From Humble Beginnings

>You roll over on your bed to hit snooze on your damn alarm clock

>You went to bed late last night which wasn't supposed to happen because you have work today

>As you try to hit the snooze button, you realize it wasn't the alarm at all, it was coming from the bathroom.

>Listening a little closer now, you hear the sounds of dry heaving.

>Not again...This was the third time this week.

Lyra, we are going to the doctor's today.  No excuses this time.

>Hearing the sound of the toilet flush, a teary eyed Lyra slowly and dazedly trots up towards you.  A bit of last night's dinner on her cheek.

>You quickly grab a tissue from the nightstand and wipe it away.  Lyra looks up at you, giving you the best appreciated smile she can muster.

"I'm fine.  No really.  I think it is just allergies or something.  I feel like this every time the weather changes.  I feel better after and good the rest of the day."

>Lyra leans in to give you a kiss on your nose, but you stop her midway.

Look.  We will just go to the doctor's really quick okay?  I don't like seeing you like this.  I even more so don't like waking up to this either.

>Both Lyra and you laugh a bit as she playfully punches your shoulder.  You were pretty good at making bad situations more lighthearted.

"Okay okay big guy, but don't you have to be at work in, like, an hour?"

Twilight will understand.  She isn't like my old boss.  Don't matter if you had a broken leg, you had to come into work or else.  Sometimes I miss that crazy Italian.

>Lyra gives you a quizzical look.  She knew a lot about the world you came from, but some things haven't been quite fully explained yet.

"I...Italian?"

I'll tell you about them later.  Right now, we go to the doctors okay?

>Lyra lets about a long sigh, which was quickly interrupted as her eyes widened.  Without saying a word, she dashed to the bathroom once again to throw up.

>After about two minutes of dry heaving, you heard a weak voice.

".....fine."

 

 

*40 minutes later*

>It was light a switch that just flipped.  Lyra was back to her old rambunctious self, jumping all around you as you both make your way to the doctor's place

"...and THAT is how Bonbon and I got suspended for a week!" Lyra exclaimed.

>Of course you heard the story a dozen times, but it has never been dull.  Just the way she tells it with such...life makes each telling better than the last.

>Walking by the local candy shop, you spy Scootaloo.

Hey Scoots! >>You yell.

>Scootlaoo as always was on her scooter about to do god knows what.  Usually ended in something breaking.

"Oh heya guys.  Whatcha up to?"

Can you do me a favor?  There is a bit in it for you.

"Ohhh!  What is it?!  Do you want to me jump something on my scooter?  I can just 3 colts now!"

>You heard the time where she tried to jump four.  That did not end well.  

No no.  Can you run over to Twilight's place and say I will be late? We are headin' to the doctors.

"Okay!  Later you wanna watch me do some stunts?  Pretty please"

>You flip a bit to Scoots then pat her on the head.

Sure thing kiddo.  We'll catch you later.

>As fast as lightning, she was off.

"You know, you are pretty good with these fillies around here." Lyra said while moving closer to you.

>You chuckle softly and put ruffle Lyra's mane.

I am glad someone thinks so.  

>Just as swift as Scoots, Lyra was up on her hind legs wrapping you in a close hug.  With her mouth close to your ear, you heard her whisper.

"I know so.

>A smile soared across your face at her soft words and her small kiss to your earlobe.  Damn did she knew how to make you feel good.

>Hoping off you, Lyra and you walk once again to the clinic.  This time talking about your old boss and those 'Italians'.

>Before you knew it, you were at the clinic.  Before going in though, you quick looked at Lyra.  Her expression changed from her normal happy-go-lucky demeanor to a more, well, almost scared look.

>At least one thing in this world was the exact same in yours.  The damn waiting room at the doctor's office.

>The sounds of coughing colts and fillies filled the air.  Over at the other side of the small quant room was a colt that couldn't have been more than 10 with a broken front leg.

>You have been there for 30 minutes already, and the whole time Lyra has been getting more anxious by the minute.

What's wrong?  >>You ask

"What....what if I am really sick.  Like, the bad kind of sick you don't get better from."

>So this is what she was thinking about.  Thinking about the worst possible situation.  Damnit Lyra.

You know it's not going to be that.  Like you said, it is probably allergies or something.  Didn't you say you get them from time to time?

"I kinda lied about that."

>Her eyes are now locked with yours.  The edges starting to become watery.

"I'm scared.  I don't know what is happening."

