Fallen Eagle

Chapter 74: All on the Table

Seven weeks later, we find Captain Alaska hidden away in the shadows, looking for any opportunity to work on his story when:

Woah, where the heck have I been!? Hey guys, I'd like to thank you all SO much for your patience during my brief (unplanned) hiatus on the story. I just cannot believe it's taken this long to bring you another chapter, and writer's block was NOT the cause, I assure you! Although my trip to BronyCon will go down as one of the happiest memories in my life, I got to meet the likes of Dr. Wolf, Silver Quill, Lightning Bliss and Wubcake, and even SWEETIE BELLE herself, Claire Corlett! Yes, I got to meet the voice actress behind one of my favorite characters in Baltimore!

Anyway, getting back on topic, I didn't have time for my YouTube channel nor my story while in Baltimore. In fact I got behind on episode reviews for my YouTube channel, which in turn caused me to get behind on my story! So I just decided to work on my story when I could and not force it to come out sooner. While that's worked, I'm actually not caught up on new episode reviews and won't be until the season is over. Unfortunately, time has just been my mortal enemy since early August. WHENEVER I sat down to finally write, SOMETHING would come up and prevent me from getting into a rhythm or started at all. So, I just picked at the story every little chance I had until the chapter was finally complete.

I can assure you all that I am NOT going anywhere, and I'm NOT giving up on my story that is almost three years old now. I know precisely what I want to do with it and I PROMISE you I will finish the story I set out to tell.

And of course, HUGE thank you again to SquirtlePWN for being my Beta Reader.

axelialea: Eeyup!

headreviewer mk2: Nah, I don't usually like gigantic time skips since those can sometimes take people out of the story. 'Twas but a dream to screw with Ivan's head

Monkeyboy0118: Haha yes! I got one! Trust me, even I was getting angry at myself when I knew it was just a dream! But in all seriousness, it's much too early for a proposal...keep in mind that I never said it won't happen.

ShiningShadow1965: Yep, first they have to walk together before they can run together, especially on an important issue like this.

Furi S Poi: Not just yet! Be patient; Ivan will know when the time is right!

Hex Pony: I am both flattered and scared right now, good reader. Here's a chapter for ya!

Jarius Black: I promise I'll cut back on those :D

Sheppard741: Yeah, though it kind of hurt writing out that proposal knowing that it wasn't real...yet. Well, I don't mind Cadence at all in the show, but I can't deny that she's a blank slate and has been since Canterlot Wedding, so I figured I'd give her this to help her character out a bit. And I think her being the Princess of Love can go as far as something like advice or even a therapist like you say. As for what you're looking forward to: All in due time.

DarthLeo: Well, I can certainly say I've enjoyed reading all of your reviews, and I'm thrilled you love my story so much, even if updates have been slowing down because of the real world. But thank you so much for your kind words; the fact that people are still so emotionally invested in my story is what keeps me going.

Well guys, that's all I have to say for now. I hope you enjoy this chapter, and I'll try to get the next one out when I can.

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(When we last left off...)

Knowing I had a lot to say, I took a deep breath in. "Applejack, we both know we're scared right now, and I know the thought of being unable to do farm work or other chores terrifies you, but remember, we have friends who've helped you in the past, long before you even knew I existed, get work done," I softly reminded her. "We can't deny there will come a point where you won't be able to do much because of our baby, but I'm more than positive our friends will lend a helping hoof when they can, and maybe even Braeburn could come over from Appleoosa if he has the time. Plus, I'd work my ass off for a week straight if I had to to make sure our home stays afloat." I nuzzled her with my own. "Thankfully though, it's still early for you," I put a gentle hand to her belly, "you can keep doing as much farm work as possible, especially for cider season coming up soon; combining that with how many baked goods and apples you sell at the market in the summer, I think we'll be fine, AJ," I concluded with a kiss to her forehead.

The mare didn't move an inch after I'd kissed her. Her green eyes were slowly glazing over in tune with the tips of her ears becoming flaccid while she processed my answer. "AJ?" I gently tapped her shoulder after a moment or two of silence.

"I-Ivan," Applejack gulped, squinting her eyes shut and reopening them to reveal the glaze was gone. "Ah-Ah know we've had Twilight, Spike 'n the girls help us out before, but Ah just don't want them ta feel obligated ta do so. An' Bareburn-" I put a finger to her lips to keep her from stressing out and overthinking herself a second time. She blinked and frowned that I had silenced her, pulling away from my finger yet willingly stayed in my arms.

"Hun, please listen," I begged. "This is something special. I know you hate feeling like a burden to your friends and family almost as much as you hate lying, but you're carrying a child, our child no less," my fingers found her hoof and squeezed it. "It's completely understandable that at some point, you won't be able to much in the way of heavy lifting or bucking apple trees. Twilight, Spike, Rarity, Rainbow, Pinkie, and Fluttershy won't think twice about lending some help. And I know it in my heart they won't think you're taking advantage of their hospitality. All I can ask is please don't overexert yourself to prove you're not slacking."

Applejack solemnly exhaled, lowering her head until she cast a glance down at her belly where my hand still rested. I understood that she realized years ago accepting help wasn't a sign of weakness, but this was something a little different. A physical limitation is quite a contrasting factor to just being stubborn or thinking you're a burden to friends. "All right," she finally replied, raising her head until she was looking me square in the eye. Her hoof was then laid upon my cheek as smile appeared on her face. "Ah-Ah promise Ivan. Ah won't push myself too far, 'n Ah'll swallow my pride when it comes time ta ask for help," Applejack leaned forward and planted a gentle kiss upon my lips.

"I'm glad, AJ," I sighed, feeling a surge of happiness that we were finally making some progress on this.

"It's just," the mare continued with a bite of her lower lip, "Ah'm gonna need somethin' ta do when Ah'm further along; else Ah'm gonna go plum crazy," her pupils slightly diminished in size.

"You can still sell apples and your other snacks in the market, hun," I gently reminded her with a pat to the back. "Plus, Granny might need some help with indoor chores," I added, much to the relief of both of us as Applejack's eyes slowly returned to normal.

"Ahem," Cadence cleared her throat so she could have a say. "If it's extra help you need, I'm positive Auntie Celestia and Luna wouldn't mind sparing a few guards to lend a hoof on your farm," she grinned. I curiously raised my eyebrows at AJ's twitching ears, unsure of what her response would be.

"Uhh, that's a kind enough offer, Cadence," Applejack roughly swallowed. "But uh, we'll see we need when we get that far, how 'bout?" she said with a chuckle. Cadence replied with a regal and polite bow of her head, only to lean forward more on her forelegs for us to continue.

"You're doing great, you two," the pink mare even cast us an encouraging grin.

"Well then," AJ exhaled, regaining her composure by bracing her hoof against my shoulder. "Ah s'pose there's one other thing we should cover before we really get down ta business, Ivan." She had said sternly yet with patience. I knew precisely what she was talking about, so I just braced myself to get it over with, continuing to rub Applejack's back in-between the fingers of my left hand. "Yer still scared o' what my family's gonna do to ya, Sugarcube?" The hint of sternness in her voice was brushed aside, replaced with concern.

I nodded slowly, yet still retained eye contact with the mare. "A-An' you were afraid o' what Ah'd say if ya told me?" She guessed as she began to rub small circles around my cheek with her hoof, her pupils seeming to grow slightly larger as she stared past my own eyes and into my soul.

"Y-yeah," I bit my lip as a stressed snort escaped my nostrils. Applejack cooed and leaned forward, nuzzling her nose against mine sweetly. The stress subsequently melted away little by little, but I still found myself feeling anxious over exactly what to say. "I-I'm sorry, Applejack; I shouldn't have any reason to be afraid of you at all. I love you, and-" her orange lips gently and quickly collided with my own, shutting me up for the time being.

The kiss didn't last long; Applejack pulled away nearly the instant I was cut off. "Ivan, please don't ever apologize for somethin' like that. Ah ain't mad at ya; heck, we're both close ta losin' our minds here. Ah'm sorry for goin' off on ya when you're already dealin' with your own demons nippin' at your heels," she apologized instead. She shut her eyes and inhaled deeply until there were no other sounds filling the kitchen. "Please," she exhaled and slowly opened her eyes, "just tell me why you were anxious about talkin' ta me about my family," the mare pleaded, desperate to help me as she removed her hoof from my cheek.

I could never ignore a plea for anything from the mare I loved, and this time was certainly no exception. I was still a little timid, especially since I'd have to confess about my midnight chat with her brother, but sitting here and holding each other gave me just enough of a boost to bite the bullet. I moved one of my hands up to play with the back of her mane before answering, "Applejack, I-I didn't want you to think I thought any member of your family was bad or a rotten pony. I don't know why I thought the worst when I thought of what your reaction would be, but I was just afraid you might assume I didn't trust your family, or thought they were…..well, monsters," I admitted with a large gulp.

Applejack's nose scrunched up as she cocked her head at my explanation, studying me with no reply. There were a few things remaining that I wanted to discuss, along with the nightmare I had since we were spilling our hearts out to one another, but I quickly found myself embraced in a tight hug from Applejack. The mare hummed quietly as she nuzzled her cheek against my chest, attempting to put me at ease. Out of the corner of my eye, I could make out Cadence smiling sweetly before nodding several times in approval. "It's okay, Sugarcube," she said comfortingly. "Honestly, Ah'm not mad at ya."

"Why?" I asked out of pure curiosity without even thinking it over.

"Wh-why?" The mare lifted her head from my chest and blinked a few times. "Ivan, you didn't do anythin' wrong ta me or Granny Smith, Big Mac, Applebloom or any of our friends. You've done nothin' but good for us 'n the princesses ever since ya've been here. Ah get it, there are still ponies out there that don't like ya, 'n ya still haven't met my entire family yet. An' this little surprise didn't help your attitude about meetin' them," she admitted, her confused frown slowly morphing into a confident smile. "Did it?"

"No. I was gradually warming up to the idea of meeting the rest of your family even when we were just together, without this curveball," my hand gently palmed her stomach. A snort emitted from her nose, tickling my chin with her warm breath as she smirked at me.

"Hun, ya have nothin' ta be afraid of, Ah promise ya. Havin' my family get used to ya is one thing; lettin' them know you're my special somepony is somethin' else entirely, but admittin' ta them that we have a baby on the way, especially outta wedlock? Well, it'd be pretty selfish o' me ta be angry at ya for bein' afraid that," the pony leaned forward and kissed the end of my nose. "Ah swear, when the time comes ta face our family, Ah'll be right there with ya, Sugarcube,"she cupped her hoof around the top of my head and stroked my hair. "Besides, there ain't nopony else in this world or any other that Ah'd wanna have a baby with, Ivan."

I had difficulty stifling a thankful chuckle for reassurance Applejack had instilled within me. Her words lifted my spirits, but only for the time being. Even if she wasn't going to ask me, I felt like I had to tell her about last night. "Thank you," I began, grasping at the top of her foreleg, "but there's something else I need to tell you, hun."

"Oh?"

