“Bwah?” was the first sound out of StarStep's mouth. His lips bobbed about like a fish, and his eyes were wide, flicking from Cheerilee to Twilight. A part of him hoped it was some kind of prank, the other part was out-to-lunch. “But...how, what, I mean, but the spell, and the....the...how?”

Twilight grinned sheepishly and scuffed her fore-hoof on the ground, “Yeah, I guess I was so distracted, that I didn't get the spell quite right. I'm really sorry, Star.”

“But...ow, and the...it HURT Twilight. I mean...and you didn't get it right?” He looked to the fuchsia pony, “Oh, Cheerilee, I didn't mean for this, I mean, I-” She planted a hoof on his lips and giggled softly.

“Star, Star, dear. Shhhh. It's ok, really.” She removed her hoof and took a step forward to nuzzle at his cheek, “I want this foal. I know it wasn't planned, but I'm happy it happened.” She leaned back to look him in the eyes, a warm smile on her lips as Twilight cuddled up to her side. “To be honest, I'm glad it was you.”

“I, Cheerilee. I...” He happened to glance over her shoulder and felt panic well up in him. Luna and Scootaloo were trotting over to them. “Uh-oh.”

“Uh-oh?” Cheerilee raised her eyebrow, then looked behind them at the approaching mares. “Oh...I see. Did you not tell her about us, Star?” Her expression seemed disappointed.

“Yeah, I told her...most of it...”

Cheerilee shook her head before smiling at Luna. “Princess, Scootaloo!” She nodded at them both, “Star was just telling me about how you three are dating. How wonderful!”

Luna looked to Star first, a touch of puzzlement on her face with a mix of wary caution. Scootaloo took a spot to Star's side and smiled to Twilight.

“Indeed?” The Princess glanced between the colt and the school-mare. “I am most curious as to why such news would cause a frightening range of expressions upon his face.” She smiled coolly, “Wouldst thou enlighten me?”

The fuchsia pony looked up at the regal alicorn, “Of course, Princess. We were just congratulating StarStep. He's going to be a father.” She smiled stubbornly at Luna.

Around them, the party raged on, heavy beats off at the dance floor. Conversations floating across the grass, but there was naught but silence for long heart-beats among the five. Then, the goddess of the moon turned her head slowly towards the colt. A cold smile upon her lips, “Oh? Truly, this comes as quite the surprise.” Her eyes bored into his before she flicked them to the orange pegasus, “Scootaloo, I dost believe the dance floor calls to us. Let us leave these ponies to their...affairs.” She spun on her hooves and began to march away. Scootaloo's jaw was still hanging from Cheerilee's news.

A bit of anger flashed in Star's belly as he watched the Princess leave, “Luna, stop!” he yelled. Twilight hissed through her teeth in panic, even Cheerilee winced. Strangely, the alicorn did indeed halt, and turn her head to regard him in those cold calculating eyes he'd seen her with at court. “Hear the whole thing before you judge me. Please.” Uncomfortable moments passed, a staring contest between guard and alicorn. Scootaloo just stood in stunned silence. Cheerilee looked between them, then the lavender unicorn stepped forward, blocking their stare-down.

“Enough! Princess Luna, please hear us out. For old times sake?” She pleaded to the Princess. The alicorn regarded her, weighing thoughts before she turned to rejoin them.

“Very well. Perhaps it was rather abrupt of me to just assume. Would it be too much to ask that we take this somewhere private?” The other ponies agreed, and Star led them back inside to the quiet living-room.

_____________________________________________________________

Star gave a soft sigh, “And so, with no other pony to turn to, and the clock ticking to find your answer, I went to Twilight for help. She put a spell that was suppose to keep Cheerilee from having a foal.” He could see Twilight trying to hide into her lover's side at the talk of her mistake. “And, well, Cheerilee and I, you know.” He gestured with a hoof.

Luna glanced at Scootaloo, who just shrugged before the Princess shook her head. The star-sprinkled mane eerily moving separate of the motion. “A part of me shouldst be angry that thy ran to the hooves of a lover when I sought to punish thee that week. I shouldst also be angry that it was a mare in heat. Yet.” She glanced at the earth-mare. “Perhaps mine sister was correct. She warned me that mine ultimatum would cause an issue. I cannot say that I expected this.”

Twilight gave the Princess a awkward smile, “I don't think any of us did. It's my fault, really. Please don't blame, Star. I goofed.”

The alicorn nodded, “Indeed. Tis brave to admit one's mistakes.”

