirmative. "I agree." Winter rubbed the tufted end of his tail gently, remembering a time where he had struggled to accept the very idea of having a tail, let alone one so fancy compared to the ponies around him. "Being a kirin is neat."
Dusk leaned over, eyes on Spruce. "What do you want to see there?"
Spruce's ears danced as he thought. "Everything! I bet the kirin have all sorts of neat things! Like new toys! Or new food! Or maybe they have new friends there!"
Dawn giggled at the outburst of ideas. "Of course they'll have new friends. We just have to make them."
"I would like new friends." Dusk leaned against Maple. "How do you make so many so quickly?"
Spruce inclined his head. Dawn tilted the other way. "We just talk to ponies."
"Oh." It was a simple thing, and yet felt complicated. "Oh."
With a lurch, the train started its journey towards the kirin lands, chugging beneath them all with smooth movement. "We should have brought something to eat." Winter murmured. "At least they have sandwiches for sale on trains."
Maple's stomach grumbled audibly, and she flushed dark. "I've got this." She hopped down, leaving the foals with the others, at least until she heard little steps following her. She looked back to see Dawn trailing after her. "Ah said ah got this."
Dawn nervously shuffled. "Ah wanna help."
Maple couldn't stay frustrated by that cute little face. She waited patiently as Dawn joined her, and together the two mares went off to grab a little food.
As they walked away, Winter smiled at the sight. He leaned against Summer, the other adult left. "They'll be back soon." He said it as much for the other little foals as anypony else. "Meanwhile, you can tell us what you're hoping to see at the kirin event."
Spruce bounced with excitement. "I'm gonna make lots of kirin friends, an' they'll tell me stories an' we'll play games an' we'll eat cake!"
Dusk inclined an ear. "Do kirin eat cake?"
Winter leaned in to nose at Dusk. "Kirin eat what they like, but not too much cake, or you'll have fat kirin."
Spruce pouted, but Dusk nodded, accepting the information. "Then I'm going to make some new friends, and we'll play games."
Maple returned, both she and Dawn with a bag on their back. "Nothin' fancy, but it's nice enough they got anythin' on a movin' train as it is."
They spent the ride eating the sandwiches, and talking about the day that awaited them.
They arrived at last in the village of Kirins, and stepped out onto the platform, followed by several other travelers, each carrying a piece of luggage. There was a garbage pail there, so Winter casually dumped the remains of their sandwich bags in it before they stepped off into the town.
"Wow!" And they ran right into their first kirin, who had come rushing up at them the moment she saw them. "Look at you!" She grabbed Winter by the cheeks, turning their head curiously to see it from all angles. "Woah. I didn't believe them, but you really are the most kirin mare stallion I have ever seen."
Dawn turned up her snout. "Mama ain't no stallion." She had her arms crossed over her chest and she looked indignant, and maybe a bit confused.
Spruce wrapped his forelegs around one of his mother's, as if daring the other pony to try and steal Summer.
The new kirin pointed at herself. "Oops, forgot to say hi. Hi! I'm Autumn Blaze, and it's super nice to meet you all. You're Winter, right? Summer? And--" She clucked her tongue in thought. "--Maple!"
Spruce gasped in delight. "You are Autumn! I am Spruce, and these are my sibs, Dawn an' Dusk. An' that's Mommy Summer, and Mama Maple." He proudly pronounced each name carefully. "An' ah'm really excited to meet you."
Half of those had already been stated, but Autumn nodded along, patient with the little foal. "Same here. Did you all come for the Springtime Tailshake?!" She stood up straight and tall, her own long tail standing out stiff from her flank. "We are celebrating the coming of spring by holding a dance of tails."
Dawn stood up straight, eyes wide. "Tails?" Her voice sounded a bit horrified, and her ears folded back. "Why? You can't do nothing with yer tail except wrap it around yer legs and sometimes--" She turned pink.
Dusk suddenly nipped Dawn's tail and she squeaked, though it turned into a riot of giggles. "That," she finished. "I guess that."
Summer laughed and nudged Winter, "Oh, now, ah reckon that sounds interestin', right?"
Autumn laughed brightly. "Oh yeah, the kids do this, and the grown ups are a bit fancier about it." She turned back to the village. "Come on! I'll show you to a house you can stay in while you're here. This is so exciting." She didn't just walk, a merry skip in her motions. "I can't believe you came! We're gonna have so much fun!"
The little family moved as one to follow her, the five of them finding the sights of the kirin settlement both strange and familiar. Dusk's eyes went from one kirin to the next with clear wonder at all the other creatures that were a kirin, just like him. Coming from a town that was all ponies, it was quite an adjustment.
Their accommodations were a lovely house, full of cushions and fluffy blankets. It was also empty. "Will it be just us?" Winter asked curiously as they trooped in. "Where is everypony?"
Autumn waved over it. "We already knew that if Winter came, he'd be a whole family!" She turned to nod at the family Winter had brought. "And he did. You'll need a whole house to yourself. No fun being cramped, is there?"
Before long, they had unpacked their things and got themselves sorted in the new home. The three little ones had cleaned up and were dashing around excitedly, and the two mares were only looking a step less excited.
Autumn appeared shortly after with a small entourage of other kirin. "Hello! Welcome, welcome! Here, I brought some of my friends, for you to meet. They're looking forward to it too." She stepped aside and waved the other kirin forward. "And this is Winter, married to Summer." She pointed as she went. "And they had a cute little kirin child, Dusk, who's a twin sister to Dawn, not a kirin." She kept right on pointing with each name. "But that's not all! He married Maple too, and they had Spruce. They're all one big happy family!"
A cheer went up at that. "Awesome, a kirin family! That's totally sweet. We got a lot of family-based ponies around too," One of the newcomers spoke up, pressing into the house with a smile. "And you all look ready for the festival." He swished his tail, flicking it from one side to the other, then back and forth, slowly building speed. "Whoa, that feels great."
Dawn's ears wobbled and flattened. Dusk took a protective position in front of her. "Who are you?"
The strange kirin turned to the foals. "Oh, hello there." He lowered himself down to his belly. "What an adorable little fella you are."
Winter's magic glowed around both foals, drawing them up and over to float on either side of him. "They're not used to other kirin, and so many. Please give them some time to adjust."
The kirin flipped their ears back before they rebounded almost as suddenly. "I'm being rude, sorry." He hopped up to his hooves and started for the door. "This is a new experience for most of you. Just know you're welcome here." He popped out into the crowd of other kirin.
Winter leaned down to brush a nuzzle against his children. "That's nice, right?"
Summer nodded, and Maple offered a smile. "Everypony's nice so far, but--" She laughed nervously. "It's a lot." She looked up at where all the smiling kirin were. "They weren't quite this excited the last time we visited them."