"Ever since we found out about our child, I was fearing what your family would have to say or even do, but something happened last night that just drove that fear into overdrive." My body let off a slight tremble at the memory of my nightmare.

"What's that?" The mare asked, a glint of worry flickered in her eyes as she placed one of her hooves on my chest. The tremble went away, leaving a weak quiver in its place.

"Because of everything that had happened yesterday, I had trouble sleeping. I had so much trouble that when I finally calmed down enough just to get to sleep, well, my dreams were anything but pleasant," I explained as my breath became shaky. "I-It started off okay. You, Big Mac, Granny Smith, Applebloom and Braeburn were showing me to your family for the first time at a reunion, and it was being held right here."

"Th-they weren't hostile ta ya, were they?"

"Not at first," I replied flatly, furrowing my eyebrows just at the thought of what'd taken place. "At least not until we had to tell them you were pregnant. It was like someone hit a switch, AJ. Your family went from being lovable, kind-hearted country folks who would help anyone to ponies full of hatred and vileness that hung me for being a monster that impregnated you," I shut my eyes and leaned forward until our foreheads touched.

"Oh my," Cadence uttered in shock while Applejack simply gasped at my statement.

"They kept you and the others at bay until I was hanging from one of the trees in your orchard; that's when I finally woke up," I took a moment to breathe, not realizing that I had all but forgotten how during my brief recollection.

"I-Ivan, just breathe, Sugarcube," my girlfriend instantly had the same thought, pulling back yet lightly tapping my chest. I continued to do as she said, taking in deep breaths whilst peering into her eyes for comfort. Her gentle tapping gradually got my breathing back to normal, but she still held her hoof over chest.

"Sorry, I just missed a breath," I explained sheepishly for doing something so foolish. "That's the second time I had to relive that."

"Well, ya don't have ta relive it anymore, Ivan," Applejack stated firmly with a quick shake of her head. "Ya don't have ta tell anypony else about it, 'n that certainly won't happen with my family. Even if some o' them don't like ya, you'll always have me 'n your friends ta turn to. Ah've a strong feelin' that none o' them will try ta harm ya," the mare bit her lip and shuddered at what she was about to say, "but if it comes ta that, we won't let that happen, Ah promise ya, Sugarcube."

"That's what Big Mac told me last night," I replied with a quiet chuckle.

"W- Big Mac?" Applejack asked, puzzled. "You already told my brother about this? When?"

"L-Last night," I gulped. "I wanted to talk to you about it, but you'd already been through so much and I didn't want to add any more stress for you, so I ran downstairs just to clear my head. Big Mac was sitting by himself in the kitchen with a glass of cider when I came down and outside; he sat down with me and I spilled what had happened. I told him about my nightmare and that meeting your family was scaring me and so was this sudden parenthood," I explained. "And he calmed me down and pretty much said what you just did, hun. He extinguished some of my fear, but not all of it."

Applejack expressed a brief hint of disappointment upon the end of my reveal. She looked back at me, eyes half-lidded with a small frown curling down her mouth. "Ya still could've talked ta me about it, Ivan," she said with a cast of her eyesight downward. "Ah'm happy that Big Mac was able hear out your problems, but ya know Ah'm always here, Ivan, no matter what your problem is or what time it is," Applejack reminded me of the time I awakened her on the night of my one year anniversary in Equestria.

"Of course I know, AJ," I cupped my fingers around her chin so she could look me in the eye. "I could barely think straight; getting out of there and into fresh air was all I could think of besides the nightmare. I can only guess that if your brother wasn't downstairs to help me, I probably would've gathered up the courage to wake you up." I gently gave her a peck on the lips.

Her mouth curled back up into a grin. "Well, Ah ain't mad, Ivan; Ah'm only remindin' ya is all," she removed her hoof from my chest, only to wrap her foreleg around my neck. "It was under a special set o' circumstances after all," the mare chuckled and snorted, her hot breath tickling my neck. "Ah just love helpin' ya, Sugarcube," the mare admitted lovingly. Although we'd been through so much together and are now expecting parents, a twinge of blush appeared underneath her freckled cheeks as she gently yanked me closer to her.

"I love helping you too, Applejack, with anything," I repeated with a gentle cup of her cheeks, feeling the small amount of heat on the surface. I didn't truly know what came over me, but I began to feel much calmer than when the day started. Now, I wasn't completely at peace like everything was behind us, yet simply getting the fear of facing AJ's family with her pregnancy and my nightmare off of my chest with Applejack put me at a little ease. "In fact," I continued, "I think it's starting to work," my thumb caressed over the light red spot on the mare's cheek.

Applejack's eyes seemed to light up at this. "R-Really?"

"Y-Yeah, I feel a little better now that we're talking about all this," I nodded. "I mean, it's a start," I let out a short chuckle. There were many, many other things that we'd need to discuss, but only down the road or, as Applejack had put it to me, one step at a time. However, I still had one other concern that really needed our attention sooner rather than later. As for what else was plaguing the mind of my loving girlfriend, well, I didn't want this to end until she was done.

"I'm so happy for you two!" Cadence's voice broke the two of us out of our trance to look at the pink alicorn. A faint blush and a bite of her lip indicated that she hadn't meant to interrupt our moment, not that I minded too much. The mare's insistence and encouragement played a huge role in helping me and Applejack get started off on the right foot. "S-sorry," Cadence apologized and brought her mug of coffee to her lips with the help of her turquoise magic. "I just love couples getting over that first step in situations like this, and your progress is astounding at this point."

"Aw, it's no problem, Cadence," Applejack replied with a chuckle. "Knowin' Ah can still be here ta help my special somepony makes me glad too," she turned back to me, only to nuzzle herself into my chest. A gentle hum escaped my lips when my arms blanketed the mare, cuddling her as close as possible while I laid my cheek on top of her silky mane.

