Early morning in Ponyville, Celestia’s sun was just breaking over the horizon, and the Sparkle household was awaking to its morning routine. Twilight and Spike were busy in the kitchen, while Scootaloo and Nyx were getting ready for another day of school. The only problem: DJ had yet to come down for breakfast. Twilight even made his favorite: pancakes. She let it slide, though, since he had a long night with the Apple Family. So as she and Spike joined Scootaloo and Nyx at the table, they wondered when the stallion of the house would finally wake up. The question was answered as they saw a blue blob dragging himself into the room.

“Morning Daddy!” piped up Nyx with a smile and cheeks puffed up with pancakes. DJ gave her a sleepy smile and sat down to his own breakfast. Twilight wasn’t sure, but something seemed off about her husband.

“So, how’s the family, DJ?” she asked. DJ began to answer, but his voice seemed strained and nasally.

“Th…the…a…a….ACHOO!!” DJ’s sneeze had much more effect then intended. Once it was released, a cold wind engulfed the table, freezing it solid. The family stared in wonder at their now frozen table. Nyx was gaping at it, Scootaloo was busy trying to free her fork from its icy grip since it still had food on it, and Twilight and Spike were speechless. “Oops,” DJ said hoarsely.

That shook Twi from her stupor. “DJ are you feeling alright, honey?” She patted his back with a look of worry on her face. Instead of talking, DJ used his magic and summoned a parchment and quill. He scribbled his words on it and passed it to Twilight. She took the paper in her own magic and read it aloud.

“’I think I strained my voice trying to best Big Mac in a turkey calling contest yesterday. I can’t speak very well right now. Oh, I think I caught a cold.’ Oh, DJ,” she said somberly. Though she was worried about his condition, inside she was a little happy that she wouldn’t be putting up with her husband’s talkative quirks for at least a day.

“That sucks, dad,” said Scoots who was still trying to get back her last bite of breakfast. “Did you at least win?”

DJ wrote out a reply and Twilight read it. “’No, but neither did your uncle. Somehow, Pinkie Pie came out on top.’”

“Like that’s all that surprising,” Spike quipped. DJ shrugged and then hung his head, sniffling. He hoofed Twilight another note to read.

“’I think I’m gonna go lie down. Need to get rid of this cold.’ Okay, DJ. If you need anything, just send me or Spike a message. Ok?” DJ nodded and trotted back up to their bedroom. Though he did wave a goodbye to his children, smiling at them on his way up.

“Get well soon, dad.”

“Hope you feel better later daddy.”

Nyx and Scootaloo then finished up getting ready for school and headed out, Twilight wishing them a good day. After unfreezing the table with a warmth spell, Spike took care of the dishes while Twilight went to checkup on DJ. She found him lying on his back, staring up at the ceiling. “How are you doing dear?” she asked. Using his magic again, he wrote down his voice.

‘I could use some soup, honestly,’ he ‘said’.

Twilight nodded in understanding. “I don’t think there would be any problem with that. Any preferences.”

‘Normally, I would ask for chicken soup. Since I know that’s not gonna happen, chef’s choice.’

Twilight grimaced a little at the mention of chicken soup, but shook it off after reminding herself that her loving husband had once belonged to an omnivorous species. “Alright then. One bowl of celery soup coming up.” She headed down the steps and found Spike sweeping the floors of the library. “Spike,” Twilight said, getting the young drake’s attention. “I’m gonna be in the kitchen making DJ some soup, so you are to keep up the shop.”

“No problem, Twilight,” he returned. “I got a few things I need to get down up front here anyways. How’s bro doing by the way?”

“He’ll be just fine after some soup and rest. Not sure about his voice, but shouldn’t take more than a few days at most.”

“That’s too bad. He’s gonna miss out on Fluttershy’s pet fair later today. Rarity and the PonyTones are supposed to playing tonight, too. We’re still going right?” Spike asked hopefully.

“If DJ’s feeling better, I think we should be able to attend. I just don’t want to leave him alone,” Twilight said as she walked towards the kitchen.

Spike just scoffs. “He’s a big pony, Twi. We both know he can take care of himself just fine.”

“Yes, Spike, but this is his first illness as a pony. And, like unicorns, alicorn magic is unstable when sick. You saw what happened to the table. Just one sneeze was enough to set off one his ice spells. Who knows what else could happen?” Spike walks to the kitchen opening so they can continue talking. He watches as Twilight pulls out one of the pots from one of the lower cabinets, while also getting out the celery and broth for the soup. Spike takes the initiative and starts the oven for her with a quick fire breath. “Thank you Spike.”

