The radiant sun was setting down in Ponyville, the golden orange rays cascading down in a beautiful splendor of light. It was the perfect setting for couples to sit and admire the natural beauty of a sunset, as well as the beauty of each other.

However, one happily married couple was returning to the town’s boutique, which also served as their home. A long lanky dragon escorted a white coated pony inside, who was straining slightly with each movement.

“You alright, Rares?” The dragon asked with concern in his eyes. He kept an arm around her to make sure his wife didn’t fall and hurt herself.

“I’ll be fine, Spike,” Rarity smiled at her husband, reassuring him. “I just need to sit down for a while, that’s all.”

“Well, let’s get you two seated,” Spike said, slowly walking alongside his wife to the maroon divan that they kept in the living room. “That alright for now?”

"That will do nicely,” she replied, allowing her husband to help her get seated. He then hoisted her up onto the divan, being extra careful not to let Rarity fall.

“Is this comfortable enough?” Spike asked again to make sure that nothing was troubling his alabaster goddess.

“I’m perfectly alright,” she responded, smiling softly while slowly rubbing her belly with a free hoof. “I simply cannot wait to see how our child’s going to turn out.”

“Me neither,” Spike replied unenthusiastically.

“Is something wrong, Spike?” Rarity asked, slightly worried at her husband’s tone. “You were ecstatic about it before, and now that we’re no more than a few weeks away before she’s due you start acting rather skeptical.”

“I know, I know…” he sighed as he sat down next to his lovely wife. “I’m just a little uncertain about a few things.”

Rarity playfully rolled her eyes. “Oh, I see. You’re still worried about what others will think of our child. Need I remind you that all our friends and family have our support. To Tartarus what anyone else thinks about us.”

“It’s not just that,” Spike continued, “What if I’m not a good father? What if I do a terrible job at being a parent?”

Rarity leaned into Spike and lightly kissed his cheek. “I know you’ll be a great father, because you’re already a wonderful husband.”

The dragon’s purple scales began to turn a shade of red. Even after finally marrying the mare of his dreams, Rarity still had the same effect on him.

"You have nothing to worry about. Me, on the other hoof, well, don’t even get me started!” Rarity pouted, eliciting a chuckle from her husband. “Even after our child is born, there’s still the matter of the extra body weight I've managed to gain, not to mention curbing the eating habits that have plagued me for the past few months.” She looked at her body and wailed dramatically. "My curvy physique is gone from me forever! Now I’ll be nothing more than an overweight sow!”

“Well whose fault is it for eating eight containers of pickles? Not to mention all that chocolate and cheese dip…” Spike teased as his wife shot daggers at him.

“You promised to never speak of that again,” she gritted through her teeth.

“I don’t see why it’s a big deal,” Spike stated as he propped himself down to the edge of the divan. “I personally like you like this. You’re my squishy little marshmallow and I’m okay with that.”

Rarity smiled at her husband’s playful antics, a small blush forming on her cheeks.

“Besides, our kid needs a little room in there to move around, isn't that right cutie?” He pressed his nose against Rarity’s soft belly, rubbing against the soft carrier of their baby.

“Do you like mommy being pudgy, too?”

Spike felt a slight kick inside Rarity’s stomach. He grinned at this and looked up to his wife.

“See, even our baby likes you better this way!”

Rarity couldn’t help but giggle. “And you say you’ll be a terrible father.”

“Hold that thought Rares, I’m going to ask another question; sweetie, was it necessary for mommy to eat all the pickles out of the fridge?”

There was no kick or movement of any kind; a devious smile formed across Spike’s face.

“Well looks like our kid is a pretty smart cookie! She knows how to keep her mouth closed.”

“Jerk,” Rarity harrumphed, playfully bucking Spike in the face with one of her back hooves. He dramatically fell back and feigned death, causing the two to laugh. The purple drake got up and joined his wife on the divan, wrapping his arms around her delicate frame.

“In a few weeks, we’ll be a family,” Spike began. “You, me, and… um… what are we going to name our kid?”

“Well, I’m not quite sure.” Rarity said, putting a hoof to her chin. “I've thought of names like Gem or Sapphire, but those seemed unfitting. What about you? Have you come up with any potential names?”