>The second she finished her sentence, you grabbed her and pulled her close.

>Hell, you didn't even think about that.  What if she was actually sick.  Bad sick.

>She doesn't so much as cry as she buries her head into your chest trying to escape this situation.

>For what seemed like an eternity, you held her close not saying anything, just letting her know you are there for her in more than just words.

>Breaking the silent bubble the two of you created was the nurse.

"Lyra.  Come on back.  The doctor will be with you shortly."  The nurse said without the hint of emotion.

>Lyra slowly removed her head from you, and trotted towards the doorway.

>You try to follow her, but the nurse put a quick stop to that.  Not because of anything other than protocol.

>You lean down and kiss her forehead, careful of that horn.  You learned your lesson many times now.

"If this IS just allergies," Lyra said, "I am going to beat the hell out of you for scaring me into coming here."

>You step back, dazed at her comment.

"Nahh, just kiddin'.  Be right back!"

>Yup, like a switch.

>But before the nurse shut the door, Lyra looks back at you, mouthing something for only you to hear.

>As the door shuts, you try to place what it was.  Elephant? No.  Iguana?  No.  Oh...

>Silently you whisper

Love you too.

 

>Boredom.  

>There was nothing for you to do in the waiting room.  You tried reading some of the outdated magazines, but that was no use.  You mostly just looked at the pictures anyway, and that too got old fast.

>The only thing you had were your thoughts, but with the potential doom hanging around your head, not even your mind was a safe place anymore.

>You tried to make a joke to the mare next to you, but that fell flat when she mimed that she couldn't speak.  Couldn't speak or didn't like you.  

>You laughed internally at your own joke.  Damn you were funny.  Damn were you bored.

>After a thousand coughs from other patients and a few wails of pain from that poor, poor colt, the door opened once again.  

>It was Lyra, but she looked a bit...off.  She wasn't hysterical, which was a good thing.  But she wasn't chipper either.

"So we set up the next appointment in a week, alright Ms. Lyra?"  The nurse said, but this time happily.

>Okay.  So there will be another appointment, which is bad.  But on the other hand, the nurse seemed actually happy, so that's good.  Huh..

Hey hey!  Did everything turn out good?

"I've got good news, and bad news.  Which one first 'hot shot'" Lyra said, but almost distantly.

Bad news.  Always bad news.

"I don't get to beat your ass."

Like you could anyway.  What's the good news?

"Well..." She took a moment, "I ain't dying."

>Both of you realize that was probably a poor choice of words at the clinic.  Woops.

"Umm, ahh, let's go home.  I'll tell you everything there, okay?  It's not something for everyone to hear, ya know?"

>It almost seemed as if there was a little tension in the air between you two, but that quickly evaporated as she jumped into your arms, almost knocking you over.  Sweet gods did you love when she did that.

>With a tug at your shirt, you followed your minty girl out of the clinic, none worse for wear.  But something was still a bit off.  What did she have to say?  Guess you will find out soon enough.  

>Then it hits you.  You got scoots to tell twilight that you would be late, but not 2 hours late.  

>I'll deal with her, and her wraith, later you think to yourself.

>No sooner did Lyra and you make it one block away from the clinic that good 'ole Twilight come galloping up to you.

>And did she look pissed.

"What the hay!  I just got told by Scootaloo 5 minutes ago you would be late.  5 minutes?!  You told her to tell me you would be late 2 hours after the fact?"

>Damnit Scootaloo.  You had one job.  One PAYING job.

Sorry Twilight but you see-

>Instantly you were cut off by Lyra.

"Me Hospital.  He take me.  You leave."

>All the caveman trick.  I have taught you well Lyra.

"Oh.  You should have to-" Again, Lyra interrupted.

"Later talk.  Go now.  Need food."

"Uhhh....okay.  We will talk later then.  Bye" Twilight said in utter shock.

>Caveman speak.  Always works against eggheads.

>Twilight slowly turned away and walked off, but not before saying 'Weirdos' under her breath

>Lyra turned to you and smiled a big toothy grin.

"But seriously, I'm hungry.  Make some food when we get home, okay?"  Lyra said with a wink

Ooga booga.  >>You reply.

>The street was filled with loud, uncontrollable laughter as the two of you entered a fit.

>Maybe it won't be bad news after all.

 

>Back home, you didn't make it more than 5 feet before Lyra pounced on you, knocking you on the couch, with her on top.

>A flurry of kisses from lips that were strong, but yet as soft as cashmere.  One after another the onslaught continued leaving you almost gasping for a breath of air.