Cheerilee cleared her throat as she gave everypony a glare, “And who says my foal is a mistake? Am I the only pony here who's happy about it? I want this foal.” She took a deep breath and cuddled against the lavender unicorn, “Princess Luna, I've dreamed about having a little one for a long time. I just...never found the right stallion.” She kissed Twilight who giggled sheepishly under all the other pony's watching eyes. “I found the right mare.” The teacher looked at each of them in turn, lingering on Luna.

“What art thy feelings upon the matter, Star?”

The colt looked to Scootaloo for help, but she just shrugged, “I...well...it's mine so, I have a responsibility, and I love Cheerilee, you know that.” The Princess nodded, “But...Canterlot is my home now. With you, Princess.” He smiled to the orange pegasus, “And Scoots too if she wants.” He gave a heavy sigh, “This is all just...so much to take in. Cheerilee, I love you. I promise I'll help anyway I can. I just...I don't want to quit the guard and move back to Ponyville.”

Cheerilee rose from her chair, walking over to embrace the colt, “I understand, dear. I want you to keep following your dream. I refuse to be the one to force you to give up on it.” She tilted his chin up and rubbed noses, “I'm so very happy I'm going to have a little pony. And I'm so very happy it's yours.” She seemed to beam in delight, “Twilight and I will raise it, we'll have the family I've always wanted.” The mare gently stroked his cheek, “Any time you can spend with us will be treasured. Don't beat yourself up over it, ok?”

The colt gave a slight nod, “Yeah, I'm just a little overwhelmed by everything that's been going on. I just...feel so young to be a dad. I still don't know how I'm suppose to feel about that.”

The school-mare gave a soft giggle, “Oh, you wouldn't believe the number of young colts I've heard say that in all my years of teaching. You'll be fine.” She pulled away from him and walked over to smile up at the Princess, “I'm sorry if this has caused a problem between you two. Please forgive him, for me?”

A long pause passed between them before the Princess looked to the orange pegasus, “Scootaloo, my dear. Thou hath been rather quiet about the situation. What art thy thoughts?”

Scootaloo glanced at the colt, “Well, I'm still a little shocked.” A sly grin spread on her face, “Who wants this pony around as a dad? He's a walking disaster magnet. There was that fire, and the griffon fight, and something about a spa, oh and let's not forget the fight in the street with a mob-thug.” She smirked at Cheerilee, “I don't envy you. His foal is going to drive you insane.”

They shared a little laugh before Scoots slugged StarStep in the arm hard enough to make him yelp, “That, is for knocking up Miss Cheerilee.” The pegasus shook her head with a mischievous grin, “I don't blame him for this, Luna. It seems like Cheerilee and Twilight are happy about it, so I'm happy for them.”

Nodding thoughtfully, the alicorn let out a heavy sigh and returned Scoots' grin, “Indeed. Tis a case of a happy accident.” She gave the colt a stern glare, “Thou wilst provide for thy foal and offer what support is needed.” Her expression softened, “But I share in Miss Cheerilee's joy of new life and wilst not blame thee for what has transpired. In someway, I am...envious.” She stood and took the few regal steps to place her before the fuchsia pony. Wrapping Cheerilee up in her fore-hooves, she gave a tight hug, “I congratulate thee. I expect thy foal wilst be swift, brave and kind. May fortune watch over thou.” She released her, looking between Twilight and Cheerilee, “Based upon thy plans, I suspect thou wilst seek marriage?”

Twilight blushed as her lover gave her a sudden kiss, “Not yet, Princess Luna. But soon I think.”

The alicorn nodded, “I wouldst be most honored to host the ceremony. Tia wilst be most pleased to hear.” Twilight's ears perked and nodded.

“Can...can both you and Princess Celestia do it? Please?”

“A...joint ceremony? Well...I dost suppose it is no trouble. I shalt present the idea to mine sister.”

Clapping her fore-hooves together excitedly, Twilight gave a little cry of delight. Cheerilee just giggled as she nuzzled into her lover's mane.

The group left the house, Cheerilee and Twilight wishing the other three a good night before wandering off. Luna and Scoot stood to each side of the colt on the outskirts of the party.

“Scoots, Princess. I...I didn't expect this. I'm sorry if it hurt either of you.” He gave a defeated sigh and hung his head.