“Don’t mention it. And yeah, I see where you’re going with this. I guess that it’s a little hard to think of DJ as being human for most his life anymore. He just fits into the pony lifestyle so well. Almost like it's where he was meant to be, don’t you think?”

Twilight stops cutting the celery for a moment, Spike’s statement catching her off guard. Was it really fate for DJ to become like this? Was his destiny to be a pony all along? He no longer had any attachments back on Earth, well besides Wayne, so nothing was there to keep his humanity. Not even Malice really counted anymore since the demon had gotten used to the new pony form now. Didn’t mean he still hated being a pony, but at least he shut up about it. Or so DJ had told her since she couldn’t actually talk to Malice without DJ letting him out through that potion of his.

“It’s definitely an interesting idea, Spike,” Twilight admitted after a moment. “But it doesn’t really matter. DJ is who has always been, no matter whether he’s a pony or a human. Either way, he’s my husband, the father of my children, and your brother-in-law. That’s all that matters to me.”

Spike couldn’t help, but smile. “I guess you’re right, Twi. And, personally, I don’t think you could have chosen better, sis. Even with all his craziness, at the end of the day, DJ is somepony you can always count on to be there for his friends and family. Whelp, I gotta get back to work and you need to get that soup done before DJ falls asleep waiting for food.” The young dragon walks off, getting back to his chores, leaving a smiling Twilight to finish off making DJ’s breakfast.

Once the soup was ready, Twilight prepared a bowl and took it upstairs. Just as Spike predicted, DJ was asleep. His body was hanging off the side of the bed slightly with a smidgen of drool coming from his mouth as he snored. Good thing it’s just the cold making him do that, otherwise I don’t think I’d ever get any sleep, Twilight thought to herself. “DJ~,” Twilight said trying to nudge him awake. Her first attempt worked and the blue alicorn woke with a small start.

DJ awoke to find his wife looking at him lovingly and a bowl of soup floating in her magical grasp. “Hey, Twi,” he rasped out. Twilight put a hoof to his mouth as he started to speak again.

“Nuh uh. No speaking. I don’t want you to ruin your voice any more than it is. Do you understand me?” she says with a scolding tone. DJ rolls his eyes and smiles while nodding in comprehension. He takes out the parchment and quill again so they could still communicate. Man that telepathic communication spell would really come in handy right now. Why did I put off learning that again?

‘Yes, dear. Food?’ he writes. Twilight giggles at his bluntness as she floats the soup over to him. He thanks her with a nod and takes it in his own magic and begins to eat it up. Despite his illness, DJ still was able to down the whole bowl in under a minute. ‘Delicious.’

“There is plenty more if you want,” she informs him. DJ nods to wanting more. Twilight takes back the bowl and heads downstairs, returning a few minutes later with a couple bowls of soup. “Just in case,” she says noticing his curious glance. DJ once again nods in understanding. Three minutes later, the soup is all gone and DJ returns to laying down, though Twilight notices he didn’t look all that comfortable. “Are you alright, honey?”

‘Besides the obvious, just bored. Can’t seem to bring my body to sleep anymore for now, so I really want to be doing something right now,’ he informs her.

“Oh. Do you want me to grab a book for you?” DJ was about to answer when a knocking came from the front door. Twilight turns to look to the bedroom door, then back to DJ. He smiles at her, then nods his head towards the door encouragingly. “Spike will get it,” she says, even though she was highly tempted. Only certain ponies knocked when they came to the library; none of them customers. DJ gave her a deadpan stare, once again making her remember that he didn’t like treating Spike like a butler. “Oh, fine,” she huffs in defeat. As Twilight walks from the room, she turns back to see her husband smiling in triumph. “Don’t get used to it buster!” she warned.

Outside the bedroom, Twilight could have sworn that she hear a raspy laugh come from their room. Downstairs, she saw Spike only just know reaching the front door, opening it to reveal three of their friends/family: Rarity, Fluttershy, and Big Macintosh. “Oh hi Rarity,” Spike says greeting his marefriend. The two of them were back ‘on’ at the moment, a time that Spike cherished despite the fights that broke out more often than either of them would have liked. Shouldn’t you and Big Macintosh be rehearsing for tonight?”