Autumn pressed through them easily. "Coming through, coming through!" She turned around when she got past them to face the crowd. "You all have things to do. Shoo." She waved them away, banishing the kirin off and away. "Sorry about that. They just got excited about the idea of a pony-kirin." She brushed herself off, looking rather pleased with herself. "Anyway, you'll want to get cleaned up, and the big party won't start until nightfall, so you've got time to kill."
Winter inclined his head at Autumn, nose twitching faintly. "I don't mean to pry, but is this a first?"
"First?" Autumn jumped. "Oh! Right, yeah?" She looked to little, floating, Dusk. "You are the first half pony, half kirin that I know of."
Dusk paddeled in the air, getting nowhere. "Is that bad?"
"It's not bad," hotly defended Dawn. "Besides, I'm half pony and half kirin too." She folded her little arms and huffed. "I just don't look so, uh, obvious?"
Autumn laughed softly at their antics. "I suppose you two are a special case. How cool for you. Be unique!"
Dusk perked up slightly at the thought of being different. "How can I be unique if my sister is the same thing?"
Winter gently nuzzled his floating son. "Being one of only two is still fairly unique, Dusk." He turned his nuzzles on Dawn. "And you're right, you are exactly the same half and half. You don't need a funny horn."
Dawn grabbed Winter's snout, giving her leverage to pull up onto his head and cling to his horn despite his magic on her. "What's the party about?"
Autumn snickered at the antics of the filly. "Didn't I say before? We'll be doing the tailshake dance. I hope your tail's ready to shake! Little foals like you can play with the other foals if you like, or dance with us big creatures if you prefer. I'm going to show the moves to the tailshake in a few minutes, you're all invited if you want."
The family listened as the kirin explained, even as Dawn climbed down from her father's horn. "I don't know." Dusk floated down, set down by Winter. "I'll watch." He glanced aside at Dawn. "Then we can decide."
"Only after," suddenly added Spruce. He approached at a sedate walk. "Technically, I'm half too." He pointed at Winter. "He's my dad."
Dawn colored fiercely across her face. "I'm sorry! I forgot! Which sounds so bad. I'm sorry!" She pounced Spruce, just to bury her face against his side and shoulder. "Forgive me!"
Spruce threw her down, just to roll onto her, smooching her chest. "You are, um, it's okay." He sat up on her, tail swaying. "Let's learn the dance." He stood up and dragged her along, hooves sliding.
The three foals charged out, their parents trailing behind with gentle smiles.
"I hope they enjoy the festival." Maple let out a gentle sigh. "I worry we're not doing enough."
Winter touched her shoulder. "They're children. Let them enjoy the festival without worry, and we can enjoy it without worry too." He considered for a quiet moment as they walked through the kirin town. "Don't feel like you're being judged. You're not, I think." He tapped the ground as he went. "They are marveling, at the ponies who married one of them. At the kirin that married them. They are happy, I think."
Summer nuzzled Maple's back gently. "You're worrying too much, Maple. You always worry too much." She poked at Winter with her hoof. "I wish you'd learn from her example."
Winter started at that. "You want me to worry more?"
Summer burst into a fit of giggles. "Sometimes, a little." She shook her head. "I'm being a little silly, and nervous. Let's learn this dance."
They arrived at a clearing among the trees where familiar kirin stood, Still Insight. Still smiled on spotting them in kind. "Winter, Summer, Maple, and—" She trailed off, eyes lowering to the little ones dashing excitedly about. "Mmm." Her horn glowed gently a moment. "I can feel the family in them all. All yours?"
Winter blushed faintly. "All mine."
Still raised a hoof to her face. "You wasted no time at all. Congratulations. Have you put aside your fears then?"
"Yes." Winter advanced on her, the two meeting nose to nose in a gently bump. "Thank you for your help." He turned back to his wives. "We are very happy."
"Pleased as punch." Maple nodded firmly. "Now, are you the teacher of the special dance?" She tossed her head with a little smirk. "I hope it's easy to learn."
Still laughed gently. "I'm not the only teacher. I'm a guest dancer. But, since you are here today, I will be the one here for you." She gently urged them back. "Join the others. Turn to face the creature in front of you's back end, yes." She stepped up to help some kirin that weren't quite facing the right way. "Don't be shy. Pretend you're lining up for something you want. Alright. Now."
Still stepped back to where she could see the whole semi-circle of kirin, and two ponies. "In front, take a step forward. Good. Second, grab their tail by the tip. You can use your mouth or your magic, take your pick." There were some giggles and chuckles, but the second kirin took the first kirin's tail with a glowing horn. With that first done, it began to ripple along, each kirin grabbing the tail of the one in front of them as they walked, the semi-circle becoming a full circle slowly.
When they reached Maple, who was at the front of the family's section, she colored brightly. Being an earth pony, magic wasn't an option. Sure, a few kirin had just chomped the next's tail in their mouth, but it was her turn. She glanced back at her supportive family, then gently nipped the kirin in front of her on the tail and started ahead.
Winter was right behind her, gently grabbing her tail in his magic, and he snorted with a smile as his tail was grabbed in Summer's mouth.
She, in turn, lowered her tail so Dusk could get a grip with his flickering magic. The colt was still learning how to use that horn of his.
Dawn grabbed Dusk by the tail with a little playgrowl of a successful hunt.
Spruce took hold of Dawn without fanfare, allowing the circle to complete itself around Still. Still applauded. "Good good! Now the shake! With every step, sway your tail in the direction of which hoof you just stepped forward with. Back and forth and back and forth. The faster you go, the faster the shake."
They did their best to move together, some a little better than others, some moving far slower than others, but as they learned, they worked together to do the best they could manage. The shaking was awkward in places, but also enjoyable in its own way, even more so as they saw the expressions of pleasure and delight on the faces of their partners as their tails shook to and fro, up and down, and around.
A song picked up, drums beating a rhythm, and a melody running through the air. They were doing the tailshake, a dance of community and kinship, where the movement of the kirin, or pony, ahead and behind both mattered, as did one's own. They all had to come together in a joyful harmony to do it right. That circle wasn't perfect, but they were doing it, clumsily or not, they had become one community unit.
Still clopped her cloven hooves along with the music. "Step, step, step." Right in time with her claps, which was in turn along with the music. "Sway, sway, sway. You're all doing it. Not so eager!" She pointed at a kirin swaying a little too much. "The kirin behind you is attached, remember. We don't want to go too hard. Step, step."
Summer nudged Winter's rump. "This is great."
"A very interesting dance." Winter swayed his tail, brushing it fuzzy bottom against Summer's snout. "But it's very good fun, too."
"Very fun," squeaked out Dawn from behind them. "Ready!"
Dusk nodded lightly. "Ready, yes. We can do the dance. I want to do the dance, the real one."
Spruce glanced back at the grown pony that had his tail, then looked forward at his siblings ahead of him. "Okay." No great fanfare.
Maple turned an ear back at the rest of the family. "Sounds like we're all going to do the tailshake. I'm so proud of everycreature right now."