“As long as there are no other mares thou shouldst inform me of, I believe I shalt not hold this against thee.” She shot him a questioning look. He shook his head hurriedly, so she smiled, “Miss Cheerilee is a wise mare and dost not seek to cause pain by forcing thou to stay here and help raise the foal. Twilight Sparkle and her shalt be most wonderful parents. Thou hath more responsibilities in the near future, though, I have faith in thy ability to manage it.”

Scootaloo gave him a gentle flank-bump, “I'm not gonna blame you for this Star. But you know, one day, I may want a foal of my own. Think you can manage being a father for more than one pony?” She gave him a mischievous look. It was difficult for him to decide if she was serious or mocking him. At his bewildered expression she just laughed. “Oh! Think your parents know the news yet?”

At that, he just hung his head and groaned. He was never going to hear the end of it.

____________________________________________________________

The next day, about lunch-time he stumbled his way into the kitchen. His sleeping schedule was still out of whack. Scoots and Luna were sharing his bedroom while he took the couch and Lighthoof had the guest room. He found semi-warm biscuits on the table. Fetching OJ from the fridge, he plopped down on a chair and nibbled at one of the buttery delights.

Two biscuits down, and reaching for a third, Lighthoof trotted in and eased back into a chair opposite of his., “Hey, dude.”

Star drank juice to clear his muzzle and nodded, “Hey, Light. Sleep well?”

The pony grabbed a biscuit and tore off an end, chewing quietly for a few moments, “Pretty good. Better than you I bet.” At Star's raised eyebrow, he chuckled, “Word is already around. About you and Cheerilee. And her and Twilight. Dude, I'm so glad I come from a big city. This small town gossip is brutal.”

Star groaned and banged his forehead on the table. “I thought it would take longer.”

“Hey, don't worry, I got your back.” He held the biscuit in his teeth as he hopped up to grab himself juice. Leaning against the counter, sipping and eating, he gestured at the other pegasus, “Your folks are alright. I didn't know your dad was into storm-riding. We chatted about that for hours. It's...weird...” He looked up at the ceiling thoughtfully, “They hardily know me but...I've never felt this welcome before.” He smiled at his friend, “Is this what having a family is like?”

The blue-grey colt shrugged, “Kinda. It's hard to explain. I'm glad you're feeling at home. I know it's not an over-night thing but, I think in time you'll grow to love them.”

Lighthoof finished off his biscuit, “Yeah, dude. There's a vibe here. I feel...content. Sort of like when I'm with Sherry and Peach. Different but...kinda the same. Know what I mean?” Star nodded with a knowing smile.

Gentle clicking of hooves on hardwood brought their heads around. Luna stepped into the kitchen and gave a little yawn. She wore what appeared to be lilac fuzzy slippers and a fluffy violet bathrobe. Gone was her regalia. If it wasn't for the ever flowing mane and tail, you'd mistake her for a normal pony just woken up.

The Princess noticed their stares and smirked, “Even Princesses need vacations, dear guards. Twas a gift from Scootaloo. Very comfortable in the early morning.” She levitated up a biscuit, turned it this way and that with a curious expression before nibbling, “OH, I do remember this, though they looked different somehow.” She wolfed down it down before floating up another. “Mmmm...food dost seem to taste fresher in the country.” She finished off at least six and two glasses of OJ before licking the crumbs from her lips. Lighthoof seemed stunned by the change in demeanor, so used to her regal bearing she held within the confines of the palace.

“StarStep, turn, and spread thy wings. Tis time to inspect thy healing.” She regarded Light for a moment, “Tis not pretty and not something another pegasus should wish to see. I wilst not blame thee for leaving whilst I tend to him.”

Lighthoof shook his head, “No, I'm fine, Princess.” He nodded to his friend, “I want to see, so I'll remember it when I find the pony that caused this.” He slammed a hoof into the floor as the Princess regarded him coolly. She gave a slight nod as her magic unwound the bandages around one wing.

Star refused to look. He knew if he did, it would cause him nothing but anxiety and sleepless nights. The sharp intake of breath from his friend was all the insight he needed into how bad it was.

“Oh...dude...how...how do you not feel that?” Concern laced his friend's voice.

“Worry not, a combination of salves and magic hinders the pain and attempts to heal the wounds more rapidly.” Star could feel the light touches of her magic probing at his wing. She hmm'd and probed a little more. “I doth not wish to get thy hopes up, however. It appears that thy feathers are making effort to regrow.” She pulled the bandages loose from the other wing, probing and inspecting. “Indeed, both wings art absorbing the effects of the dragon-flame and are struggling to adapt. Despite that...they may not grow completely or straight.” She gave a soft sigh, “Tis too early to be certain, however, there is hope. Hold fast to it, and I shalt continue to do all I can to heal thy injuries.” Her magic re-wrapped the wings and fastened them in place.