"Anything to put a smile on your face, AJ," was my only response to her. I cast a quick glance over at Cadence who winked at me in return, yet set her mug down onto the table rather harshly with a loud thunk.

I lifted my head from Applejack's once I set my eyes on Cadence's small frown. "Although, I can't help but feel there's a little more the both of you would like to discuss today?" The alicorn guessed. From the tone of her voice, she sounded disappointed that she had to put a stop to this moment. I knew I had a few more topics to bring to light, and based off Applejack's sigh, I guessed she had at least something else she wanted to talk about.

"I know I do," I replied, drifting my eyes back down to the gorgeous golden blonde mane of Applejack's. While what else I had to say didn't increase my anxiety levels up to eleven like dealing with AJ's extended family, they were still certainly important to our family's future. Yet, whatever was gnawing at the back of my girlfriend's mind was equally significant. With a light kiss to the top of her head, I asked, "Anything else you want to get out, Applejack?"

My cheek tingled when, as she pulled her head out from under the comfort of my chin, her mane gracefully glided across my face. However, she had a look of uneasiness painted on her face. "Uh, well Ah do, but," AJ chewed on her bottom lip as if she had a what stalk in her mouth. I placed my hand back upon her shoulder, giving it a gentle yet encouraging squeeze. "I-It's silly, Ivan," came a sigh from the mare.

"Come on, if anything has you concerned Applejack, it's not silly," I did my best to reassure her. I almost couldn't believe that after the two heavy handed topics we'd just tackled head on, she was worried about sounding absurd. Then again, we were dealing with fried minds at the moment.

"W-well, with us suddenly havin' a baby on the way, Ah'm…Ah'm worried about takin' attention away from Princess Luna!" Applejack confessed. She had shut her eyes almost shamefully and lowered her head until it was pointed back at my chest. It was like she was ashamed to look at Cadence.

"My aunt?" Cadence asked with a puzzled cock of her head in my direction. I stared back at the alicorn with a simple shrug, not having a clue what to say. "Ahem, Applejack, what do you mean take attention away from my aunt Luna?" She leaned forward and placed a hoof on AJ's other shoulder. Applejack peeked, albeit reluctantly, above my shoulder, cheeks as red as the apples on her flank.

"Ah-Ah know Ah sound ridiculous, Cadence, but with how close she is ta givin' birth ta her own baby, Ah'm a little concerned my pregnancy might take some attention away from her 'n Checkered. Considern' how extraordinary it is," she added. I honestly couldn't see how she was wrong to think that. Having the support of all our friends yesterday was a massive advantage, but I didn't consider how much of their support they would offer. It was natural that they, Luna and Checkered concluded, promised to help us every step of the way and with anything we needed. However, now that Applejack brought it up, I didn't want our friends to be so worried over us that they'd forget about the royal couple and their own baby until Luna went into labor. That wouldn't happen obviously, yet I could see where my girlfriend was coming from.

"Applejack, it's so sweet you're still concerned about Aunt Luna and Checkered's foal," Cadence chuckled appreciatively, "but I don't think you have anything to worry about. The orange mare still sitting in my lap raised an eyebrow at Cadence. "Luna and Checkered were there yesterday with the rest of us; they understand how surprising and frightening this is for you right now. And no doubt, attention will need to be on you and your foal with how special its daddy is," the alicorn threw another wink at me, forcing a blush to rise to my own cheeks.

"Hun, I'm sure our friends and family can share attention with Luna's baby and your baby," I patted her tummy. "And Luna and Checkered are our friends too; I doubt they'll get jealous if Twilight, Spike and the girls are curious about how we're doing."

"Of course!" Cadence exclaimed. "Don't forget that Auntie Luna also has a big sister that's been clinging by her side ever since she announced she was pregnant," the regal alicorn reminded us of Celestia, eliciting a chuckle out of Applejack. "Plus, I even talked to Aunt Luna after you left the castle yesterday; she was fairly concerned about the two of you and encouraged my idea of talking with you." I couldn't prevent a smile from spreading across my mouth, remembering the special moment I had with Luna yesterday; that was before all of this was brought to light.

"….If ya say so, Cadence," AJ replied with relief in her voice. "Ah just know how Ah'd feel if suddenly everypony we knew forgot about us because one o' our other friends got pregnant," she shrugged.

"And that won't happen to either of you," Cadence sternly put her hoof down on the tabletop. "Our group is too close and shares far too much love to do anything like that. Besides, it should say a lot how concerned Luna is about the well-being between you two," she smiled before hoisting up a piece of toast with her magic and taking a huge bite out of the breakfast snack.

"She's right, Applejack. Take Cadence and Shining Armor for example. They live all the way in the Crystal Empire, but we still care about them and their baby; we just can't be there physically like we can with Luna and Checkered as easily."

"Yes, and it's perfectly fine with me that we can't be visited often, but I know deep down you all care for my aunt and her foal in Canterlot as much as you care for my and Shining's baby in the Crystal Empire. And now, you have your own baby that you'll soon be able to share with all of Equestria, yet if it seems extra attention is being paid to you two, I won't be angered or upset; it's completely understandable."

Applejack didn't respond, not audibly anyway. Instead, The tenseness in her body melted until she was more or less relaxing in my grip. "Well," she started with a chuckle, "it does make me feel better knowin' our foal's gonna have some playmates when it's born. O' course, Mr. 'n Mrs. Cake'll let Pound 'n Pumpkin in the mix too, at least Ah hope." The mare grinned, nuzzling her muzzle against the crook of my neck.