Still held up her hooves. "And stop, gently, don't crash into your forward partner." Despite her words, a few did bump at the call to stop, but nothing bad happened other than a few laughs at how silly they felt at doing it. "Now, at the real dance, they may ask you to get a little fancier." She swirled her hooves. "Turning away, towards the outside, then back into the circle and grabbing their tail again. Or even switching partners. Don't panic, you already have the hard part down."
Winter raised a hoof.
Still pointed at him. "Yes?"
"We would prefer to stay close to our children." He pointed at the three little ones. "That's alright?"
"That is perfectly fine." Still nodded firmly. "This is a celebration, not an excuse to make kirin, or ponies, upset. If you want to, do it. If you don't, stay where you are. No words, just stay still. If a creature's staying still, you leave them alone, and just worry about moving yourself. This is a dance of us all being together." She paced around the edge of the circle. "Now, I have work to do, you have practicing to do. Break, but stay in line, and get ready to dance again!" She trotted off.
It was almost time for the party to begin, but they needed to get ready. Dusk, Dawn, and Spruce all had something to change into for the dance, but the grownups all had to get ready, and quickly.
The three foals headed out into the main room, dressed in their fancy outfits, a formal set of clothing for the three of them. Spruce looked embarrassed in the formal garb. Dawn looked very uncomfortable and wiggled as she went, and Dusk seemed very interested in the outfit.
As the three stepped out into the main room, the three parents were finishing up.
All three of the adults went quiet, turning as one to gape at their foals. "Aw." Maple ended up being the first to break the silence, prompting the others to rush in and fuss over how adorable their foals were in their outfits.
Spruce tried to shrink a little more with everypony looking at him, and he was trying to hide behind his tail.
Summer nuzzled him gently. "You look so cute, ah can hardly stand it!"
Winter nosed him from the other side. "Are you alright?"
Spruce wheeled on Winter with surprise. "Why did you, um, ask that?"
"Because you look how I've felt before." Winter put a hoof on his chest. "It's too much? Just tell me."
"Yea." Spruce slumped into a sad, little, heap. "It's too much."
Summer leaned in. "How about you wear the shirt, and take the coat off. It looks better with the coat, but if you want to go coatless, we're not gonna make ya."
Spruce considered the idea, ears twitching. "It's not the clothes, um, not just that." He worried his hooves gently. "This'll be the first time I'm with so many creatures at the same time, and they'll be kirin." He sniffled suddenly. "I'm only half-kirin, and I don't even look it. What if they don't like me? What if they're thinking it but never say it out loud?!" He had worked himself into a small, pathetic, crying, pile of foal by the end.
Maple's eyes widened in surprise at the sudden meltdown. "Hey hey, it's okay." She reached to pick Spruce up, but Winter got there first, snatching them away with his magic. Maple huffed, but looked to the other foals. "How're the rest of ya feelin'?"
Fortunately for them all, Dusk and Dawn seemed ready for the dance, minus watching Spruce with some concern.
Winter nosed and murmured at Spruce. There were no words at first, just proximity and shared warmth. "If you don't want to go, you don't have to." He nipped at Spruce's ear. "You owe them nothing, but, I think, they'd like to dance with you."
Spruce lifted the nipped ear curiously, the other pinned flat. "How do you know?"
"They're nice." Winter smiled gently. "I've met them before. They're curious and nice, not mean. They're friends you haven't made yet, but they'd like to fix that." He set Spruce down. "Take your coat off, then let's go. You can sit out if it gets too much. Okay?"
Spruce looked down at his coat. "Mm. No." He moved to join the others, coat still on. "Let's go."
Dusk reached over, tugging on Spruce's tail. "Are you okay?"
Spruce's ears danced, then he shook his head. "No, but I'm going to be." He pounced the others and they squealed as only foals could, soon hugging one another in firm support.
Summer smiled at the exchange. "We have some fine foals." She nosed gently at Winter's cheek. "And they have a caring father. You handled that pretty good, if ya don't mind mah sayin'."
Winter gave a short chuckle. "I am glad I was able to help. I think my own concerns have faded."
Maple trotted up to his side. "Doesn't seem like ya need to worry much now that they're happy." She gestured with her hoof at the foals. "Shall we be on our way, or do you wanna discuss this more?"
Winter glanced between the foals and his wives, then towards the door. "Let's go." With a soft sway of his ornate tail, he went with his wives, foals eagerly up front, towards the well-lit dance grounds, the field of flowers decorated with bright colors, ribbons, and lamps.
It was starting to grow late, but the gathering had gathered, and the food and drinks were beginning to be passed around as well. There were tables with more food and bits of art to enjoy as well. The foals became distracted with a whole new thing, kirin foals.
"Why don't you have a horn?" asked one of those foals, looking at Dawn curiously.
Dusk stood tall. "She is an earth pony kirin"
A ripple of 'ohs' echoed through the crowd of little curious faces.
The original speaker tilted her head. "That's cool!" She looked at Dawn. "So do you have wings, or are you just a pony?"
"Just a pony." Dawn trotted up to the bigger, younger, kirin. "If I had wings, silly, you could see them." She turned to display her back, with no wings in sight. "Do you have wings?"
"No." The kirin giggled with a grin, her tail twitching behind her. "But I have a horn. Nice to meet you." She turned, presenting her horn. "I'm BrightEvening. Do you wanna play with us?"
Dawn gasped. "What kinda game? Is it fun?!" She bounced with excitement, tail wagging back and forth.
Winter smiled at the sight of his foals rushing off with the others to play. "They're getting along. Good." He looked to his wives to see they hadn't rushed off, still close at his side. "You can play too."
Maple blinked softly. "I'm not a foal, and the play we'll be doin' is the dance."
Summer nodded in solidarity with Maple. "It looks like they're about to get started. The adults are all linein' up. Why don't we join?" She smiled at the other two. "Together."
Winter looked over the group. "Together. Always."
A kirin stepped up, tail swishing, the other kirin forming a semi-circle. Without calling, their foals rushed to them as the preparation for the line got serious. Soon, the whole family was facing the tail of the one in front of them, and the dance began.
As they had been warned, the dance got a bit fancier at times, with calls to turn one way or the other, to move and shake as they held the tail to shake it properly. It was a delicate balance, especially for the pony couple, but they were able to keep up and enjoy themselves as they danced, the children getting caught up in the movements and the music as they were all guided along by the rhythms.
None of them stumbled more than an instant, and they got through the evening with smiles. The line began to slow, but the energy didn't. The kirin started talking among themselves, turning from a dance to a chance to mingle and have fun. The children were delighted by this as they started playing together again.
After the dance was finished, the little family fell apart. Winter was looking for his little ones while Summer and Maple went off to grab a snack or two. He found Dawn by herself, which struck him as unusual.
"Hello." He sat beside her. "You alright?"
Dawn leaned against him and said nothing, but seemed in a quiet way to be happy to have him, and he returned the favor by quietly accepting her presence. They just sat there, side by side, and that was enough for both to look pleased.
