The Bubbly Mare

by wayward_pony

Rating: mature
Tags: Dark, Alternate Universe, Sad, Romance, