Fallen Eagle

Chapter 75: Brotherly Advice and Reunion

Well, hello there my faithful readers and friends! I'm glad to see you all return yet again for yet another chapter. First off...wow. It's been over three years now that I posted the first chapter of Fallen Eagle here on FanFiction. I can't believe I've been able to keep it going, but I'm also astonished some people have stuck around for so long, even with updates becoming slower. I want to give a huge shout out and thank you to every single one of you for reading my story. All of your support and honest criticism means the most to me, and I hope I can keep the quality up to the standards you all deserve.

Second, in between chapters, both the MLP Movie and the Season 7 finale were released. I won't get too detailed or spoilery, but I can say I enjoyed both the movie and the Season 7 finale. It was such a cool experience watching our favorite ponies up on the big screen in their new gorgeous animation, and as for Shadow Play...WOW. It's not my favorite finale, but I really enjoyed it.

headreviewermk2: Oh I have plans in mind for Ivan and AJ's house. But that's interesting you point out how their house could be a combination of human and equine architecture because in my mind, I have it planned that they go with one more suited to Ivan since he's much taller than his pony friends with the exception of Luna and Celestia who are slightly shorter than him. But I can't wait for them to start building it!

DarthLeo: Yeah, you and me both. With how busy I've gotten, it's taking a toll on me for how long it's taking to work on chapters. And I'm sorry bits of some chapters got spoiled in a review, but there's really nothing I can do about that. However, thanks for staying with the story for so long, and I hope you get to keep working on your own story! Don't give up!

Monkeyboy: Damn, two years you've been reading my works? Now you're definitely a dedicated fan! And no, thank YOU for keeping up with my stories for so long. That really means a lot. Also yes, they will at some point, but I won't say when! It's already obvious the Apple family is old fashioned and so is Ivan; it's inevitable.

Anonanon-E-Mouse: Nope, thank goodness to both! So far the longest time skip has been a month at one point, but I don't like going longer than that. But you are right. At certain points it's better to skip ahead a bit to keep the story going. Don't worry though, I'm not gonna make the next chapter the birth; I have far too much to tell before then :P

ShiningShadow1965: Thank you, kind reader. I hope this quicker update than last time makes up for that :D

kingb0b: Glad you've liked it so far and thank you!

sheppard741: Happy to hear you liked it. I really enjoy writing those tender moments with Ivan and AJ. And thank you so much for understanding how long some chapters are taking, but I wouldn't blame you or anyone for getting aggravated for having to wait. I'll do my best to keep the writing qualities up and get the next chapter out in a respectable time

Furi S Poi: Yeah I'm gonna come right out and say that's NOT gonna happen. Their baby will be a happy and healthy one when the time comes

Best Story Ever: Thank you, you're too kind :D

I love this: Here ya go!

Well, with review replies out of the way, here's the next chapter!

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(Later that night; Ivan's POV)

Even though it was late in the evening, the sun was still fairly high in the sky thanks to summertime. The brightness didn't bother me, though. Truth be told, I enjoyed brilliant colors of a late summer evening sky; it really added to the tranquility of the season. The level of light streaming into my shack and casting faint shadows on its walls was simply perfect. I exhaled and drummed my fingers on top of a can of soda that I held in between my legs. Bringing the can of soda up to my lips and tilting my head back, I relished in the cold carbonated liquid flowing into my mouth as I sat with my back to the wall and my legs pulled up to my chest.

The day had gone absolutely perfect after Cadence had bid her farewell. Of course, Applejack and I had to explain ourselves after Granny, Applebloom and Big Mac stumbled upon the end of our conversation with the Princess of Love, but they agreed with our idea of expanding upon their house. Though as I expected, Granny struggled to be comfortable with the plan since her home had stood in its present state for decades with minor repairs being the only alterations to the structure. Luckily, she didn't fight us on the plan, and, along with her grandson and second granddaughter, was more than happy to help us.

I swallowed the soda with a soft grunt and set the can on the floor beside me, resting my head on the wall just…thinking. After letting Applejack's family in our plan and deciding when to break ground on the project, AJ and I just took an easy day. That wasn't to say we lazed about with one another and did squat. We went about a normal day doing our chores, just at a more leisurely pace together; it was all either of us could ask for. Well, at least until we let our friends in on our plan and allowed the realization of starting a family finally sink in. Obviously it hadn't yet, but Applejack and I were still looking forward to this journey together. Hell, maybe once the expansion was completed and we had room in it for our baby, it'll be realized.

Thump, thump, thump.

Heavy hoof-steps trudging over dirt drew my attention away from my thoughts. I didn't even know how long I had been out here by myself just enjoying the peaceful evening, but apparently it had been awhile. Judging by the weight of each step, I could only guess it was Big Mac wandering around either looking for me or any final chores for the day. Once a hoof stepped its way through the door of the shack, I knew exactly who it was. My head lazily rolled around, still propped up against the wall as I looked straight at the giant red stallion, a funny smile appearing on my face. "Hey Big Mac," I greeted AJ's big brother with a grin.

Not knowing where exactly I was, Big Mac snapped his head to the left, almost bird-like, with a snort. Pulling the rest of his body inside, Big Mac turned to face me at attention, cocking his head at my position. "Heh, ya know Cougar, it don't matter how long you'll live here; Ah don't think Ah'll ever get used ta how ya sit," he grinned at me in return with a hearty chuckle.

I chuckled back at the stallion and sighed myself. "You of all ponies should know there's nothing like a good sit after a long day, Big Mac."

"Ain't that the truth?" He answered rhetorically, taking a seat on his haunches right next to me. "But why are ya out here by you're lonesome though? Applejack's inside, 'n Ah figured you two wouldn't wanna be apart right now." My fingers interlocked with one another so I could fiddle with my thumbs as I continued to think. I sputtered and rolled my head back around on the wall until the stallion was out of my field of vision.

"Yeah, earlier today, you would've been right," I said with a smirk. "I just figured after what we went through this morning and then spending the rest of the day together, we could use some alone time to think," I explained. "You and Cheerilee are the same way sometimes, right?" I asked with a cock of my head.

"Eeyup," Big Mac gave a quick nod in reply, "'specially durin' the summer time when she doesn't have school ta teach. But that still doesn't answer my question, Cougar," he added, trying his best to not sound too prying. "Ah know we had our little talk last night, but Ah still wanna know if you're still okay; is there anythin' else ya need ta get off your chest?"

I attempted to stifle a laugh but failed. "Ha!" I exclaimed and reached over, patting the stallion's shoulder. "Thanks, Big Mac. I appreciate your concern, but no, there's nothing wrong or anything I need to get off my chest. I just came out here to think is all," I retracted my hand from his shoulder and grasped the can of soda, taking a large swig. "Do you want one? I've got a few left in the mini fridge?" I swung the can in the direction behind Big Mac.

"Uh, no thanks," he waved his hoof politely without looking behind himself. "But do ya mind if Ah ask ya what you were thinkin' about? Ah'm sure there's plenty that's wrackin' your head," he set his hoof back on the wooden floor with a thunk. I shrugged and sat the now empty aluminum can back on the floor, placing my hands on top of my knees.

"Of course I don't mind, Big Mac, but there's a bit more to it than the baby and adding on to your family's farmhouse," I explained, scanning my eyes around the shack. A rather hard jab from Big Mac's hoof onto my shoulder stripped me of my daydream.

"Our family," he said glaringly, ears completely flat against his orange mane. "An' don't ya forget it," he snorted. I knew he was reminding me of our little chat from the previous night, and that he was doing it because he cared about me, but by God he sent a chill down my spine by the look he was giving off. Of course, this was an Apple family member, but still.

"R-Right, our family," I corrected myself with a forced chuckle.

"Good," the stallion smirked before his curiosity returned. "Now then, what's got ya thinkin'?" I remained silent for a moment or two, still attempting to figure out how to explain this to Big Mac. His correction of my words didn't help with that train of thought.

"Well," I said with the clearing of my throat, "I was more or less out here reflecting, Big Mac." The red pony raised a quick eyebrow, either confused or intrigued by what I meant. It wouldn't have surprised me if it was a little of both. "What I meant was, I really haven't been here in Equestria for very long. Sure, it's been over a year, but that's still barely under thirteen months I've lived here."

"Yeah?" He cocked his head once again.

"Just think about that for a second," I politely suggested. I didn't mean to give him a sudden pop quiz, but I was hoping to get him to realize what I'd realized sitting out here by myself. Big Mac pursed his lips and moved his left front hoof to the back of his neck, looking down at the wooden planks that made up the floor. Finally, he looked back up to me for an answer. "Thirteen months ago, I was somehow granted a clean slate, a second chance at my life except in a world of talking animals. A world where I was the only one of my species. And in thirteen months, look what I've done with that. I've rediscovered the magic of friendship, realized my life does matter and has a purpose, helped save the life of one of this land's rulers and her unborn baby, became a knight to continue my love of protecting the innocent, gained a new family, found love through the most amazing woman I've ever met despite our difference in species, and now I'm on the road to being a father." My eyes drifted away from the stallion, resting upon the middle of the shack while the memories that were held inside flooded my mind.

"I'm actually starting to have happy memories for the first time in my life. All in just barely over a year," I whispered as the magnitude of what I'd accomplished with the help of my friends in such a short time was still weighing on my shoulders.

A hush befell both me and Big Mac; even the normal calm breeze that wafted over the farm came to a halt just for this moment. I shook off the rush of memories before things got as serious as last night and turned back to Applejack's brother. A look of surprise overtook me when I laid my eyes upon Big Mac with his ears drooping loosely on the side of his head and a pouting lower lip as he looked back at me.

"That uh, that is a lot ta take in, Cougar. Ah didn't even think o' how much ya've turned around in such a short time," the stallion then bit his lower lip and inhaled sharply through his nose; a smile forced itself upon his muzzle. "An' Ah wouldn't wanna imagine the farm without ya," he reached out and laid a gentle hoof on my shoulder.

"It honestly feels like it's been years, Big Mac," I admitted.

"Ah know what ya mean. It's only been a hoof full o' years since my sister 'n her friends started savin' Equestria on a regular basis, but Ah always feel like that's been goin' on for a decade at least."

"Now you can see why I came out here, right?" I smirked.

"Eeyup!" The red stallion nodded once in reply. "Sometimes it's nice ta just reflect on things. In fact, Ah remember the day ya fixed up this old shed ta live in." Now it was Big Mac's turn to look around the small building I called home for a short time. I chuckled and joined the farmer in taking a gander around.

"There's a lot of good memories I have in here, Big Mac. They're mostly about Applejack though," I sighed happily, recalling Christmas Eve where we finally announced our feelings for one another. On the other hand, I was hoping he wouldn't ask for specific memories about me and his sister that took place in here. There was at least two other memories that I'd rather keep between myself and Applejack.

"Well, that's good ta hear," Big Mac said encouragingly. "An' Ah also hope that your reflectin' means you're hopin' ta build more good memories from here on out?" He guessed, nudging my arm. My eyes came to a sudden stop upon those words, resting on the bookshelf that was given to me by Twilight as my mind raced to figure out just what the pony next to me meant. Was he just being rhetorical again, or was the stallion expecting me actually answer? I slowly turned and focused my attention back on Big Mac for an explanation, but I could only find him with a quizzical expression and the orange glare from Celestia's sun pouring through the window behind him.

Deciding to entertain him, I swallowed and replied, "Well, of course Big Mac. I'm not about to start enjoying happy memories without creating new ones with your sister," I chuckled, trying to be polite as possible considering the absurdity of the question. Thankfully, Big Mac smiled in return and bowed his head. "Of course," I cracked my knuckles, "I didn't come out here simply to reflect; there's more to it than that," I reiterated from earlier.

Big Mac's ears twitched as if they were having a seizure, and the stallion raised his head up with a puzzled snort. "So, if that ain't it, why did ya come out here ta reflect all of a sudden? Ah know that you 'n my sister have a foal on the way, but like ya said, you'd already done so much before ya even know about this," he pointed out.

"I know I could've done this at any time, but it's a little…complicated, Big Mac," I untangled my fingers from each other's grasp and scratched underneath my chin, feeling a five o'clock shadow forming since I hadn't shaved in a few days. "And there are a few reasons to it," I continued. "Since your sister and I have gotten together, you already know she's been letting me stay with her in her room. Now with the baby on the way and the expansion to your house we're set to build, I'll probably have little justification left to even set foot in here until it's time to build our own house." I cradled my head into my palm, the sentimentality creeping back in.

"Saying goodbye to a place that's held so many positive aspects in my life isn't going to be easy, Big Mac. I just wanted a good chance to soak it all in before we'd have to tear it down to build a proper house for us and the baby."

"Um," Big Mac adjusted his yoke, "ya do remember that you'll have a full year to say goodbye to this here shack before it comes time ta demolish it, right?" I didn't even bother attempting to stifle the chuckle that welled up out of my mouth at the stallion's question. Of course, this only confused the poor farmer, making him glare in response. "What's so funny, Cougar?" He demanded.

"Oh nothing really," I waved my hand toward the pony. "It's just, that leads right into the other reason I came out here to reflect, Big Mac," I explained. His expression softened, and he gave me the floor once again to clarify myself. "With something as life changing as a baby, I was hoping to come out and use my happy memories to help sink in the fact that AJ and I will be parents. We both know it's coming, and I've accepted it. I can't vouch for Applejack, but the realization just hasn't really hit with me yet, do you know what I mean?" I asked, gesturing out to the pony with my hand in hopes he'd have an answer.

Big Mac's reaction, however, was not one I was looking forward to. He wasn't angry nor confused, but the stallion looked a little perturbed or even disappointed in my explanation. My hand retracted back until I sat it down on top of my knee, squeezing the joint tightly. Letting out a rather loud sigh, Big Mac stood up from his squatting position and lumbered closer to me before setting a hoof on my shoulder.

"Cougar, Ah just want ya ta know Ah ain't mad at your answer, but Ah do want ya ta do somethin' for me," he ordered sternly, like a drill sergeant in a good mood.

"What's that?"

"Look me in the eye and tell me, again, that you wanna have this baby with Applejack," he stared deeply into my eyes, never breaking contact nor blinking. I was taken aback, but due to his close proximity and sternness of his voice, I indulged the large stallion without hesitation.

"Big Mac, I want to have and raise this child with Applejack. I've already told you and everyone that I'm not going to leave her; I'm with her to the end of the line with this baby," I replied, staring right back at Big Mac's unfaltering green eyes. The two of us stayed frozen in place, staring at one another like a pair of outlaws waiting to draw their pistols. The gears in my head turned like crazy, anticipating what Big Mac's next move would be.

Suddenly, he raised his foreleg and held it out, encouraging me to take his hoof. I gave the appendage an odd look, completely flabbergasted at Big Mac's gesture. Nonetheless, I obliged and took his hoof in my hand, letting out a small surprised cry when the stallion yanked me up from the floor and stood me right on my feet. "Cougar," he said as he patted my back, "Ah'm glad your answer hasn't changed by one word, Ah really am," he said assuringly.

"An' Ah understand why you're out here; ya have some life changin' events happenin'. But the fact o' the matter is ya can't just force somethin' ta sink in, do ya understand me?" Big Mac slid his hoof away from my back and set down on floor so that he was standing on all fours. He looked a tad downtrodden, as if begging me to understand his point. "Somethin' will only sink in when the time is right. You'll never know when, but you'll definitely know when it does."

I groaned, remembering it took me a little while to finally grasp the fact that I was in a world full of colorful talking ponies and that my old world was gone forever. Of course, that's different than expecting a baby, but still, I could understand what Big Mac was getting at. It was something that I didn't dwell too much on during my early days in Equestria, yet I had to remember that I wanted to leave my old life behind until I realized there were a few good things that I would never see or hear from again. "Ah believe that you're still ready 'n willin' ta start this family with Applejack," Big Mac yanked me from my stupor. "Just don't fret over somethin' not sinkin' in yet. Ah know it's a big deal for all of us, but all ya can do is just give it time 'n stay by Applejack's side. Who knows, maybe it'll happen after a certain somethin' else y'all promised me ta do," the stallion gave me a sly jab.

My cheeks turned up the heat as I soaked in what he had said. I chuckled nervously and rubbed at the back of my neck. "Heh, thanks for the words again, Big Mac. That really makes me feel better," I grinned. Luckily, I wasn't completely distraught as I was last night, so it didn't take as long for me to feel relief. However, since he was teasing me, I decided to get back at the stallion. "You know that'll happen when I feel it's right, but do you mind if I ask you something?"

"Go on then."

"Are you excited to finally be an uncle?"

"Well," he clicked his tongue against the roof of his mouth, "next ta the happiness o' you 'n my sister, o' course Ah am. It's the thing Ah'm lookin' forward ta the most for your foal," he grinned.

"And I can't wait to be the uncle to your and Cheerilee's baby," I patted the stallion's shoulder as I scooped up the empty soda can from the floor. Big Mac, however, stayed stuck in place with his mouth hanging open from my remark. The stallion growled, shaking his head with a glare before giving me a quick shove.

"Just get your butt inside so you can be with my sister, Cougar," he ordered, stopping right before the door and gave me a sideways glance. "Y'all shouldn't be apart for too long," Big Mac added, swiftly exiting the shack. I stared at the spot he'd just been standing in, rethinking the quick talk we had while I squeezed the empty soda can in my hand. A grin spread across my face; maybe I was worrying a little too much about AJ's pregnancy not sinking in yet. Sure, both of us were still anxious about it, but as long as we were looking forward to it and understood our biggest fears, that's all that mattered. Of course, simply thinking of fulfilling my promise to the eldest male member of AJ's immediate family sucked the breath right out of me.

Timing was the name of the game now. With how much work the summer time harvest demanded, building the addition to the farm house, Luna and Checkered's own foal on the way and trying to solve the mystery of who orchestrated the kidnapping of Luna, popping the question to the woman of my dreams was something I had to do when it felt right. Would I have to wait until Autumn came around at the earliest? What if the addition took longer than expected? How would other ponies in town react to us getting married? I know some of them, like those flower mares and the newspaper pony only barely tolerated my presence. Would they draw the line at AJ becoming my wife? "Oh shit!" I cursed when I felt the now crushed soda can dig into the flesh of my finger.

I looked at my hand after dropping the worthless hunk of aluminum to find that there was no blood on my finger, but a faint cut from where I had been squeezing the can. "One step at a time," I said with a soft exhale. I took a few deep breaths, following Cadence and Twilight's relaxation advice and allowed my mind to slow down to a normal pace. I had to stop getting too ahead of myself and keep myself as level headed as possible for Applejack. With one final look around, I finally exited my shack just the brilliant orange glow of Celestia's sun dipped behind the mountains of the valley, creating long, warped shadows of everything on the farm.

It might not have been extremely late, heck Granny was in her favorite rocking chair when I entered the house, but I was ready to call it a night; AJ and I had some explaining to do to our friends the next day. "Good night, Granny Smith," I smiled at the elderly pony before ascending the stairs. Big Mac had beat me upstairs since I had taken a moment to be alone with my thoughts, and Applebloom was pacing around her room, trying to think of what to do with Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle tomorrow.

"Ivan?" I heard AJ call from her bedroom, "Is that you, Sugarcube?" I hustled down the rest of the hallway and poked my head into her room, finding the mare had already turned in for the night, curled up in bed with a western themed novel. "You doin' okay, Ivan?" She asked and put the book face down. "Ah was a bit worried when Ah didn't hear a peep from ya after dinner."

I couldn't help but stare at Applejack. In the faint orange glow of the setting sun, and how she undid her mane for when she slept, she looked even more gorgeous than usual. With a snicker, I entered her room and gently shut the door, setting my Drive to End Hunger cap on top of her dresser. "Yeah, I'm fine, hun," I peeled off my jeans and shirt, leaving my boxers and socks on. "I just needed some time to think is all."

"Really?" My girlfriend raised one of her ever expressive eyebrows, "about what?" She scooted over a bit in bed, taking a few peeks at me while I climbed in beside her.

"Just about us," I replied, giving her a slow, loving kiss to the cheek and a pat to her belly. Her cheek was red when I pulled away and I couldn't help but chuckle. "We're gonna be okay, Applejack," I gently lifted her book off of her chest, marking her page and put it on the nightstand.

"Ah know, Sugarcube," she sighed once I snuggled up close to her under the covers, wrapped my arms around her furry body and pulled her close. The mare cozied right up into the crook of my neck and slipped her foreleg around my torso, peppering my neck with kisses. "Y'all know what ta say ta Twilight, Spike 'n the girls tomorrow?"

"Yep," I rested my chin on her silky mane, taking in the scent of apples and cinnamon that wafted off her fur and hair. Celestia's sun at last dipped below the horizon, giving the moon its time to shine in the sky. "Good night you two," I whispered to Applejack before my eyelids slowly became heavier and heavier until they shut. My heart leapt when I heard Applejack sigh happily at my wish and squeeze me just a bit tighter.

(The next morning; Ivan's POV)

"Hey everyone," I greeted all of my Ponyville friends as they met myself and AJ at the entrance to Sweet Apple Acres. Our request to Cadence worked out exactly as we had hoped. They'd given us a day to relax and gather our thoughts before showing up first thing this morning wide eyed and anxious to help. Words couldn't describe how happy I was to see them. "Are you all doing okay?"

Rarity let out an almost horrified gasp, holding her hoof to her mouth. "Cougar! How are we doing?! How are you two doing? Do you have any idea how worried we all were for you and Applejack?" Her hoof stamped the ground and kicked up some dust into the air. I expected at least a few of our friends to be antsy about our condition, and to be fair, Rarity was acting a little calmer than I anticipated. Nonetheless, Twilight, Spike, Flash, Pinkie, Rainbow, Fluttershy, Starlight, Dr. Whooves and Lyra managed to remain calm, though they all, Rarity included, appeared to be disheveled like they didn't sleep very well.

Spike laid a gentle hand upon his marefriend's quivering shoulder and gave it a few kneads, helping the mare regain her composure. I was starting to feel slightly guilty about keeping all of our friends in the dark for 24 hours, but AJ and I still agreed it was for the best. Applejack sighed and took a step forward with the removal of her stetson and held it over her heart. "Everypony, Ah'm positive y'all got Cadence's message?" She guessed.

"Well, of course," Twilight stepped closer to my girlfriend, "she stopped by the castle yesterday just as we were all about to come pay you and Cougar a visit," the alicorn explained. She then brought her hoof up to her head and placed it over her temple, rubbing at it in small circles. "I-I just wish your message wasn't so vague!" She exclaimed with a flail of her foreleg. AJ leaned back to avoid getting hit, yet she remained still and waited for Twilight's little episode to end.

"We were so worried about you two," Fluttershy said sadly, bowing her head but peering up at as with her teal eyes.

"Yeah!" Pinkie chimed in. "We don't mean to make you two feel guilty or anything because that would be super unfair, but-"

"Do you know how much it sucks when you want to be there for your friends but they don't want you there?" Rainbow Dash interjected. Much to my surprise, her interruption wasn't one of her trademark outbursts, she sounded helpless. The warm feeling at the sight of my friends was cooling, but I couldn't blame them. I understood precisely how it felt to want to help friends but you can't or they wouldn't let you.

Applejack's ears seemed to be melting right off her head as she took in the stinging words of our friends. "Aww, come here y'all," she put her stetson back on her head and grabbed Twilight and Rainbow in a huge hug. Not even a second later, I was rushed by Pinkie Pie who buried her head into my stomach, squeezing my waist tightly with her forelegs. Soon enough, Fluttershy joined in with a much softer hug around my shoulders, her soft mane and fur feeling akin to a cloud. Eventually, Flash, Spike and Starlight were absorbed into AJ's group hug, leaving Dr. Whooves and Lyra to encompass the hug Pinkie had started around me. Even though the doctor and myself weren't as good of friends as I was with everyone else, who was I deny becoming good friends with the kind scientist? I was still giving Starlight a chance, and I was growing fonder of her every time we met after all.

"Guys, we didn't mean to make you feel like we didn't need you," I said after wrapping my arms around Fluttershy and Lyra, their soft warm fur cuddling against me only made me realize how much I missed our friends yesterday.

"Yeah," AJ's muffled voice came in from being buried between Rainbow Dash and Twilight. "Ivan 'n Ah just wanted a normal day ta rest is all; it ain't like we didn't wanna see y'all," she continued. Peeking around Fluttershy's mane, I could make out my girlfriend rubbing her hooves up and down the back's of the alicorn and pegasus in her grip.

"That's exactly what Cadence told us," Spike replied as he rested his head upon Rarity's curled mane.

"And we understand that, but what's more normal than spending a day with your closest friends?" Starlight innocently inquired, having only one foreleg involved her hug around Applejack. I was a little worried someone would be upset at what Starlight said, but since she was still learning, I personally saw that she had a point. Before anyone, if they were to at all, could object to her question, I jumped in to answer the unicorn.

"You make a good point, Starlight, but we had so much to think about yesterday that after Cadence helped us come to grips, all we wanted was to be together out in the orchard working on the farm," I replied in defense of Twilight's student. While looking in Starlight's direction, I could feel the eerie sting of several pairs of eyes staring at me, almost making the comfort of Pinkie, Fluttershy, Lyra and Dr. Whooves wash away.

"Eeyup," AJ now cut in for my defense, "just ta try 'n have one more normal day together before we get started on buildin' for our future as parents. Thank Celestia we still had time for that," the mare cast a look in my direction and smiled. If neither of us had multiple friends clinging to our bodies, I would've reached out to hold her hoof.

"Although," I grimaced, "you guys don't know how happy we are to see you," I bowed my head until my cheek brushed against Fluttershy's mane.

"An' we're real sorry we made ya think we didn't want ya around," Applejack restated what I'd said earlier. "That never was and never will be-" The mare came to a stop as Twilight's lavender hoof was planted over Applejack's orange lips, silencing her. As if they were connected by mental link, everyone released their grips on myself and AJ in unison.

"No, please," Twilight exhaled loudly, her wings opening up halfway, "you two don't have any reason or obligation to apologize to any of us," the alicorn said sympathetically with a hoof over her chest.

"You had so much dropped into your laps that understandably distressed the both of you. Even though I'm not as acquainted with you as the rest of your friends, I was hoping to be of your service for whatever you needed," Dr. Whooves continued. It only now occurred to me that he didn't even wear his bow tie; it was the first time I'd seen him without it.

"We honestly didn't mean to guilt trip you or make you feel like you were on trial," Lyra now spoke up for the first time. The mint colored unicorn honestly looked naked without Bon Bon next to her, perhaps that was another reason why she looked distraught. "Like Fluttershy said, we were just so worried about what was going through your minds, and then we got told by Cadence you didn't want us to see you until today," she explained with a grim tone to her voice.

"Aww, don't be that way, Sugarcube," Applejack reached out with her hoof and gently raised Lyra's chin so that she was eye level with my girlfriend. "Truthfully, Ivan 'n Ah had a lot o' things runnin' through our heads yesterday that it probably would've drove y'all crazy; it nearly did ta us."