The longer they were silent, though, the more curious he became. "Are you waiting for the others?" He didn't get a response for a long time. He rubbed against her. "Would you like to tell me where Dusk went off to?"
Dawn raised a hoof to point at where Dusk was charging towards them with Spruce at his side. The two colts ran right into Winter and Dawn, nearly toppling over them, but they all recovered with only a bit of squawking and shouting.
Spruce jumped on top of Winter as the largest adult, clinging to his horn, then his mane. Winter laughed at the sudden wrestling, grabbing at Spruce with his magic and squeezing the colt. "There you are. Everycreature having fun?"
Dusk nodded, bouncing. "This is neat. I've never seen so many kirin!"
Dawn bobbed her head. "Yeah! Yeah!" Her tail wagged happily. She leaned in. "I was a little nervous too. Dusk at least looks like a kirin."
Dusk colored when called. "I didn't pick it."
Spruce and Dawn practically fell over him from opposite sides with warm hugs.
Winter smiled down at Dusk. "You're perfect the way you are. There are other kirin here." He made a sweeping gesture. "One of the foals, Bright Evening, is only a kirin from her momma's side."
All three foals sat up with surprise. Dawn inclined her head. "What's her daddy then?"
Spruce pointed at himself. "I thought we were the only half-kirin here! She's nice." He flushed with embarrassment. "I, wow." He sat up with a smile. "We're not the only ones."
Maple gestured with her head. "I'm glad you're all lookin' real happy, but if ya didn't eat, ya should. Look at all the vittles they done spread out fer us."
Summer nodded. "Yah, it'll be yer only chance to try kirin food!"
With that, the foals took off, only to find out that Winter and the two mares were hot on their trail. Taking it as a race without any other prompting, they rushed to the tables, climbed up, and gazed with wonder at the glistening food and the rich smells that taunted them.
The kirin at the table all chuckled at the foals. "Help yourselves." The closest to them pushed forward a plate. "That one is spicy, be careful, but there are plenty with less, if you prefer."
The foals were barely paying attention, trying out the foods with reckless abandon. If a given dish was not to their taste, they moved on to the next with only a look of disgust.
Spruce's ears pricked at he sank his teeth into something that was cold, yet hot, at the same time. "Ooo, what is this?"
A kirin standing nearby smiled at the little pony. "Spice ice cream, a favorite. Cold, and hot, just like us kirin." Several other kirin nodded in agreement with this assessment.
Winter hummed softly at the offer, and then a moment later, at the description. "It certainly does sound kirin. I will have some."
The foals took a bit of time to sample a number of the dishes, making sure to get one of everything, if they like it, they were quick to share it with the others. Some of them they all liked, others had one or two champions. No food there was disliked by all of them.
Maple dipped her head at the kirin nearby. "Sorry if our foals are makin' a mess. We'll clean up after 'em, promise!" She watched as Dusk licked a bowl clean with a satisfied snort, then placed it back down on the table.
The kirin smiled at her, waving her worries away. "They're helping us enjoy the food, they're not causing trouble. Such darlings." They watched the little ones settle, clearly filled. "But their parents should take this chance to enjoy themselves. They look like they're not moving."
Summer pouted as she sat down with Maple and Winter. "The adults should have their own fun."
"I'm having fun." Winter nuzzled Summer, then Maple. "We're all together and everyone is happy. That dance was interesting." He flicked his tail gently. "And you all did a great job of keeping up with me. I was the one who tripped last."
Maple settled down beside Summer. "It's easy to dance when ah can see what the pony in front of me is doin'." She rubbed against Summer with a little murmur. "And ah had you two right wit' me." She wrapped her tail around one of Winter's, and one of Summer's, the three of them merrily wrapped together. "It's like bein' back at home."
Winter chuckled, but fell quiet with pensive thoughts. "I don't think there's many places I would be bothered being, if my family was with me."
Maple and Summer Awed in unison and hugged their husband tight.
It didn't last, as Autumn charged up. "I see you all have made yourselves comfortable!" She joined them at the table, just to lean in. "So, how was it? Did you have fun? Did you trip? Tell me every single detail!"
Winter smiled at the excitable kirin. "You are the heat that never dies. A blaze with no Autumn."
Autumn blinked at that. "I never thought of it like that! Wow, deep." She pressed a cloven hoof to Winter's snout. "But, seriously, tell me! How'd it go? Like it?"
Summer laughed brightly at Autumn's antics. "It went just fine. We did the tailshake. A little on the sloppy side, but we're not kirin. Ah bet yer used to more precision than we could ever do."
Autumn broke into fresh laughs. "No," she cut in sharply. "We just do it anyway. We have a little more practice, but no special kirin powers let us do the tailshake any better. I guess the difference is just how you think of it." She pulled back, pointing her hoof at each of the adults. "You think you failed because you were bad kirin, and some of us would think you were doing the dance great for a pony. You're new to town, gonna be some adjusting involved."
They arrived back home in Dodge Junction. They had left the kirin town early in the morning to arrive home just after sunset, their stomachs full and their minds clear. The foals were asleep as they entered, and they did all they could to wake them up, but it was to no avail.
Winter froze when he felt a colt holding tighter than a sleeping foal should. He sank to his haunches and hugged Spruce back gently. "We're home."
"We're home," sleepily retorted Spruce, nuzzling in warmly with his father. "Thank you."
Winter lifted an ear at that. "You're always welcome, but what are you thanking me for?"
Spruce looked up at Winter with a tired expression. "For coming on that trip with me." He looked so peaceful. "It was a lot of fun." His eyes drifted closed as he spoke, then shot open, wide awake. "I can do it!" He slipped from Winter's grip, half-falling to the ground and starting his way towards his room.
He still shared with the others, too young to be bothered by such arrangements. Winter trailed after him, but he went straight to his bed, climbed up onto it, and flopped over with a smile and little grunts. In moments, he was asleep.
Winter stepped closer, leaning in to brush his nose against Spruce's. "I love you too."
Winter retreated to the living room where Summer and Maple waited for him, smiling with the knowing smile of mothers everywhere. They met for a three-way hug, nuzzles to spare among them.
Maple leaned back with a gentle laugh. "We are so gosh lucky. Thank you for taking us on that trip. I had a lotta fun."
"Me too." Summer smooched Maple's cheek, then hugged Winter close "And you saw their faces. They really enjoyed that. Ah think they really needed it, ah do. Seein' other kirin. Spending time with 'em. They fit in with the others." She flushed lightly. "It was hard to say goodbye."
Winter brought his hooves to his chest. "I understand that. It took me time to be alright being a kirin like them. It must have been a leap for them, especially Spruce and Dawn. They don't even look like kirin, but—"
Maple shook her head quickly. "—But they are. They're way more kirin than ah'll ever be." She pointed at herself with an ear to the side. "100% earth pony right here."