>And as suddenly as it started, it stopped with Lyra gripping you with more strength than you thought she had.

"Y..you love me right?  Like, love me love me."

Of course I do.  You are the hottest mare I have ever seen.

"No."  She lifted her head to look at you better while focusing her gaze at you.

"Not just how I look.  I know I am hot.  Do you love me.  No matter what.  Do you?"

>You did not expect this question at all.  Actually, you were kind of stunned and didn't know what to say.  Well, you might not have, but your heart certainly did.

Lyra.  I have searched two worlds for someone to spend time with.  To grow with.  To experience the good times and the bad times with, and you are that person.  To say 'I love you' would not describe it.

>Lyra landed her head back on your chest and started to cry, but these tears were of joy.  

>Yup that did the trick.  Thanks heart.

>You stroke her mane while you whisper sweet nothings to her.  You meant what you said, you really did.  She was the best thing that has ever happened to you.

>The crying died down and she once again lifted her head, but this time, she closed her eyes and met her lips with yours.

>This kiss was not like the 100 you received not 5 minutes ago.  No, this kiss was passion.  Not lust, but a meaningful passionate kiss.

>You let your hand rest on the back of her neck as you continued.  You just wanted to feel her more.  You wanted to let her know how much you actually cared.

>She broke off the tender kiss and sat up.  She didn't look at you.  She couldn't.  She stared at the floor before she said it to you.  With a somber and scared voice, Lyra said.

"I have to tell you something."

 

I'm pretty sure whatever it is we can get through it. >>You were quick to say

"Okay...I am about to say a lot of stuff, so just let me finish.  I gatta say it all or I won't be able to.  Agreed?"

>You were about to say 'Yeah', but instead mimed locking your lips and throwing away the key.  Lyra smiled gently at that.

"First off, as much as it pains me, I have to admit I was wrong which you know how hard it is for me to say that.  But what I was wrong about will come a bit later.  Secondly, Equestria really needs a more comprehensive sex ed class.  Third is for you to know this.  You are mine as much as I am yours and I would never be with anyone besides you.  Why do I say this?  Because the next part is kinda unbelievable."

>You wait silently all the while wishing Lyra would just hurry the hell up and spout out whatever she wanted to say.

"You know how I have been throwing up a lot in the mornings?

>You nod slowly making sure not to break your imaginary lip lock.

"I'm pregnant."

>It's funny.  In that moment, your mind went blank.  Nothingness.  You couldn't feel anything.  Not your hands, feet, or clothes on your back.  You could not feel anything, save for something deep down in your stomach.  A feeling that was intensifying by the moment.

>Lyra turned her head and looked at you.  She noticed your comatose state and felt a shiver of fear crawl up her spine.

>Her mind was quite the opposite of yours, though.  Her thoughts were coming in a mile a minute.  Thoughts of you leaving her were pushed to the top.  The thought of you angrily storming out of the house was a close second.

>The silence lasted a few moments.

"Are you in there?  Ground control to Major Anon."

>You still just sat there.  A little dazed.  Still, that new feeling that you couldn't place grew ever so stronger.

"Oh yeah, you need this silly."

>Lyra searched around you playfully until she found what she was looking for.

>With a hoof outstretched, she handed you the imaginary key you used to lock your lips.

"I think you need this!"  She said with cautious optimism.

>You looked down at her hoof at the key only there in the minds of you two, and grabbed it from her.

>Unlocking your lips, it was time for your heart to speak up again as your mind was too far away to be of any help.

 

>Now it was your turn.  You had to say something meaningful.  Something heartfelt.

So...is it mine.

>Goodbye heart hello brain.

I..I mean, oh god, I'm sorry.  I mean...how.  I thought we couldn't

>Instead of fuming at you, Lyra just laughed at your awkwardness.  Yup, you fucking love her.

"The doctor was pretty perplexed too.  He took it harder than you did.  Then he asked if I cheated on you with some other colt.  Let's just say he will have a bruise for a while and leave it at that."

>You smiled widely and scootched over to be closer to your minty girl.

>When you did this, she noticed and the flood of thoughts, the bad ones, ceased.  She inched closer to you.

"And to be clear," she added sternly, "there has not been anyone else."

Pfft.  Like you could be with anyone but me.

>Lyra cocked back her hoof to give you a nice shinner, but stopped and slowly lowered her deadly weapon.  Instead she looked down at the floor, and then back at you.  This time, her eyes were glassy.