“I think I’d rather have the creative one here come up with a name,” Spike laughed awkwardly.

“I’m certain you can come up with a fitting name,” she warmly encouraged him.

“Alright, lemme try then.” Spike thought really hard trying to think of a good name for their offspring. “How about… Bubble Bottom?”

“As cute as that effort was,” Rarity began, mentally face palming at his suggestion, “maybe I should be the one to decide the name. It’ll come to me eventually.”

“Sounds good to me, milady,” Spike playfully bowed to his wife before embracing one another. They sat in the dim sunset, enjoying the silence and touch of each other.

“Whatever the name, I’m sure it’ll be a beautiful name. Although it won’t be nearly as beautiful as you.” Spike stated, his effort rewarded with a soft kiss on the lips.

“You’re dreadfully cheesy sometimes, darling.” Rarity smiled. “But that’s what I love about you.”

Spike frantically paced around the waiting room, biting down on his claws nervously. Rarity’s five closest friends sat around watching the purple dragon loop around and around the room.

“What’s taking them so long?” Spike asked to no one in particular. “It’s been nearly two hours and not a single word!”

“I know you’re anxious and all, but could you shut up and just sit down like the rest of us?” Rainbow Dash called out. “You’re starting to get me nervous!”

“Ah agree, sugarcube,” Applejack commented. “Y’all is antsier than a pig in a chicken coop.”

“And I shouldn’t be? My wife is in there giving birth, and I’m out here waiting for something to happen!”

“Maybe you would have stayed in there longer if you weren’t distracting the doctor with your panicking,” Twilight stated.

“Well what was I supposed to do, just sit there and watch the love of my life be in pain!?”

“Um, you could have sat there and supported her instead of freaking out at every little groan Rarity made,” Twilight answered sharply.

“Well I’m sorry,” he said. “But to just sit there while Rarity was writhing in agony… and those doctors! They didn’t give her any painkillers, and… and…”

“Spike,” Fluttershy began softly. “I know this is a very troublesome time, but stressing yourself out isn't going to help anypony. Just take a deep breath, calm down, sit with us and wait patiently. If not for any of us, then for Rarity. I’m sure she wouldn’t want you panicking.”

Spike and the others looked at the timid pegasus, surprised that their friend made such an outspoken claim.

“B-but if you want to panic some more, that’s fine too…”

Spike sighed and sat next to Twilight. He put his hands on his cheeks and waited with bated breath. His adoptive sister put a comforting hoof on his back.

“I’m sure everything will be alright, Spike,” she reassured, a warm smile forming on her lips. He returned the smile but kept his eyes glued to the clock.

Some time passed. Pinkie tried to keep the others entertained, and for the most part she did a good job keeping the five ponies amused while they waited for their friends results. Spike however never averted his gaze away from the clock, counting down every second that passed.

After what had felt like an eternity, one of the doctors finally entered the guest room, gaining the attention of the six waiting. He looked around and spotted the only male in the room.

“Mr. Spike?” he called out.

“That’s me!” Spike shot out from his chair and ran towards the doctor. “How is she?! Is she okay?”

The doctor gave a satisfied grin, proud of the news he had to tell the dragon. “They’re doing just fine.”

“It didn’t take much for Spike and the others to pick up on what the doctor was stating. With that, Spike’s worries melted away as feelings of relief and euphoria rushed into his head.

“Do you want to see her?” the doctor asked Spike, motioning him towards the door.

Spike simply nodded, unsure of what to expect.

“Right this way, then.” He then turned towards the five mares still in their seats. “If the rest of you want to come, I’ll allow it, but you must be very quiet.”

With that said, the group followed the doctor to the room where Rarity was being taken care of. They all pondered on how the newborn pony would be. Or would it be a dragon? No one knew what to expect. In fact, none of them actually thought that it was possible for dragons and ponies to reproduce as there has never been any reported cases of such. Regardless, the anticipation for this miracle spread in all of them.

“Well, here’s the room,” the doctor stated. “I can say this much, your child is very… unique.”

Spike looked at him skeptically. “What do you mean?”