"Which makes you so amazing, sweetie." Summer pressed against her. "Yer the glue that holds this relationship together. We love you."
"We love you." Winter stepped to her other side, the three of them standing with their sides together. "Ponies or kirin don't matter, here." His ornate tail curled and flicked gently. "We are a family, and I love all of you so much."
The three of them sighed contentedly, and their tails curled and writhed in time, as one. They settled down together on the couch, their tails pressed against one another. They took a moment to look down, admiring the swirling patterns that their tails traced into the air together.
Maple burst into a fit of giggles. "We must be tired, so distracted by this right now." And yet, she didn't look away from the mass of their joined tails, a living symbol of their unity in that moment.
Winter laid his head against the back of the sofa. "Perhaps. It has been quite an eventful week." He peered into Maple's eyes with a serene smile. "I'm very glad you all came with me."
Summer snorted at that. "Couldn'ta paid me not to come alon'. That was tons ah fun." She nuzzled into Winter's cheek. "And, look who snuck somethin' away?" She curled on herself and pulled out a book clenched in her teeth. "Tada!"
"Where'd ya get that?" Maple leaned in, still laughing at their silliness. "Looks expensive."
Winter studied it with a curious gaze. "Is that, it is." Winter's horn glowed as he plucked it up and held it up where all could see it. "A cookbook! With kirin recipes. How'd you sneak it out?"
Summer pointedly turned her snout to the ceiling and averted her eyes. "Ah mighta asked to buy it, was all."
Maple stuck out her tongue at that. "The way you were goin', thought you nabbed it or somethin'. Don't tease us like that." She reached up for the book. "A fine thin' to buy. We'll try some kirin recipes then. If they're half as tasty as what we had jus' now, it's gonna be great. Ah'll call it a win."
Winter smiled at the conversation of his beloved partners. "So, shall we go to bed?" He set the cookbook aside carefully. "We don't need to worry about anything else tonight."
Soft noises of agreement rose and they all rose as one, not willing to separate just yet. With gently entwined tails, they marched off to their bedroom. They peeled the clothes off their bodies, tossing them into the laundry basket. The house had grown warmer, so they weren't likely to need blankets that night, at least, they'd thought.
They crawled into their large bed and cuddled up with a happy sigh. Maple nipped gently, working along Summer's fuzzy ear. "Is it wrong ah'm feelin' a little frisky?"
Summer gently pawed at Maple's nibbling snout. "Runs in this family, but ah'm more tired than frisky. Oh, done reminded me." She nudged Winter. "If yer still awake, ah started takin' herbs to make sure there ain't more foals. The ones we got are more'n enough an' ah want to focus on 'em." She turned to curl her tail up between Winter's legs, tickling at his privates. "Maybe more kirin foals sometime soon. Wouldn't that be interestin'?"
Maple grunted. "Not so tired." She lowered her head to lick at Summer as if to rouse her towards more play, rather than sleep.
Winter hugged both his wives gently. "Want me to get out of here?" He yawned thunderously. "I really am tired."
Summer squeaked. "I am not kicking you out of our bed."
Maple folded her arms. "You are invited too." But he didn't reply, save for quiet little breathing noises of a sleeping kirin. "Oh." She leaned over to nose at Summer gently, then tossed her head. The two nodded at one another and slipped gently from the bed.
"Ain't no fun without him, but they're all still in their room, right?" Summer snickered as they crept down the hallway. "I reckon we can do somethin' to tire us out." She pointed to another room they used less often, but there was another soft bed within that they could use for more risque activities, at least without disturbing their young.
Maple stepped up and grabbed the handle for her lover, opening the door and letting her enter before closing the door and pressing into her. "Ah love you in ways jus' sayin' it ain't cuttin' it." She rubbed up against the naked pony under her. "You've helped me learn lots of things about myself, things ah thought ah'd never do." Her whole body rubbed against Summer in a most pleasing fashion.
[ sex start ]
Summer held Maple gently, grinding up against her with smoldering eyes. "You chased after me fer how many years, and ah didn't even know you were behind me." She lowered her hooves to Maple's rump, feeling along her powerful legs in that sensitive area, where ponies couldn't see without craning their necks.
Maple puffed up, her flanks wiggling back and forth under the touches. "At first, I felt like ah wanted to be your friend. But as time went on, ah saw you were beautiful, smart, and talented." She gently nipped at Summer, nestling in close. "Did ah mention pretty?" She moved her front hooves to rub along the strong, stocky, back of Summer, and her wonderful hips.
The two ponies breathed heavily in one another's faces, enjoying the smell of each other's breaths, their sweat, and the air around them, that sweet air they shared. They bumped gently together as they frotted, rubbing against each other, and they enjoyed the sounds of their sexes squishing together as they slid back and forth against one another, wetter and wetter they grew.
Maple purred loudly, Summer's juices spilling into her fur, coating her. "I can't believe you're mine." With an excited twitch of her tail, she laughed. "Ah wouldn'ta figured ah'd have a mare at all, if ya asked me before."
Summer pushed her tongue out, offering a teasing lick to Maple's snout, then another, and another. "I'm so happy I've got you." She wriggled her lower body, legs wrapped around Maple. She ground her rump down, pushing herself tighter onto the lovely pony under her, and she hissed with pleasure at the sensation of Maple's curves.
The two mares held on tight, their udders rubbing together, and their bellies smushed tightly to one another. Their hooves braced against the other's, and they rocked gently back and forth against one another as they worked one another to greater heights.
Maple smiled down at the mare she loved with all her heart. "Ah love you too, Summer. Always will." Her face hardened with desire as she suddenly squeezed herself against Summer's nethers. A tremble ran through her as she squeaked, keeping the volume a bit lowered for the sake of the rest of their slumbering family. "Aha, that was..." She blinked her eyes several times, slowly.
Summer groaned. "My turn." She grinned at Maple, showing her teeth, as she shifted her angle, grinding herself into Maple.
Maple gently pushed Summer down as she drew back. "No, gonna give you better." She started sliding down. "Gonna get a real taste of Summer."
Summer gasped. "You don't have to do that," but she relaxed as Maple brushed against her nether lips and kissed gently, but insistently, the tip of her tongue to Summer's pussy. "Oh." She cooed in surprise at the treatment as Maple's tongue danced along her sensitive flesh. "But ah ain't complainin'"
Maple smiled into her as she explored and tasted the inside of Summer. She remembered the first time she had gotten so close and personal with her marefriend's sex. She had been concerned, but practice had worked that away. She extended her thick pony tongue deeper into the trembling confines of Summer, stroking her inner walls, and drawing moans of pleasure.
Summer trembled under the skillful ministrations. "Jus' like that." Her legs twitched. "Harder!"
Maple's reply was muffled, her mouth quite full of her target as she nosed against the delicate petals of Summer's flower. Her ears drooped as she dove further in, burying herself deeply, and she focused on how good the warm, slippery, embrace felt on her face. She had her eyes closed and her hooves held tightly to Summer's rump, spreading it a little wider, giving her more space to work with.