Star relaxed and turned to his Princess. She smiled though her eyes still held a faint sadness. “Thank you.” He surprised her with a hug, which she quickly returned just as tight. Over her shoulder, he saw Light giving him a look of pity and concern.

_____________________________________________________________

Later in the day, Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo, Apple Bloom, StarStep, Luna, and Lighthoof were wandering the town. The small town ponies were pointing out this structure and that to Lighthoof, and sometimes Luna. A bit of a tour of how the town had grown. Mr and Mrs Cake had retired, Pinkie Pie taking over the shop. In time the two Cake kids would have a more active role in running it, but they were still young. The Mayor Mare family still ran the town, not yet losing an election. Star began to suspect it was because no one wanted to run a town so prone for disasters. They paused at an outdoor restaurant, getting a light evening meal and laughing at Luna's stories about Tia's most awkward moments involving a long gone order of monks devoted to worshiping her rear.

After dinner, Apple Bloom took Star aside, “Hey, Star. I heard about Miss Cheerilee and all that. Y'all still seem to be close. You and Scoots and Miss Luna. Is everything alright?”

He nodded, “Yeah, looks like it. I...I'm still trying to figure out how I feel about, well, being a future dad and all. But we all had a chat. Everypony seems ok with me continuing to live in Canterlot. Cheerilee has Twilight, so...” He shrugged. He didn't know what else to say.

AB nodded thoughtfully, “I've never seen Cheerilee so happy, Star. I mean, she's always been a right cheerful pony, but now...it's like she's glowing with joy.” She gave him a hug, “Thank yah for bringing her such ah big smile. Even if'n yah didn't mean to.”

He laughed and rubbed the back of his head, “I'm kinda hoping your brother doesn't find out till I leave town. Oh, boy, that's not going to be a fun conversation.”

She slugged him in the shoulder and looked over at the rest of the group. They were enjoying ice cream from a cart vendor, “Aww, won't be so bad. Mac is like a big ol' puppy. 'Sides, he got foals ah his own. I reckon he'll offer some advice if yah not to stubborn to take it.”

“Big old puppy with gigantic head-crushing hooves, you mean.” They shared a laugh.

“Say, ah...'fore we join the others. Star, I've been getting this...weird feeling, like somepony been ah watching me. Yah know that feeling?” He nodded, a tightness in his gut told him he didn't like where this was going, “I been getting that feelin' a lot lately. Maybe I'm just being a might jumpy on account of the foalnappin' last week.” She glanced about.

He tilted his head, “Foalnapping? What happened?”

“Er...well...police been tellin' everypony to keep quiet about it. Said it's under 'vestigation but...since yah a guard and all." She hesitated, "Roseluck went missin'. There was a note about some nonsense of her runnin' off to Los Pegasus. But I know her, Star. She's not ah city pony. No way, no how.” She shook her head, “Sides that...” She leaned in close to whisper, “Wasn't her hoof-writin'. Star, I got a tingle in my belly. This feels...wrong.” She looked around to make sure they weren't being overheard, “This done happened last year. That ninny Diamond Tiara up and vanished too. But seeing as she was always chasing colts with money and sucking them dry, everypony just figured she ran off to da big city. Now with Rose...I'mma not so sure no-more, Star.”

Star pondered it, a frown on his face, “You told the police everything?”

“Dang right I did. Even to the head investigator too. He scribbled all my information down, said he'd look into it, and that's the last I done heard. Now, yah might think I'm mean, cause I don't give two licks about Diamond. But now that Rose is missin'. I'm concerned for them fillies. Think yah can poke about while yer in town? Maybe the Princess can help?”

He gave a nod, “I'll ask, Luna. For now, just be careful, ok AB?”

She kissed him on the cheek before turning to join their friends, “Me be careful? I'm not tha one jumpin' into burning buildin's now am I? 'Sides, I right reckon if anypony messes with me, they'd best be careful. Big Mac didn't raise no push-over.” The strong filly said with a smirk.

The two of them ordered ice-cream and sat down with the others. Licking and laughing at the friendly banter. Starstep wore a friendly face, yet anxiety gnawed at his guts. He hoped and prayed that Roseluck really had ran off and AB was just being paranoid. Otherwise, he suspected that the stalker was far more dangerous than he imagined.

All the while, a pair of eyes watched them from the shadows.