"I...don't think I could even if I tried.  Anon, I love you."

>Just then, Lyra leaned in for a kiss.  One that was as passionate as the previous.  Maybe even more so.  But you stopped her before she could complete it.

Lyra.  Wait one second.  I have to do something really fast, okay?  Stay here  I have to go get something.  I will be right back.  I love you too.

>And just like that, you made a mad dash for the door with one place in mind.  Rarity's place.

>And once again, the bad thoughts in Lyra's head started up again.

 

*30 minutes later*

>Lyra finished the sandwich she made for herself as you came through the door drenched in sweat.

I am so sorry, Lyra.  I had to get something quick.

"You couldn't have waited?  Seriously.  I just told you some big damn news, and you run out of the room?  Do you know what was going on in my mind?  Huh?

>Oh shit.  You didn't expect her to be this mad.  A little mad, sure, but this mad.  

>She kept going on as if getting more irate by the second.

"You want to leave me, is that it?  Or do you not believe me?  Huh?  Say something!"

>You did not expect her to yell.  It was time to put an end to this.

>Without saying a word, you grab Lyra and pull her up to your chest.

"Put me down!  What are you doing!"

>You do not say a word.  You calmly take her into the living room.  It was still midday, and the sun was shining through the windows brilliantly illuminating the room.  A part of the window casting a small but bright rainbow on the floor.  

>A rush of memories of all the times spent with Lyra here flood your mind.  All the storied you both shared.  All the emotional hurtles your leapt over.  This room had meaning for you.

>Even as you thought this, though, Lyra continued to struggle as you placer her down on the couch.

"What. Do. You. Think. You. Are. Doing?!"

>With as much courage as you could muster, you start to speak.

My time to speak, Lyra.  First off, I am sorry.  I had to do a few things quickly.  I really am sorry.  Secondly, I would never ever question who the father was.  Well, besides when I first asked.

>Lyra giggled a little bit, but it was quickly replaced by the anger she still held.  She knew she couldn't hold on to the anger forever, she cared too much.  She just felt...hurt.  She needed you more than ever.  She was just so...scared.

 

Secondly, I had to run off to go to see Rarity about something.  

>Lyra opened her mouth to say something, but you quickly held up a finger and she stopped.  

As I was saying.  Secondly, I had to see Rarity.  About what?  That will come later.  Thirdly I ran, yes ran, to see someone about a party.  I think you know who.

>At the sound of party Lyra's spirits rose.  Maybe she was a bit too quick to judge.  After all, he IS the father of your child.  Maybe he just wants to tell the whole world.

>At that moment, a smile replaced her somber expression.  Her eyes opened wider and her ears perked up.  Like wearing a jacket in the middle of winter, she started to feel warm all over as her heart started to beat faster and faster.

And fourthly, well, before we get to the fourth part, I need to ask you something.  Like you asked me before, do you love me?  I know it is just a stupid question, but I just need to ask.

>Lyra could not nod quicker.  She actually hurt her neck a little bit, but it was worth it to express her emotion.  She would have just said yes, but this was more meaningful, and you knew it.

Okay well, here comes the hard part.  

>You sigh a little bit.

Remember our first date at the pond?  We had a picnic with daffodil sandwiches and peanut butter and jelly.  The pond was as clear as glass, and through a little side payment to a particular pegasus, the sky was clear.  

>Lyra remembered.  Of course she did.  It was one of the best days she had ever had.  It was so scenic.  Lyra nodded, egging you on to speak more.

For me, it was the best day I had in years.  I knew from that day I loved you and wanted to be with you.

>Lyra's eye started to water and a single tear dribbled down her soft cheek.

>You quickly place a finger to the cheek and wipe it away, smiling at her with the biggest smile you could muster.

"Okay okay you dork," Lyra said in-between sniffles, "Get to the point.  I can't handle going down memory lane anymore.  I am a mess as is.  I already forgive you and I am sorry I got so angry.  I mean, it is nice to remember all of this, but we have to talk about the baby and our future.  I mean, it's not like you are....."

>Lyra cursed herself for being this dense.  How could she not see it?  How?  Did the anger cloud her mind that much?  And she interrupted him!  Started to feel anxious again.  Timidly, she asked with bated breath.

"Um...What was the fourth thing, anon?"

 

Oh, the fourth thing?  

>A smirk crosses your face.

The fourth thing, oh yeah, how could I forget.