“Why yes, my little Spikey-Wikey,” she respond in her cutesy voice. “And that’s why we are here—Oh Twilight! Just the mare we need to see!” The three of them brush past Spike, who huffed a little. He let it pass, this time, but Rarity would hear about this again.

“Hello everypony, what brings you three here?” Twilight asked as she gets off the stairs.

“We need to speak with DJ, actually Twilight,” says Fluttershy. “If you don’t mind that is,” she quickly adds.

“He’s resting right now. What is this about?”

“Nothing bad, darling, I assure you. It’s just that Fluttershy’s coltfriend here sprained his voice, doing a turkey call of all things, and we would like DJ to take his place for the PonyTones tonight. Since his singing allows him to change his voice to match the song, we figured DJ would be the perfect stand-in.”

“Big Mac, too, huh,” Twilight said with muse. Her three guests look at her with confusion for a moment before she explained. “DJ hurt his voice doing the same thing. Didn’t help that he also caught a cold. Sorry, but I don’t think DJ would be up for singing. Not for a while, anyway.”

The three looked very disappointed. “Oh, I do hope he feels better soon,” Fluttershy says with worry.

“He just needs his rest, Fluttershy. Just some time to relax and DJ will be better in no time.”

“That’s good to hear, darling. Thank you for being honest with us, Twilight.” Rarity turns around and adds, “Come along you two. Sorry Fluttershy, but we will have to use Zecora’s brew.” The yellow mare ‘eep’ed a little. As they walked out, Rarity called back to them. “I do hope the poor dear gets to feeling better soon, Twilight. And Spikey, I do hope to see you at my show tonight. I simply can’t go on stage without my little drake there for me!” she says with her usual dramatic flair.

Spike had learned not to fall for her drama acts long ago (dating her had definitely helped in that aspect), but he did enjoy humoring her when Rarity acted for both of their benefits. “Don’t worry, I will be there my lady!” he called after her. With that, he closed the door, leaving him and Twilight alone in the room once again. Before either of them could say anything, a small scroll popped into existence between them. Twilight took it and read it out loud.

“’Would you mind bringing me my laptop, Twi? And if Spike’s done with his chores, have him come up with ya. Thanks.’ I wonder what he is planning. Did you finish your chores?” she asked the drake.

“Just got done before Rarity arrived.” He pulls out DJ’s computer from the lobby desk and puts in under his armpit to keep it secure. “Come on!” Spike says as he rushes up the stairs. Twilight shakes her head lightly and follows, smiling all the way at his enthusiasm. Once back in the bedroom, Spike hands DJ the computer and the stallion turns on the device.

“So what did you want Spike for, honey?” Twilight asked. DJ floats over a message.

‘I had the idea to watch a movie, so I thought Spike would like to watch too.’

“But we’ve seen all the movies you have on there,” Twilight points out.

‘Not really,’ DJ writes cryptically. Spikes eyes bug at reading that.

“You mean you got secret movies on there?” he asks pointing at the computer. DJ nods while smiling brightly.

‘Eeyup. I hid them as they are not meant for children. Too violent. However, I thought this would be a good chance for me to enjoy a guy movie with my little brother. He is sixteen, after all.’

Spike seemed to be both happy and proud that DJ had so much faith in him. “So what are we gonna watch?” The anticipation in his voice was clear as day.

‘I know you want to go see Rarity’s show tonight,’ Twilight and Spike look at him funny, so he adds an additional sentence to his message. ‘I used a spell to listen in. Anyway, I figure this would make time fly by much quicker than a book, no offense dear. To answer your question Spike, we will be watching a movie that features a cast of some of the most famous actors from Earth acting as the most efficient mercenaries that exist.’ DJ hits play on the keyboard as the movie begins. ‘So sit back and relax and enjoy your first look at The Expendables.’

**********

Twilight did not approve of the movie at all. DJ knew she wouldn’t, but he wouldn’t let Spike be deprived of awesomeness and the dragon couldn’t agree more. Though he wasn’t a big fan of the blood bath at the beginning, the rest of the movie was so action packed that Spike was practically glued to the screen the whole time. The action, the explosions, and the witty one-liners; Spike drank it all in with fervor.

“That was awesome!” he exclaimed as the credits began to roll. DJ smiled at his little brother’s enthusiasm.

‘Then I think you’ll like the sequel,’ DJ wrote out.

“There’s more?! Yes!” The little dragon first pumped.