“Why don’t you see for yourself?” Soft whines and cries were audible behind the door. The doctor opened it completely and the group walked in. Inside, a smiling Rarity was lying on the bed, holding the small newborn in her hooves gently.

The baby didn’t look like a normal pony, nor did it look like a normal dragon. It had a light purple coat similar to that of a pony, but it had the tail of a dragon with deep purple spines from her hair to her tufted tail. It whimpered into Rarity’s arms, eyes still closed and fragile.

“It’s okay sweetie, mommy’s here,” whispered Rarity as she slowly rocked the infant back and forth. “Everything’s going to be alright..”

Spike immediately rushed to Rarity’s side, leaned over and started planting soft kisses on his wife.

“Spike, dear, you’re back...” Rarity said. She tried to extend her arms out to Spike to give him the baby, but her strength at this point was nonexistent. "Look at her. Our little baby girl."

Small tears of joy began to trickle down his eyes as he held the whinnying infant, her eyes still clamped shut.

“Aww,” Fluttershy gushed. “Isn’t she just an adorable little filly.”

“Ah’m not too sure she’s a filly,” Applejack replied, scratching her head. “She looks like a…well ah ain’t too sure what she looks like.”

“Well I seriously doubt it’s a dragon!” Rainbow Dash commented. “It’s just a pony with some weird, tail thingy!”

“It’s a dragon AND a pony! Ooh, ooh, a dracony!” Pinkie blurted out, causing her friends to look at her in confusion.

“What? She has the tail and spines of a dragon, but the figure of a pony. It makes perfect sense; a dracony!”

Twilight shook her head, giggling at her response. “I don’t think there’s a term for her species, Pinkie.”

Spike cradled the small infant, who had calmed down slightly. She opened her eyes to get a good look at her father; her eyes were a deep shade of magenta, and slanted irises much like his.

“Whatever she’s called, she’s our perfect little angel,” Spike stated, planting a small kiss on the infants head, causing her to cry and wiggle about.

“She definitely has a nice set of pipes,” Spike chuckled, handing the baby back to Rarity. His daughter continued crying at an ear piercing pitch.

“Oh I think somepony’s hungry…” Rarity smirked, blushing slightly. “Girls, if you wouldn’t mind giving me some privacy while I feed her, it would be most appreciated. It is rather embarrassing.”

“How is feeding embarrassing?” Pinkie asked obliviously. “All you do is get a bottle and…”

“Of course Rarity, we’ll all wait outside for you,” Twilight stated, covering Pinkie’s mouth with a hoof. They all began to leave the room (Pinkie still trying to make sense of the situation) as Spike trailed behind them. As he got to the door, Rarity spoke out to him.

“Just where do you think you’re going, Spike?” Rarity teased.

“You asked us to leave,” Spike answered, slightly confused.

“I just asked for the girls to leave. You’re this little girl’s father; you have every right to watch me feed her.” Rarity plainly said. “Besides, it’s not like there’s much you haven’t seen from me already, darling.”

Spike blushed at what she was implying as he walked back towards the bed. He sat on his knees, leaning on the edge of where his wife lay, feeding the infant from her teats.

“So, we come up with a name for her yet?” Spike asked, smiling softly.

“I think I have,” she replied. “Lavender.”

“Lavender, huh?” Spike watched as the baby fed on her mother's milk. “It has a nice ring to it, and it’s a fitting name for her. It’s better than the name I thought up.”

“What was it, Spikey?”

“Rarity the II?” Spike shrugged, causing his weary wife to lightly giggle.

“Then yes, it’s a good thing I named our child.”

Spike reached out towards Rarity, wrapping himself around her. The two sat in silence as they watched their little miracle eat at her hearts content.

The doctor advised that Rarity stay at the hospital for a few days before leaving. Spike stayed by her side throughout her stay, receiving frequent visits from their friends throughout. After three days, it was decided that it was safe for Rarity to take Lavender home. Rarity grabbed one of her self-woven satchels and placed her daughter inside, making sure Lavender was safe.

Spike opened the door, inviting the two inside.

“I cannot believe how good it is to be back home!” Rarity gleefully stated. “Being in that hospital room for so long was depressing!”

“I didn’t find it too bad. How can I argue with free food for three days?” Spike said, rubbing his belly.