Summer moaned into the room. "Like that." She shook as the orgasm swept over her, Maple's tongue had become a world to itself, a place of warmth, passion, and bliss. She convulsed gently around the intruding appendage. Her muscles tried to contract around Maple's tongue, and she growled with a smile. "You're too good, darlin'."
Maple shivered along, feeling that muscular tunnel tighten and pull at her questing tongue in the most delightful of ways. Her eyes rolled back in her head as Summer's climax set off her own, her fluids splashing up over her snout and Summer's belly. She squealed with delight as it flowed freely out of her. Maple lapped as quickly as she could, cleaning Summer's groin, her belly, and her own snout as if the spill were the finest wine she didn't want to waste a drop of.
Once they both calmed down, they parted, panting happily, and they gazed into one another's eyes.
[ sex end ]
Summer leaned in, bumping noses. "You're my everything."
"You're mine." Maple pecked her on the nose with a little smooch. "Love ya, sugar."
Summer touched her nose to Maple's. "Don't let Winter hear that though."
Maple rolled her eyes. "Why not? Yer both the world to me. Ah got barely 'nough room fer so much love, but ah'm ready to do it anywho."
The foals were running about, playing as children were wont to do, with a shriek and a cheer.
Spruce was chasing the others with a silly grin. He was having fun, but he wasn't thinking about it too much. "Lunch is over!" called sharply from the schoolhouse. "Gather yourselves up and get back in here."
Spruce's smile fell immediately. He trotted slowly back towards the schoolhouse, then trotted faster as his friends joined his side. He shook his head at the whole situation. "I don't want to go."
Dawn shrugged at that. "We gotta learn."
Dusk's horn flickered with frustration. "Even the boring parts." Dusk went in and the other two of the siblings closed for a communal bumping of sides.
Spruce, though, stood outside a moment longer, looking out to the road, hoping to see something, anything.
He wanted to see Winter charging down that street, eyes flashing, and a shout upon his lips. But that didn't happen. School would be his fate for the time.
Dusk stuck his head out. "Spruce!"
Spruce snapped back to attention. "Coming." He trotted into the classroom with his usual caution, head low.
Dusk and Dawn exchanged glances as he sat at his desk. Dawn reached over and poked the despondent Spruce. "You look mopier than usual. Can we help?"
Spruce shook his head. "Can't do much now. I'm okay." He looked out the window, looking to the main road. "I miss him. Dad. He'll come around again, and I wanna talk to him."
Dusk nodded with understanding. "He has to work. I know he misses us too." He pointed out the window. "They're out there working, and they're thinking about us too. Trust me. I just know." He looked to Spruce. "So, you trust me?"
Spruce's ears turned towards Dusk. "Yeah?"
Dawn flashed a bright smile. "Then we'll see him later, after school. He's bein' strong, so we can be strong too!" She turned her head to the teacher, hooves together in front of her like an attentive student. "Sorry, ma'am, what were ya sayin'?"
Dusk looked to Spruce for a long moment before turning to the teacher to listen to her words. School continued.
Dusk and Dawn stayed near Spruce as they walked down the path to their home.
Dawn frowned, then stepped up to his side, looking up into his face. "Still mopey?"
Dusk came in on the other side. "Father will be home soon, with Summer." Having two moms, calling either just 'mom' proved to be awkward. "Maybe Maple's already there, waiting for us." He grinned hopefully. "Let's get there and find out."
Spruce started trotting, his mood perking up, just a little, just enough. "I'll race you both there."
With a chorus of cheers, all three of them broke into a full gallop towards home. As they drew close, they could all hear the cheerful chatter of a full household, and their hearts leapt for joy.
Dusk managed to reach the door first and he pushed it open. "Mom!" He didn't mean either specifically. He used the word when he meant both of them at the same time.
And he got both, both looking over with sudden smiles at the apperance of their foals. Dusk's tail swished as he stood by the door. Dawn stepped past him, grinning. "You're all back at the same time!"
Spruce walked in last, shutting the door behind him. Winter grabbed Spruce, walking past the door. His horn glowed, holding Spruce up as Winter trotted on by in a loop towards the kitchen. "Hey there, kiddo. Learn anything interesting today?"
Dusk and Dawn fell in step at Maple's side as they walked out of the room. Maple chuckled, then smiled at the foals. "I was just gettin' some food ready." She pointed to Winter. "With yer pa. Ya built up a good hunger at school? Didn't think yer snacks'd be all worn off already."
Summer grinned as they passed. "Good to see you all. Don't forget, we've got a bit of work to do soon."
Winter smooched her on the cheek. "After dinner." He nuzzled her and went to join Maple in the task of getting dinner ready.
Spruce hugged tight to Winter. "What are we having for dinner?"
"I was thinking steak, baked potatoes, and veggies." He opened the fridge as he said that. "That sound good?" He paused, feeling the hug wasn't coming to an end. He closed the fridge, floating the ingredients over to Maple. "Champ." He sat down slowly. "I don't mind that you're hugging me, but is something up?"
Spruce felt like a thousand tiny bubbles of confusion were rising from his tummy and popping in his throat. "I'm trying to decide. I love hugs."
"That I knew." Winter's ears flickered with amusement. He put one arm around the colt, drawing them closer. "And I love you, so hugs are always welcome." He patted his son gently on the shoulder.
Spruce nuzzled in. "I want a hug, but I also want to ask you a question, and I don't know which one I want more."
Winter chuckled gently at that. "Well, why not both then?" He nuzzled the top of his confused son. "Hug all you want. When you're ready, let's hear that question, and you don't even have to stop hugging."
Spruce took a deep breath, then nodded. "Okay." He leaned against Winter, relaxing, but keeping hold of him. "It's about being a kirin." He raised a hoof to make a motion over himself, indicating his different build compared to Winter. "I'm not much of a kirin." His voice dropped with the statement, almost a whisper. "You're such a good kirin, dad. Your horn, your tail. Your, um, everything."
Winter's tail swayed gently with amusement. "I see." He tilted his head. "Are you wondering how you can be a kirin if you're missing some of the obvious stuff?" He leaned in, rubbing the side of his snout against Spruce. "You are a kirin. My little kirin. You don't need a horn to be a kirin." He pointed to the scales that ran down the top of his snout. "These scales are just for show. You are a kirin, right here." He tapped Spruce on the chest.
Spruce glanced down at the tap, then raised his hoof to put on the spot that Winter indicated. "So, what's the point of me looking all pony if I'm a kirin?"
Winter inclined his head. "You're a pony too. I'm not a pony at all. You're both." He brought in both his hooves to press on Spruce from either side, lifting Spruce up so they could be face to face. "You have ponies for moms. Nothing wrong with being a pony. Nothing wrong with being a kirin. You're both, a new, wonderful, amazing thing."
