Spike just stood there. He knew there was no way out. When you have a large, red stallion staring you down, your options are limited. The orange mare beside him didn't help, either. Behind him was Apple Bloom, looking down at her bulging stomach.

"So Spike," Applejack said, her green eyes glaring. "I want you ta' tell me the truth. Did ya' fool around with mah sister?"

The purple dragon just stared, his eyes showing sign of defeat. Knowing that no good will come out of lying to the Element of Honesty, Spike gave a truthful "Yes."

Applejack just sighed. "And I reckon you had no idea dragons an' ponies could cross-breed, huh?"

"N-no," he stammered, looking down.

"Well, I guess I can't fault you for that," the mare muttered. "But don't think I'm gonna let ya' off the hook. After all, we're gonna need all the help we can get ta' raise the baby, and darn it if the pappy's not gonna be involved!"

Spike eyes almost bulged out. "Raising the...you mean?"

"E'yup," Big Macintosh said in deadpan voice, finally breaking his silence. "With a help from Miss Sparkle, we discovered that the baby's in good health and the momma, our little sister," the orange stallion added the last part with venom, "can support it."

Spike just hung his head. "Oh great. Twilight knows."

"You bet," replied Applejack. "And she agreed to arrange your moving in with us. And then there's the matter of the wedding tomorrow."

"W-wedding?" Spike said, shocked.

"No way our dear sister's going to be an un-wed mom," Applejack confirmed. "Pinkie Pie is already getting ready to decorate the farm. Rarity even made a nice gown, designed to accomadate her extra package that a certain dragon helped stuff."

The dragon just cringed. 'So much for me and Rarity getting together', Spike thought.

"E'yup," Big Macintosh spoke. "The ceremony's tomorrow at nine. Might want ta ask Miss Sparkle to do that tuxedo spell on ya' again."

With that, the red stallion trotted away, leaving his sisters with the dragon. Applejack looked back as her brother left, then back at Spike. At first she glared at him, but then sighed, giving him a concerned look.

"Look, Spike. I don't think you're a bad kid," Applejack said in a sympethatic tone. "I mean, as much as I find it odd that it's the boy dragon that goes this, having to go through heat is no easy picnic. Lord knows I've been through it. And it was just convenient that 'Bloom had th' same problem that day."

"You tell me," Spike muttered.

Applejack continued, "and I want you and Apple Bloom to know that you won't be alone. We'll help you out with th' baby. And we've got friends on our side, too. I'm sure Fluttershy will be thrilled ta' see a baby pony-dragon thing. And lord knows ol' Twilight will keep an eye on it. You know how she is with research an' all that."

Spike could only giggle.

"And I know you'll treat our sister right. Don't let us down, ya' hear?" With that, Applejack walked away.

Spike stared at the direction she went to, and then sighed. He sat down on the ground, contemplating on what just happened. Just then Apple Bloom walked to his side and sat down, making her bulging belly more obvious. Spike looked at the side, causing 'Bloom to smile lightly. Spike smiled, too. He placed his hand on the yellow filly's belly, and felt a kick. They both laughed lightly at that.

"Sooo," Spike said. "Wanna help me write a letter to the princess?"

"You betcha," the filly replied, still having energy despite having a being growing inside her. "And ask if she can give us some protections."

Spike just stared at her. "Protections?"

"Sure," Apple Bloom beamed. "If we're gonna be together, we might as well have some fun when we're alone!"

Spike could only laugh. Maybe he can get used to this after all.

THE END