Unfortunately, the rigidity of her muscles didn't melt away completely; the muscles in my own body seemed to contract it at the mention of our child playing with The Cake twins, Luna and Checkered's foal, as well as Cadence and Shining Armor's. Applejack, who had been reaching for a plate of toast to probably offer to me, noticed how stiff my body became and placed her hoof on my chest. "Ivan? What's wrong Sugarcube?"

The memory of our endless walk to the infirmary yesterday had suddenly sprung up in mind, playing one specific topic over and over again. AJ mentioning other foals had brought back my fear of how others would react to our own baby, even if it was a normal pony. "I-I don't know, hun," I truthfully replied.

"Well, if y'all got somethin' else ta say, don't be afraid," the bumpkin stated. I opened my mouth to reply, only for it to all of a sudden feel dry. With a rough swallow, I reached past my girlfriend and grabbed a glass of orange juice that had gone warm from sitting on the table for so long.

After downing the entire glass in about two seconds, leaving two confused and concerned mares to stare at me, I inhaled deeply to catch my breath. "S-sorry," I squeaked in between breaths.

"No need to apologize," Cadence reassured me with a quick pat to the back with her large multi-colored wing. "You two have been talking for awhile, and you haven't had anything to eat or drink yet. Would you like to take a short break to have breakfast?" The mare suggested. I didn't contemplate her proposal for very long, only taking enough time to lick the residual juice from my lips.

"No, no thank you," I shook my head gently. "We've already come this far, and I'm almost done. Why stop the progress?" I asked, turning to the loving mare still wrapped in my arms and kissed her forehead. Applejack smiled from the gesture and gave me a slow, encouraging nod in return, never removing her hoof from my chest. Her touch relaxed me enough to say, "Do you remember yesterday when we were walking to the infirmary?"

Applejack's eyes darted away from mine for a brief moment before she nodded. "I brought it up then, but it still worries me, Applejack. You mentioned Pound and Pumpkin playing with our child, and Luna and Checkered's from time to time, and maybe Cadence and Shining Armor's whenever we visit each other."

"Yeah? What abo- oh," Applejack began when she realized what I was getting at.

"There are a few friends there, and I'm sure our baby will have other friends when Twilight, Rainbow, Pinkie and Celestia decide to have foals of their own, but what about other kids? It won't be a secret what our baby's parentage will be, even if it's a normal, healthy pony, AJ. I'm scared that other kids will bully him or her just because I'm their father. And what of other ponies? They might tell their own kids that they can't play with our child and ostracize them. I know we'll both love the baby no matter what, Applejack, but….kids are easier targets. I just don't want it to go through even worse prejudice and hatred I had to go through," I explained, feeling a few drops of hot tears forming in my eyes. "That's not even going into where our baby will even stay," I absentmindedly added under my breath.

I felt AJ's other hoof reach up and, as gently as it could, brush the tears that had spilled down my cheek. The mare sharply inhaled and held me close, laying her head upon my shoulder. "We'll just have ta show our baby how much we love them. Ah know it'll have a strong daddy ta turn to whenever it needs support; 'n Ah'll always be there for our baby. An' we still got Granny Smith, Big Macintosh, the princesses, all our friends, Lyra, Bon Bon, Mr. 'n Mrs. Cake 'n Cheerilee; friends that our baby will have growin' up. No matter what, it won't ever be alone; he or she will always have someone ta turn to, Sugarcube."

"But the fact o' the matter is, we just have ta show our support for whatever the baby'll need, Ivan. Ah know it's not gonna be easy, but if somethin' does happen, we need to have our arms 'n hearts open for our child ta run to."

I couldn't help but squeeze a few more tears out of my eyes which landed on AJ's mane. It hurt so much to think about our child running home after school and crying about being bullied or tormented all because I was it's father. And yet, I could feel a warmth inside of me as I thought about wrapping my arms around my son or daughter and comforting them with Applejack crouched right beside me offering her own comfort. "Luckily Cheerilee is the teacher," I managed to gather myself up so I could talk.

"Eeyup," Applejack replied, sounding exactly like her big brother. "Our baby'll be in good hooves, or hands," she curled her hoof around my hand, "no matter where it'll be, Ivan." Our sweet, comforting moment was soon cut short by a polite clearing of the throat across the table. We reluctantly parted from our hug to give Cadence our attention for what she required of us.

"You know, I have no qualms with Cheerilee, her ways of teaching or how she handles bullies; I understand how close she is to your family, but if you two want the utmost safety for your child, I'm positive that either or both of my aunts would gladly tutor them privately," the Princess of Love suggested. "When the time is right of course," she added, "and if Auntie Luna chooses to tutor her own foal, at least your baby will have a friend to study beside every school day!" Cadence beamed eagerly, grinning at her idea. "They'd be under some of the safest hooves in all of Equestria, and they'd get a personal guard escort home every day once lessons are over."

I honestly didn't take long to consider Cadence's notion before I had my response. "I don't think so, Cadence," I stated firmly without hesitation.

"No way," Applejack replied at the same time I did with a shake of her head. The alicorn was taken aback by the boldness of our quick answers, physically shifting against the back of her chair.

"Sorry," I apologized for scaring our guest, "the idea sounds good, Cadence, and I'd trust Celestia and Luna with my life. But even with them watching over our child during private lessons, I don't want the possibility of those snobs in Canterlot to set their sites on him or her and antagonize them or smear Applejack's family name."

"Oh," Cadence replied quietly, lowering her head until her chin met her chest.