Twilight wasn’t so enthusiastic. “I don’t think so Spike. It was bad enough that I let you watch this one.” She then turned to glare at her husband. “Stop being such a bad influence on him, DJ. I don’t want Spike to become like those…those…killers in the movie.” He just returned a deadpanned stare.

‘Not your decision. It’s Spike’s, not yours. I know you care about his wellbeing, Twi, but he needs to be able to make his own decisions. Plus, it’s just a movie and he knows not to imitate that stuff.’

Twilight looked at Spike suspiciously. Spike returned it with his own, though it was more of a smirk. “I’m not gonna go around shooting ponies, Twi,” Spike said. “It’s entertainment, nothing more. I’m young, not stupid.”

Twilight watched him for another moment before letting out a sigh of defeat. “Fine. But it will have to be another time. Spike and I need to get ready for the event tonight. That is, if you’re alright to be on your own for a few hours, DJ.” He nodded in response and motioned for them to get going. “Alright then, dear. Scootaloo and Nyx should be home after a while.” She and Spike headed out, leaving DJ alone to resume his sleep.

**********

Scootaloo and Nyx returned home a few hours later to find an empty house. Nyx looked around, wondering where everypony was. “Where’s mom and Spike?” she asked her older sister. Even though the two of them were considered the same age, Scootaloo’s birth month came before Nyx’s so she was the older sister.

“Weren’t they going to that pet thing tonight?” Scootaloo answered.

“Yeah, but I thought they were staying because daddy was sick.” Scoots thought on that for a moment.

“Maybe we should check upstairs?” the orange filly asked. Nyx nodded and the two of them clamored up the stairs and into their parent’s bedroom. There they were greeted to the sight of their father, passed out on the bed. Scootaloo nudged him a little. “Ya think he’s dead?”

“Don’t even joke about that!” Nyx said with a death glare. Scootaloo shrunk back a little, remembering that her adoptive father had indeed died once and how devastating it was for everypony.

“Sorry, Nyx. Forgot about that.”

“It’s okay, sis. Should we wake him up?”

“Dunno. Don’t want him to get mad at us. Maybe we should—“ Scootaloo was interrupted by a strange sensation on her cheek. Her eyes became pinpricks as she realized that something was nuzzling her cheek. She turned her head, expecting something strange, only for it to be the smiling face of her father. Scoots let out a sigh of relief. “Don’t do that dad, you caught me off guard.”

DJ let out a raspy chuckle, still smiling. He moved his head over to Nyx and nuzzled her as well, causing the black filly to giggle. “Feeling better, daddy?” she asked.

‘Much,’ he wrote out. ‘Still can’t talk, though.’

“That’s too bad,” Scootaloo responded. “What do we do until mom and Spike come back?”

‘Movie?’ The two fillies looked at him with questioning looks. So he added, ‘I hid some movies so that your mother wouldn’t know I had them. You two up for it?’ Both of them nodded with enthusiasm. DJ smiled at them and once again pulled out the computer.

“So what are we gonna watch dad?” Scoots asked as she and Nyx curled up next to him on the bed.

‘I think that it’s time for you two to meet the greatest heroes on Earth. Nyx, Scootaloo, meet the Justice League.’ DJ hit play and watched as his daughters became engrossed by the team of DC superheroes.

**********

Twilight and Spike came home around ten at night, ready to get some rest after the exciting festival. “Rarity was amazing tonight,” Spike remarked as he walked in.

“They were all good, Spike. Rarity wasn’t the only one up there, you know,” Twilight reminded him.

“Eh, she was the only one that mattered.” Twilight rolled her eyes. The two of them headed up the stairs and entered the bedroom. They were met with the sight of DJ, Scootaloo, and Nyx asleep on the bed with the computer showing a blank screen.

“Guess DJ was showing them some movies,” Spike whispered as he took the laptop. He closed the lid and placed it on the dresser so it didn’t get damaged.

“Better not have been like the one from earlier,” she threatened. Twilight took both of her daughters in her magic and carried them to their room, tucking them in for a good night sleep. When she returned to the bedroom, Spike had already curled up in his own bed and DJ was still sleeping peacefully. Twilight smiled at the sight of two of her favorite guys sound asleep. She got in bed herself and curled up to DJ. As she drifted off into her dreams, Twilight felt her body get pulled in closer to her husband and getting nuzzled by him in his sleep. Twilight returned it and, without a sound, fell into a peaceful slumber.