Rarity suddenly drew in a sharp breath and stepped forth, having finally calmed down from her earlier flare-up. "I'm so sorry for my outburst, but we just love you both so much," the fashionista admitted. "We couldn't stand to see such good friends and a loving couple so lost and, please forgive my bluntness, afraid when the news was confirmed. Truthfully, we understood letting you both go home alone with Big Macintosh and Cheerilee so that you could tell Applebloom and Granny Smith, but, we were just desperate to be by your sides as you two have done for us on numerous occasions."

Same as last night during my chat with Big Mac, silence met the group. Not even a breeze rustled the leaves of the trees in the orchard; the pigs, sheep, cows and chickens had gone quiet as well. "We understand too, Rarity," I cupped my hand against her cheek. If it helped Applejack feel at ease, I hoped it did for the mare that gave me the courage to take my relationship with AJ to another level. A smile quivered its way across my face as the fancy mare cooed gently into my palm, rubbing her cheek against its surface. "Like I've said before, AJ and I are so blessed to have friends like you." Rarity sniffled and smiled back, blinking away a few tears.

"You bet," Applejack wrapped her forelegs tightly around Rarity. "But since you're all here, why don't y'all come inside? Ivan 'n Ah whipped up a big breakfast for everypony right when we got up this morning," she offered, swinging her foreleg in the direction of the farm house. "We can bring everypony up ta speed on what Ivan 'n Ah decided yesterday." Some of the ponies in the group, namely Rainbow and Pinkie, licked their lips at the offer, while some nodded at the idea and Twilight blinked in surprise.

"That sounds like a good idea, Applejack, but why did you and Cougar have a huge breakfast waiting for us? We don't really need a special reason beyond your invitation to go inside your house, correct?" She scratched her temple. I released my hand from Rarity's cheek only to place it upon Twilight's shoulder, giving it a friendly squeeze.

"Well, it's sort of our way of apologizing for making you all feel like we left you in the dust yesterday; we had a hunch," I winked at the alicorn who appeared dumbfounded by our prediction. "Besides, everything is better explained on a full stomach," I gave her shoulder a pat.

"Oh, you read my mind, Cougar!" Pinkie's signature grin returned as she grabbed her possible cousin's hoof and yanked her forward to the farm house, leading everyone. I however, strayed behind a little to walk beside Lyra. Even though she seemed happy to see us and that she and the rest of our friends can help us now, something about the unicorn still appeared to be a little down.

"Lyra," I softly called out her name, "how come Bon Bon isn't here?" I immediately tackled the subject of her missing wife, knowing that that had to be why she didn't appear too happy. I also realized that Soarin was not present, but it was easy to piece together he was probably busy in Cloudsdale still.

"Oh," she sighed, "is it that easy to tell?" Her cheeks turned from aquamarine to scarlet. "I try not to be too clingy to Bonnie, but I just don't like being away from her for too long."

"I understand," I chuckled, "so where is she?" I repeated.

"Bonnie just needs to start opening her candy shop earlier for the summer hours, especially the fillies and colts who get allowance," she explained. "Though, she really wanted to be here," the mare bit her lip.

"Hey now, don't sweat it, Lyra. AJ and I won't hold anything against her," I promised.

"Yeah, I kind of figured, but….do you think I could touch your hands again, just to make me feel a little better?" She used her golden eyes to give me a puppy dog look, even pouting her lip for good measure.

"Oh, all right," I playfully rolled my eyes.

End Chapter 75

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So, now that Ivan and Applejack are reunited with their friends, how will they react to the expecting parents' plans? And what of Bon Bon? Is she going to show up? Will things return to being somewhat normal for Ivan and AJ? Find out next time!

Also, again, a HUGE thank you to the people who have stuck with this fanfic for so long. I'm still in shock that it's been going for over three years now, and although updates have been coming slower, I really want to finish this story for all of you. I can't thank all of you enough for your support, but thanks for sticking with me on this journey.