"An' Ah don't like the idea o' sendin' my baby all the way ta Canterlot five days a week," AJ added. "Ah mean, we'd barely get ta see them in the mornin' before they'd have ta leave, 'n then they'd only get home in time for supper; Ivan 'n Ah would hardly get ta spend time with our baby outside o' the weekend," she frowned, squeezing my hand even harder with her hoof and turning my knuckles white. "Even if Ah trust Luna 'n Celestia with all my heart," she reiterated my feelings about the princesses.

"Besides, Cheerilee is practically family, and I don't have any doubts that she can handle a few students who might pick on our kid, at least until the time comes for him or her to defend themselves. Plus," I looked Applejack in the eye and smiled sweetly at her, "I think we'd both love to have our child come home for lunch every day like Applebloom."

Applejack chuckled and thought sweetly at the idea, if the content smile and quiet hum on her lips were any indication. We did enjoy having Applebloom come home for lunch just to spend some time with us while we took our own lunch break. The thought of it being our own little kid excitedly telling us about how their morning went forced a smile on both of our faces. "Not ta mention, Ah'd want our baby ta make friends with the other school foals, maybe even Cheerilee's own foal," she grinned.

"Don't forget Twilight, Rainbow and Pinkie could have their own kids by then too, hun," I reminded my girlfriend that she still had three other friends in serious relationships that could churn out some kids of their own.

"O' course!"

"Well, I can certainly see what you have your hearts set on for your child's education!" Cadence exclaimed with a bead of sweat traveling down her face. "Not that I can blame you; Cheerilee is very close to your family as you stated, and I understand wanting to be as close as possible to your child," she winked.

Letting out an uncomfortable chuckle, I slipped my hand from Applejack's death grip from her hoof and rubbed the back of my head. "Sorry if I got a little rude, Cadence, but I don't trust too many Canterlot ponies outside of your aunts, the castle staff, and Fancy Pants and Fleur." I explained, feeling a twinge of guilt crawling through my stomach for the way I reacted to our friend's proposal.

However, the alicorn merely laughed at the apology, waving her hoof back and forth in response. "Oh please, you're both still under a lot of pressure, and I'm sure the last thing you want is to think about being away from your own baby. I should've expected a blunt reply such as that," she gently placed both hooves on top of the dining room table, folding them over each other. "Although, it's good to see how much love you already hold for your little surprise through all of this stress," she smiled.

Applejack exhaled sharply, her breath tickling my neck. "Well, yeah, Ah mean Ivan here was a surprise too, but Ah couldn't love him any less if Ah tried," her hoof snaked its way to the back of my head, stroking it softly. "An' this baby is our baby; it don't matter what it is or how it took a miracle ta happen, it's ours, 'n that's all we care about." Applejack gave a gentle yank with her foreleg, bringing my head down until we were laying our heads upon the other's shoulders.

"Absolutely," I answered, embracing the soft and warm comfort that was the fur of my girlfriend. Cadence was correct, however. AJ and I may have gotten most of our major concerns dealt with and out of the way, and with no hard feelings thank God. Yet, there were still a few things down the road we'd have to worry about, but at the same time, I continued to repeat Applejack's mantra in my head, 'One step at a time….one step at a time.' We both had a road to journey together, and now I felt much more comfortable in cherishing every moment between now and when our child would be brought into the world, instead of dreading anything going sour.

"Ahem, I don't think we're done yet, you two," Cadence coughed once more to interrupt another tender moment. "I'm just curious, Cougar," she explained when the two of us parted from our hug.

"Curious about what?" I swallowed. There was one more thing I was worried about, but of course, I was much more relaxed and ready to discuss it than anything else we'd discussed today.

"What exactly did you mean when you mentioned where your baby will stay?" Cadence had a slight cock in her head as she played with her hooves. My eyes bulged in their sockets; I'd just realized that I must've let that slip out earlier. There was no bullshitting nor beating around the bush this morning. It was the final thing I wanted to bring up to Applejack, and I was anxious to finish this up so we could relax and simply enjoy the morning together.

"Sugarcube?" Applejack's soft caress of my cheek brought me back to reality.

"Applejack," I gave a quick lick of my lips, "you already know I'm with you on this 100% of the way, but when it was confirmed you were pregnant, I knew then and there that your room and my shack-" I was cut off all of a sudden when her hoof pressed itself against my lips. I ceased talking as Applejack lowered her hoof, unable to stifle a short chortle.

"Ah was actually wonderin' that myself," she grinned sheepishly. "Our house might be ol' fashioned, but it's plum filled up as it is. Ah already know just me 'n you in my room is pushin' it, not that Ah don't mind o' course," her cheeks turned a dull pink. "An' with Cheerilee stayin' over more often, well pretty soon there ain't gonna be a lotta leg room in here. It might work out for a little while, but soon our baby's gonna need a room all to itself, 'n we're just full," she explained.

My jaw nearly dropped right from my head on the spot. I almost couldn't believe what luck it was for the both of us that we were thinking the same thing, or at least had a similar problem we wanted to bring up. The only hard part was the solution. "Oh," Cadence's ears twitched as she understood our dilemma. "Now that you mention it, that could be a problem, but isn't there another-"

"No," I shook my head, knowing full well what Cadence was going to say. "That room means too much to the Apples for AJ and I to move into it when it comes time for our kid to have its own space, Cadence." Of course I had no clue if Applejack was okay if we eventually moved into her parents' old yet bigger bedroom in the future. That simply was not the case for me, unfortunately. Even if my girlfriend was thinking it, I couldn't bear the thought of living in a room where Applebob and Sundown's lives were prematurely taken; Hell, I'd never even set foot in there out of respect. It didn't even matter to me how much AJ claimed her parents would've loved me like their own; it was their room, and I wanted to keep it that way.