You would find that a good reason to stay at the hospital,” Rarity mocked, rolling her eyes playfully. “If Lavender is anything like you, then you two will eat me out of house and home.”

Spike snickered. “In that case I’ll try and leave some chocolate and cheese covered pickles for y—"

Before he could finish, Rarity grabbed a pillow with her magic and threw it in her husband’s face.

“I told you to never mention that again,” Rarity faux growled.

“I’m so sorry my goddess! I’ve learned the errors of my ways,” Spike responded feigning fear. Rarity stuck out her tongue at him, which is only something she did with Spike. She never did anything unladylike in front of anyone other than her husband. Even when she’s had a rough day, Spike always finds new ways to bring a smile to her face, melting away any stress she previously had.

The three headed towards their bedroom, ready to call it a night. The tiny mixed breed was fast asleep in the satchel, laying completely motionless. Rarity slowly levitated Lavender into the crib they set up next to their bed, covering her in small linen sheets for comfort. Rarity then fell back into Spike’s arms, something he was quite accustomed to at this point considering he was often left with a hoof print across his face if he failed to catch his prima donna.

“Spike, could you be a dear and put me in bed?” she commanded. “I’m simply beat!”

“And you can’t do it yourself why?”

She scoffed. “I just gave birth, darling. That means I’m entitled to nice treatment afterwards.”

“You gave birth three days ago!”

Rarity waved a hoof around in the air. “Details.”

Spike knew he couldn’t win against Rarity, so he obeyed her request and laid her down on the bed. He would have done it anyway, he just likes to occasionally give his wife a hard time. He then crawled up next to her and grabbed a sheet to cover the two.

“It feels marvelous to be in my own bed again,” Rarity sighed dreamily.

“I’m just glad to be able to sleep in a bed with you again and not beside it,” Spike laughed, cuddling against Rarity.

“Likewise, darling,” Rarity cooed, turning towards the drake. She gave him a wide smile as her radiant blue eyes got lost in his emerald pool. “I’m positive you’ll make a wonderful father.”

Spike smiled confidently at her compliment. “Thanks, Rares. I just hope I can live up to your expectations.”

“But you already have. You’ve stayed by my side through everything, helping me with Lavender every chance you could get. Why, you even took the liberty to think ahead and have Twilight research what our daughter is in order to help raise her better.”

“Well when you live with a bookworm all your life, your insight goes up significantly,” Spike boasted, a smug smile forming on his lips.

“And the way you hold Lavender, you're so gentle with her.”

“What can I say, I know how to handle the beautiful ladies in my life.”

“Quite so,” Rarity purred as she rolled on top of Spike, leaning towards him so their noses touched. He blushed wildly as Rarity stared longingly at him, implying with her eyes what she wanted.

“To parenthood?” Spike whispered.

“To parenthood,” Rarity replied, slowly closing her eyes and leaning into Spike for a kiss. Their lips soon interlocked and they began to passionately wrestle each other’s tongue. Spike ran his claws down Rarity’s back, enjoying the soft touch of his wife. Their love for each other was strong, and they had every intent to show it to each other….

…until Lavender began bawling in her crib, breaking the couple from their bliss filled world and back into reality.

“I’ll take care of this,” Spike sighed, disappointed at how anticlimactic that ended. He got off the bed and walked towards the crib, picking up the startled infant and holding her on his shoulders. “Doesn’t look like Lavender is going to give us much alone time for the next few years, will she?”

“Doesn’t look like it,” Rarity smiled softly watching the two.

“I figured as much,” Spike chuckled as he attempted to calm his daughter down. Lavender eventually began to ease up, slowly drifting back into her slumber.

“Say, do you think kids will give her a hard time when she grows up?” Spike asked concerned. “I mean, she isn’t really the average pony, if you haven’t already noticed.”

“That is something that has concerned me,” Rarity admitted, “but we can worry about that when the time comes. Besides, her ravishing father can protect her from the mean old bullies.”

Spike smiled warmly, still cradling Lavender in his arms. “To parenthood right?”

“To parenthood.”

Author's Notes:

Did I do a good job? If so, then I hope you stick around. This is going to be a long journey.