Spruce smiled a little at that. "Wow, yeah!" His tail flicked with excitement. "I'm not gonna be alone then." He clung to Winter with a happy hoot.
Winter hugged him back, just as tightly. "Not alone, not at all. You have two siblings that are watching us right now. They want you to be happy and safe." He flicked his tail, causing the two foals watching them from the other side of the doorway to yelp and jump back. "I think they want to spend the rest of their lives with you."
Dusk and Dawn dashed into the kitchen, taking Winter's words as an invitation to join them. "We heard you talking." Dusk stood tall and proud. "You're our brother."
Dawn bounced up to Winter. "Yeah, you're family, and family sticks together!"
Dusk pointed at Dawn. "She's my twin!"
"And I don't have the big kirin stuff." Dawn turned about, showing off how pony she appeared. "But we are kirin. So are you!"
Winter set Spruce down. "But what does it mean to be a kirin?"
All the eyes turned to Winter and the little foal cocked their heads. "Uhm?"
Winter smiled at their confusion. "Kirin are a few things. One, they are a people, with a culture. I learned about it. It's time I taught you three." He leaned in. "You're already learning the pony way, you're making friends at school, right? They're teaching, even if they don't think about it."
The three foals nodded together at that. "Yes. Yes!"
Dusk's horn flashed and the spatula flew over, landing in his magic. "I like it here. Everyone's nice to each other."
Winter nodded, his smile growing more relaxed. "Glad to hear it. So, pony way, well in hoof. Now, the kirin way." He pointed at himself. "I will teach it. Maple, you got dinner?"
"With some help," sang out Maple, working on Dinner with Summer beside her, the two casually having joined forces with winter being so occupied. She gestured vaguely with a hoof. "Yer doin' great with him, honey."
Dusk grinned. "Tell us something about yourself!"
Winter's ears twitched. "Well, the first thing, something about the culture." He spread his hooves slowly. "Kirin are all about balance, they always were. They tried to push themselves into the cold once, and it seemed to work, a little while, but they eventually came back into the center. Balance." He raised and lowered his hooves to show off each state of that balance. "Warm, cold. When a kirin gets too mad, or upset, the heat may overtake them, and then they are a nirik, on fire, full of that bottomless rage."
Dusk's eyes went wide. "Oh! That happened to you once before, didn't it?"
Winter nodded at Dusk. "It did. I've felt it a few times, more when I was still learning how to be a kirin." He inclined his head at them. "I'm not sure if you can all do that, but if you do, don't panic. Let me show you how I relax. Sit, and follow my breaths."
The three sat, doing their best to calm down with their father. Winter guided them on his breathing, in, then out. They all matched his slow pace.
After a time, he reached forward, gently touching his snout to Spruce's. "When I am upset, and I feel that fire rising in me, I sit and do that. Balance." He withdrew and tilted his head at the foal. "It seems silly, but it helps. Try it next time you feel hot, and then we can talk about the other half."
Spruce's ears danced. "The other part is cold?"
Winter wrinkles his snout with a chuckle. "Won't let me get away with it? The other part is cold, but it's the cold of quiet, of still." He brought his hooves together. "You don't see that side of me much, because seeing my little foals warms me right up, but I used to be very, very quiet."
Summer called from her cooking. "He used to not say a dan' thin' ever!"
Maple laughed. "Ya scared us at times!"
Winter's eyes narrowed a moment, then he looked at the three foals with a smile. "So, I try to be careful and not push you away." He gestured towards the door. "You are kirin, I am kirin. Together, we are all kirin."
"We're kirin." They repeated the statement and Dusk's horn flashed, causing the pot in the corner to wobble before he squeaked and released it.
Dusk blushed at his mistake. "I'm still getting used to how to do that."
Winter nuzzled with Dusk gently. "Keep practicing. You're getting better."
Dawn chirped up, "Practice makes perfect!"
"I'll keep trying!" Dusk hopped to his hooves with a growing smile.
Winter smiled. "All of us will. And that includes me." He walked over to the stove, standing with the three little foals clustered around him. "Your moms made some tasty vittles. Who wants to help carry them to the table?" With a chorus of positives, he gently floated down trays for them to dutifully carry towards their smiling mothers.
Maple giggled with a mixed in 'aw'. "Look at them! So, very, precious." She swayed left and right, waving them onwards.
Winter brushed his snout along Spruce's forehead. "How are you feeling?" He pressed closer, cheek to cheek with his son.
Spruce nodded gently. "I'm okay." His tail flitted with his words.
"Liar." But he kissed Spruce gently, sitting up. "You're sick. You're staying home today."
Spruce groaned softly. "But I'm not that sick! I can go to school."
Winter set a hoof on Spruce's warmed head. "You're warm even for an annoyed kirin. You're staying home."
Spruce sank into his covers, curling around them. "Not fair." He rolled his eyes, pulling up his covers. "Okay. I'll stay home and get better."
Winter patted Spruce on the shoulder. "Good." He brushed Spruce's blue mane back gently. "Just rest. If you're thirsty, you let me know. I won't leave." He slid to his hooves off the bed. "That's your job today, just rest."
Spruce yawned, wiggling in place before turning over. "Thank you." His breathing deepened.
Winter smiled at that, happy to see his son getting some sleep. He stepped out of the room, his ears up, and his tail curling with anticipation. Only when he was entirely sure sleeping was happening did he step out into the living room, where Maple was using the exercise machine.
"How's he doin'?" asked Maple between a grunt and another, flexing her front hooves, stretching. "I could come check on him."
Winter waved his hoof at her. "He just went to sleep. We shouldn't bother him now." He leaned in and touched his nose to Maple's cheek. "He has two parents right here." He planted another peck on her cheek. "He's sleeping soundly."
Maple nudged him back. "We got time for more smoochin'." She slipped an arm around Winter, pulling herself free of the machine as it beeped softly in complaint at the aborted routine, not that she seemed to care. "How long ya think he'll be out?"
Winter looked into her eyes with a serene smile. "Hard to say." He kissed her again, their snouts rubbing together gently. "What's Summer up to?"
Maple huffed gently. "At the same job you're taking off. Two parents is enough to watch a foal, hm? But, ya could take some time to play with me." She pointed over her shoulder towards their room. "Got the new furniture in there. Wouldn't mind testing it." She slipped out of his grasp. "But if yer gonna run off and do yer job, ah get it."
Winter inclined his head. "I may be slow at times, but you are shouting at me." He kissed her nose gently. "But we need to be careful. You're long enough past that you could end up with more foals, and we're pretty full with the ones we have. We should go talk to your doctor and make sure it's alright."
Maple slipped back a step with a smile. "What if I'm lookin' for another?"
Winter froze. "Well, um." He took a step back, unsure how to feel about that. His shoulder casually burst into a little fire. "Really?"