I broke the eye contact I'd established with the alicorn and turned to face the mare still intertwined within my arms. Her parents were, quite obviously, a tough subject to bring to the table; I had no clue whatsoever as to what her answer to my short tirade would be. My heart nearly came to a dead stop when my eyes met with her own. Applejack's mouth was curved upside down in a frown, her ears hung loosely against the sides of her head, and her pupils were about half the size they normally were. "AJ?" I asked fretfully as if I'd done something wrong, which I thought I had.

"Y-Y'all don't wanna stay in ma 'n pa's old room, Sugarcube?" She asked, following a rough gulp. My hand immediately found her freckled cheek, holding it carefully as I attempted to placate her.

Eventually, her pupils returned to normal and her frown disappeared, yet her ears remained at the sides of her head. "Why? Were you wanting to, Applejack?" I questioned in return. Now I was really worried. If she actually was wanting us to move into her parents' room and I refused, was she thinking I was disrespecting her family? Or was she worried about extra work besides the usual farm work over the summer?

"A-Ah…Ah don't know," she bit on her lower lip as her eyes lazily looked down below at the kitchen floor. I gently massaged her cheek in hopes she'd look back at me again. She blinked several times and spoke before she shifted her gaze back upwards. "It's hard, Ivan. Movin' into ma 'n pa's room 'n makin' my room the baby's would be the easiest answer, but Ah can hardly even put my hoof ta the doorknob without feelin' sick ta my stomach or gettin' teary eyed," she explained.

"Hey, it's okay, Applejack," I assuringly ran my hand up and over her mane. "I understand what that room means to you and your family; I honestly don't feel it's right if we move in there, almost like we'd be desecrating it."

"Well, Ah wouldn't go that far," she sighed and cuddled her head against my hand as I lightly rubbed her right ear in between my fingers. "But Ah feel the same way, Ivan; it'd just feel strange ya know?"

"I do, AJ," I smiled. "Of course, that brings up another concern," I added with a raised eyebrow. "There's not too many options left for us to turn to, hun. I mean, we could just take down my shack and build a new house on the property, one just for us," I suggested before getting to the bad news. "Of course, that takes a lot of time to plan for and do while we have apples to harvest," I said with a shake of my head. "Hell, even if we had plans all drawn up, gathering the materials, digging and pouring the foundation and adding in plumbing and the electricity is going to take longer than the summer will allow us," I snorted.

"Yeah, Ah don't think that's gonna happen, Sugarcube," Applejack straightened herself up in my lap, patting my cheek gently. "Like ya said, somethin' like that's gonna take a lotta time, 'n if we're not done by the time our baby's ready, well, we're up a creek."

"You're right," I sputtered, running a hand through my own hair.

"Unless," the mare's ears began to twitch, "that's it!" She suddenly exclaimed and made me jump in my seat.

"What's it?" I confusingly asked. Applejack excitedly planted her hooves on my shoulders, grinning directly into my face.

"Ivan, we can build a new room onto the ground floor o' the farmhouse," she explained with a jab of her hoof in the direction of the living area and front door, "right over there!" AJ pointed to the wall to the left of the front door, if one were entering the house that is. Across from the wall was the staircase while the living area led straight into the kitchen, making a clear path directly across the front door.

"A new room?" That idea briefly crossed my mind, but I didn't think it'd work out all that well. Even with the extra space, the house itself would still feel cramped with the Apple family and our baby residing inside. I also felt more comfortable with having a place to call our own, a house that we could build and raise our expecting family; if only we had time on our side. "Hun, a-are you sure about that? Would your family be okay adding a room to your house?"

"Well o' course, Ivan," Applejack replied with a confused expression. "It ain't like we're doin' it just because; we have a real reason ta do this, otherwise things'll just be too crowded around here. An' sure it'll take some work, but it won't take near as long as buildin' a whole new house from scratch." It wasn't like we had any other options left in the tank, but to be honest, there was one issue I had that had nothing to do with time or the possibility of building an addition. Unfortunately, Applejack could see that in my face.

"Look AJ, your family might be okay with us building our own addition, but I'm just a little uncomfortable with continuing to live here with your family while we raise our own," I admitted, holding her cheek as I looked her square in the eye. I'd honestly prefer it if we had our own house on the farm." The mare leaned back, squinting at me like I just gave her the toughest riddle in her life or if I was lying to her. It wasn't like I was completely against her idea of building an adjacent room to her family's house, but there was a certain stigma from my world that I couldn't shake off right away.

"What's making you uncomfortable, Cougar?" Cadence broke her silence and leaned forward in her chair.

"I don't know," I looked back at Applejack, "you and your family were generous enough to let me stay on your farm, and your family was okay with us being together, Applejack, but this?" I gestured back into the living area.

"What about it?" AJ's squint softened.

"I just feel like I'd be taking advantage of your family. Even if you and I build our own room, we'd be raising our baby in your family's house, and I just feel like I'm taking more than what your family is allowing me to have," I explained.

"Oh come now," Applejack shook her head, "don't think so foolishly, Ivan; y'all know that that's ridiculous. Granny Smith, Applebloom 'n Big Mac already said they're happy we're havin' a baby, right?"

"Y-yeah," I stammered in reply.

"Well, that means they understand what's comin'. We may not know what our baby will be, but it's expected we were gonna have ta do somethin' about space, which is why Ah'm leanin' more towards addin' a room on the ground floor. With us 'n my family workin' at it, buildin' a bigger room to fit you, me 'n our baby shouldn't take more than two months tops. 'Sides, Ah wasn't expectin' this ta be a permanent solution," she added. "Ah figured we could live in that new room until our baby is born; then it can stay with us for about six months while we turn my room into its nursery, and then it'll have its own room while we keep the new room downstairs," Applejack grinned, giving my shoulder a gentle push.