>Lyra's heart was pounding now.  Her face was flush and she started to sweat.  If she could have been closer to the edge of the couch, she would have fallen off.

>The entire world around her faded away.  In her mind, the only thing left in the world was you and her.

>You could sense how tense she was, but so were you.  This bravado was just an act.  Hell, you were scared, no, frightened at the next part.  But you had to be strong.  For Lyra.  For....your child.

>Your voice now left its cheery tone to be replaced with seriousness.

Lyra.  I know we talked about how much we hate lovey-dovey talk.   But I kinda need it.

>She would have rolled her eyes, but she didn't care how over- the-top you were being.  Damnit, she loved you and wanted to hear this lovey-dovey crap right now.

You are the most amazing mare I have ever met.  No, not just mare, most amazing woman.  I cannot for the life of me think of living my life without you.  When I wake up in the morning to see you next to me, that is what gets me through the day.  It doesn't matter how tough work has been, or how much stress I have throughout the day.  It is all worth it when I get to come home to see you.  You are my best friend and more.

>At this point, even your eyes are lightly watering just as that beautiful minty mare's eyes.

And I feel like I can share anything with you without fear.  I know I am not good at saying stuff like this, but you pretty much are my everything.

>Lyra's cheeks were almost soaking wet now.  She didn't care how corny you were being.  She loved everything you were saying.

And this brings us to the fourth part.

>You shift yourself as your chest tightens as if gripped by an iron giant.  

 

>The tension in the air was so thick it could have been bucked for apples.  As you shifted yourself to get into a better position, the silence was broken by a knocking at the door.  You both look towards the rancorous sound.  Lyra was the first break the silence.

"I don't care who the buck that is, keep going."

It's for you.  It is very important you get it.  

>Lyra quick shoots you a 'Are you serious face', but goes to the door and opens it.  At the other side is none other than Spike.

"Oh yeah Lyra, why are you crying?"  Spike childishly asks.

"Doesn't matter.  Why are you here?  Is this about Anon missing work because if it is I swear to Celestia.."

"Nope!  Got you a rushed letter that Anon had me send.  Have a good day!  Bye!"

>And with that, Spike was off, thankfully.

"Why and who did you send a letter?"

Just read it, please.

>Fumbling to open it with trembling hooves, Lyra opened the letter.

"It's...from my...Dad?  I haven't spoken to him in months.  Why would you send him a letter."

>At this point Lyra was focused on the parchment in front of her.  Her eyes gazing over the hand written note from her father.  What the hell was this about Lyra thought.

"Okay, it reads the following. 'Anon, as hesitant as I am to say anything, I know that you are a good person.  I thought of you just as a weirdo, but, then again, so is Lyra and her mother.  So I have come to a conclusion.  With no regrets, I say yes.'  

"What was that about?  Yes to what?"

>Lyra removed her sight from the letter back to you, but you were not on the couch anymore.  You were....

>Lyra's almost jumped out of her body as she felt her knees get weak.  

>You were on one knee.

 

>Lyra's eyes looked over the whole scene.  It was as if time itself had stopped at this moment.  She looked at you, her love, down on one knee.   She wanted to remember this moment for the rest of her life.

>You cleared your dry, parched throat.  You were still a bit scared, but that feeling was being replaced by confidence.

Lyra.  You have made me the happiest man in the entire world and I want to be with you for the rest of my life.  I want to raise our child together.  I want to always be there for you.  I want to grow old with you.

>Your eyes still locked with hers.  Nothing in the world could break the gaze.  Even if the world around you was ripped asunder, the gaze would last.

Lyra.  Will you marry me?

>Lyra could not contain her herself.  She was full of so many emotions.  Finding out she was to bare a foal.  Being asked for her hoof in marriage.  He even asked her DAD if it was alright.  Lyra answered the only way she knew how.

>Maintaining her gaze at you, she idly brushed her hoof on the floor.

"Hmm.  I have to think really hard about this."

>For a second, your heart dropped through the floor, but only for a second as Lyra answered with action instead of words.

>She leapt forward on top of you, smothering you with kisses.  Each kiss lasting longer and longer, until both of your lips were intertwined.

>This kiss was full of pure, unadulterated love.  Light poured out of Lyra's horn as all the emotions ran through her.  A kiss that could not have been adequately written in any fairy tale.  It was a kiss for the ages, and they both felt it deep within.

>This time, you were the first to end the kiss.

So, is that a yes?

"Of course, you dummy.  Of course I will.