She gently patted out the flame. "I'm teasing you. And I'm on a control. No foals until we all agree that's what we want to do." She reached out for him again. "And what do ya say about some kirin romance?" She ran her hoof down Winter's chest, towards his belly, then up along his other side. "Just you an' me. If ya wanna get out of the house and meet someone else, ah'll understand."
Winter stepped closer to her, slipping his arms around Maple and pulling her against himself. "You are so amazing, just look at you." He buried his face in her neck, inhaling her warm scent. "But I feel guilty even considering that with our son recovering a room away. I promise to play when he's healthy and at school."
Maple pouted. "Fine, be like that." She wiggled back from him with a smirk. "But if he ain't better tomorrow, ah'm calling the doctor."
Winter raised an ear. "I'm with you on that. I hope it's just a day flu and we can go back to normal." He raised a hoof to his chin. "But you raise a point."
"Ah do?" Maple sat in place. "What point is that?"
"We're so busy tending to the foals, wonderful as they are, we deserve some play time." He rubbed at his chin, considering. "I wonder if there's anything good on hoof right now? At least a restaurant we haven't been to before. There's got to be a few left."
Maple pursed her lips. "Yeah, could go out an' have fun without foals or worries." She hummed with thought. "But this is a small town. We've been everywhere 'round here! Ah think it's time we considered a real trip. We haven't been on one aside the kirin town, lovely as that was." She snapped her hooves together. "Do it when Spruce gets better, and then the whole family can have a trip together."
Winter shook his head. "This may sound strange, but I really don't want to make our outings about the foals. Yes, they would be a big part of it, but it's not all about them." He rubbed his cloven hooves together with thought. "There must be something designed to make foals happy and give their parents just a little room."
Maple tipped her hat at that. "Didn't think of it like that, but you might be right." She looked down at herself. "Think we're a little rough for a fancy date night." Her eyes suddenly lit up. "Oh! What about Las Pegasus? They have some foal friendly places, and if you get a proper vacation there, it's all included. Don't even have to leave the hotel to have tons of things to do, adult or foal."
Winter glanced aside. "I hadn't considered that. That's very expensive, though."
Maple flashed a smile. "Being back to work is working out for us. Three adults that aren't buying random things, we have some savings." She angled her head towards her rump. "Ah've been keepin' track of those bits!"
Winter smiled back at her. "You're amazing." He patted her on the flank with a grin. "And I love you, you beautiful thing." He pulled her close again, holding Maple to his chest as he kissed her lovingly on the lips. "You're a gift I didn't deserve, but you stuck by me anyway."
Maple poked him in the nose. "Ya silly thing. You're deservin' and wonderful, an' yer just as much my gift as I am yers." She pranced in place, only to pause. "Oops." She hurried off to Spruce's room, just to hurry out to the bathroom, and return with a glass balanced on her back.
Winter caught her when she returned from her tip. "He woke up?"
"Seems he did, wanted a drink. He's gettin' better. Not all there, but more than he was before." Maple offered the glass. "Ate a few bites of food too, so that's great."
Winter floated the glass over to the sink for later cleaning. "That is good." He chuckled softly. "I told you, a bad time for play, even if my lovely mare is ready." He smooched her cheeks, one at a time. "I love you so much."
Maple put her arms around him, rubbing her cheek into his with a purr. "Ah love you too." She stroked his side. "Not exactly fun, but he might be wanting more water, so we'd best check in on him again."
So the day went, checking in and keeping Spruce resting. By the time the other foals returned, however, Spruce was on his hooves. "I don't feel bad no more!" He spun in place with a little glee.
Dusk tackled him from behind. "Yes! We can play!"
Spruce tapped Dusk's nose. "Nah-ah." She pressed her nose where her hoof had been. "Today's a sick day."
Dusk pouted at that, but got an idea. "Let's play doctor! You can be the patient."
"Ya mean, lie down and get poked?" Spruce cocked his head to the side. "Sounds kinda weird, but okay." He slowly lay down on the ground, moving gingerly.
Dawn swished her tail with a grin. "We're the doctors." She wrapped an arm around Dusk. "We'll make you better. You just lay there."
Spruce shrugged gently, turning to the side, and watching as his siblings ran off, getting something from one of the other rooms.
He was not surprised when they came back with the ice cream scooper. "There's nothing in me you should take out." He crossed his arms.
Dawn puffed out her chest. "I read a whole book on doctor stuff! Trust us!" She pulled out a container of small chunks of ice, while Dusk began picking them up and shoving them into the scoop.
They began piling little ice cubes all around Spruce, at least until Summer, just returning home, rushed over and swatted the scoop away. "Stop that!" She then began brushing the chunks off of Spruce, flicking them towards Dawn and Dusk in the process. "What do you two think you're doing?"
Spruce pushed himself up. "Playing doctor." He frowned. "I was the patient and they said they'd make me better."
Dusk yelped as she got one of the ice cubes to the face, sputtering with it. "We were curing him, mom!"
Summer sighed at that. "You know better. That's how you get sick, foals." She narrowed her eyes. "What did you mean by better?"
Spruce covered his mouth, hiding a grin. "When I was sick, so they could go to school and play." He took a step towards Dusk and Dawn.
Summer sighed as the three embraced. "Glad to see," she sighed out, abandoning the idea of chastising them further. She turned to Winter. "Why were you lettin' them do that?"
Winter inclined his head. "They are all kirin. Maybe it would have worked?"
Maple stammered a moment before she changed topics sharply. "Whattaya think of goin' to Las Pegasus!"
Summer frowned, pulling herself away from the topic. "I think it's way too expensive, and our foals would love it."
Maple slid in beside Summer. "We have the bits. We deserve the break." She rubbed along Summer's side with her own. "Think about it. Hot weather, cool pools, food for days. Been workin' so hard on bein' a cherry sorter and makin' ends fit together in this house."
Winter settled his rump on the ground as he sat with the other three foals. He leaned in towards them. "What do you think of the idea? It's a big city, with a lot of games. You would need to keep a journal about the trip. You'd see lots of ponies."
Spruce hopped up. "There are going to be ponies?" His tail twitched in anticipation. "I'd love to go, meet new ponies!"
Dusk and Dawn bounced in counter-time with one another, joining their brother in the agreement. "Please, can we go?"
Summer rolled her eyes. "How can I say no to that? But who's gonna take care of 'em? They can't just go out alone, they're too young for that."
Maple got quite the smarmy smile. "I've been diggin'. There's a nice family resort. They have foalsitters, all their staff counts as one. Foals won't be gettin' in no trouble there. But tons of fun things for us all to be doin'."
Winter's tail twitched behind him. "Sounds like we are going on vacation then." He held out his hooves, pointing them to Summer and Maple. "But don't worry. We'll find some time to ourselves."
Summer flicked her tail against Winter's snout. "Good. We need some adult time too."
All three foals stuck out her tongue at the discussion of gross adult things. Giggling, they dashed away, leaving their parents to chat.