"Yeah," I nodded, understanding her idea, "yeah, I love that idea!" I replied, cupping her face with both of my hands. "And while we do that, we could take more time to draw up plans and brainstorm ideas to still build our own home next to your family's." I absolutely loved living with Applejack and her family in their farmhouse, but that would always be the Apple's house, and I was Applejack's special somepony that her family graciously allowed me to stay with. However, the idea of turning my shack into a more livable house, one that Applejack and I could say was ours and that we could raise our baby in sounded like a dream, and I wasn't about to give up that dream. "Then when next spring rolls around, we can start on building the house and take all summer through the fall if we have too; you won't even have to worry about losing farm work because of carrying a baby!"

A sly smirk appeared on Applejack's muzzle, "Ah actually like the sound o' that, Sugarcube. An' we can move into that house while leavin' two rooms in the old house in case Big Mac 'n Cheerilee wanna settle down with their own foal, 'n even then there'd still be a spare room downstairs for whenever family or friends wanna visit."

"It sounds to me like the best of both worlds for you two," Cadence beamed. "Although are you sure it'll take only two months? Didn't you say earlier your family has other obligations in the summer that would slow that down?"

Applejack hummed as she tapped her hoof against her chin several times, even squinting her eye shut at Cadence's question. "Ah don't have the exact time, Cadence, but since it's still early in the summer, we could get a good jump on it before harvest time 'n cider season. Especially if our friends ask if they can help us, it'll go by a lot quicker. Plus, it'd be a whole heck of a lot easier 'n take less time than demolishin' Ivan's shack 'n completely buildin' an all new house. It'd basically just be a smaller foundation with three walls, a roof 'n addin' in electricity for lights."

"It depends on how much off time we have and if Celestia or Luna needs us, or if Twilight's map needs Applejack," I chimed in, "but I think maybe two months should be about right for one room, give or take a few days," I began to scratch behind AJ's ear.

"An' like Ah said, Ah'm sure Twilight 'n the girls'll help when they can, Ivan, plus y'all know Granny, Big Mac 'n Applebloom won't just let us do this by ourselves," Applejack chuckled. I couldn't stop myself from chuckling along with my girlfriend, drawing closer until our foreheads gently grazed against one another. Our combined chuckling soon died off; we realized that our stress had melted away, and at least for the time being, we were back to our old selves just happy to be together.

Both of us blushed before closing the gap in between our lips, kissing one another lovingly as we were now eye to eye to start preparing to become parents. And after the amount of stress and anxiety that had filled us yesterday and this morning, our kiss felt even better than our first one back on Christmas Eve. Eventually, we both had to pull away, panting yet satisfied. "Well, it certainly seems you both have a plan in place!" Cadence cheerily exclaimed, her chair scraping against the floor as she pushed it away from the table.

"Hey Cadence," I said as Applejack left my lap and stretched, her muscles popping over and over again like popcorn. The pink alicorn turned to me curiously as she returned to standing on four hooves.

"Yes, Cougar?"

I didn't hesitate to approach the alicorn and throw my arms around her neck, hugging her close. "Thank you, so much," I said appreciatively with a gentle rub of the back of her neck. "You have no idea how much this helped."

"Darn right, Ivan!" Applejack happily agreed, joining in the hug. "There ain't enough words in the wide, wide world of Equestria ta express our thanks, Cadence." Despite the pink complexion of her fur, both AJ and I could see a blush forming underneath the Princess of Love's cheeks.

"Aww, don't mention it! It is my royal duty after all, but I also couldn't leave my friends in the dust without giving you two a little push. All I can ask for in return is for you to heed what you both learned from each other, and use that knowledge and your love to raise your baby."

"We will," I swore, wrapping my arm around Applejack and holding her close.

"Also, if you two need more help on your project, please let my aunts know and I'm sure they'll dispatch some guards or carpenters from the castle to assist you two," she grinned.

"Hehe, we'll see about that, Princess," Applejack chuckled nervously.

"Excellent, now, about your friends," Cadence began.

"Eh, just tell them AJ and I are taking a day off to rest," I replied, looking down at my girlfriend for any kind of objection, only to find her nodding in agreement. "But, could you let them know to come over tomorrow? Just so we can let them know what we plan to do. Right now, I just want to be with Applejack and her family. And please let Luna and Celestia know that we're doing better now? I don't want them to worry, especially Celestia."

"Indeed I will, Cougar," Cadence gave us one last hug with her wing before opening the kitchen door with her magic. "In the meantime, I think you should get something to eat," she winked before she made her exit.

"An' tell Shinin' Armor we said hi!" Applejack called out just as Cadence took flight into the sky. Applejack and I stood in silence, staring at the door where our friend had been at only seconds before, soaking in everything that had transpired. "So, what now, Ivan?" Applejack cuddled against my side and rested the underside of her chin on my torso so she could look up at me.

"I think I'm finally gonna have some breakfast, hun," I joked once my stomach growled. Applejack snickered at my stomach's attempt to rival Twilight's before pushing a fresh cup of coffee toward the eggs and toast that had no doubt grown cold during our talk. Yet, right as I was about to dig in…

"What's this about buildin' a house?" A crotchety, elderly voice demanded from behind.

End Chapter 74

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So, Ivan and Applejack are on the same page and are ready to start preparing themselves to be parents, and they're even closer now as they can be excited to be parents. But they're going to need to inform their friends of their plans, right? Find out what their friends will think next time!