Things quickly returned to normal in the Sparkle household, although both Velvet and Nightlight decided that they could use a holiday, and perhaps go on their second honeymoon. None of that was possible before the scheduled visit by Shining and Cadence had come and gone, however.

Luckily for them, that visit was today.

Unluckily for them, Shining was a mess.

Much like his younger sister, the stallion had a big problem with unruly hair whenever the stress got to him, and now, sitting in the living room on the couch where Twilight had been sitting just a week before, it looked like a bird had made a nest in his mane.

“So how are things in the Crystal Empire, Shining?” his father asked him with a smile. “Still no problems since that Sombra fellow?”

“Eh, no, Dad. No problems there,” he answered looking around the room like the walls were closing in on him.

“When we heard that you had something important to tell us, we were so happy!” Velvet exclaimed, entering the room with a pot of tea and several small chocolates. “We were planning on going on our second honeymoon, but we decided that we wanted to hear you out first.”

“We’re very happy you would do that for us, Velvet,” Cadence replied warmly. Unlike her husband, she had a glow of happiness about her and looked completely relaxed. “I only wish we could have gotten here sooner so that you wouldn’t have had to postpone, but ruling an empire is more exhausting than I would’ve thought possible.”

“Oh, please,” Velvet waved a hoof. “It’s not a problem, real—.”

“Mom, Dad, please sit down,” Shining interrupted her. “There’s something important you need to hear, but you need to promise me you won’t freak out.”

“Shining, honey, I was talking to Cadence.”

Cadence smiled apologetically. “You’ll have to forgive him. He’s been like this all week.”

“What’s wrong, son?” Nightlight said, sitting down at Shinings insistence.

Shining Armor took a deep breath and briefly looked to his wife for support. When she smiled at him he exhaled and said: “Twilight is in a romantic relationship with Princess Celestia. Cadence thought she felt something in her magic two months ago, but she couldn’t be sure until last week.”

“Well, I think that—”

“Please don’t be angry with them! You know how Twily was always going on about the princess, and for them to find each other like that really is the best thing that could’ve happened to them!” Shining looked more frantic by the second, and as he didn’t bother to breathe in between sentences, it seemed like he would pass out before he could finish his plea.

Nightlight got up and put a comforting hoof on his son’s back. “Don’t worry Shining, we’re not angry.”

“You’re... not?” he asked, genuinely confused.

“No we’re not,” Velvet said, smiling. “We knew that they were together. They told us as much last week. I’ll admit it was a little difficult to accept at first, but if they’re happy together, why should we complain?”

All at once, Shining seemed to deflate. “Oh...” He took a deep breath once again and walked back to the couch to nuzzle Cadence, whispering: “Thank my lucky stars.”

“Although we’re relying on you for grandchildren now, Shining,” Nightlight continued, smiling at his son before directing his next question to his daughter in law. “So tell us, when are you due?”

“Uhm, Mom... Dad...” Shining turned around to regard his parents again. “You know that we’re not even trying yet, don’t you?”

Velvet giggled. “Come now, don’t play coy. When is it due?”

“Uhm... Mom? Are you even listening?” Shining asked, feeling ever more confused. His mother nodded, though it still did not see like she was listening to him.

“Yes, honey, and we’re asking when it will be born.”

“We. Are. Not. Trying. For. Foals.”

“July,” came Cadence’s voice from behind him.

Shining spun around and gaped at his wife. “What?!”

“Early July,” Cadence said again, barely suppressing a gleeful squeal. “It was a surprise to me as well, but when the doctors told me I couldn’t wait to tell you.”

Shining Armor, former captain of the Royal Guard of Canterlot and stalwart prince of the Crystal Empire, couldn’t take it anymore. He blinked at his parents, blinked at his wife again, and then sank to the floor with a slow groan. The last words he heard before passing out were: “And it’s not just one; we’re having twins!”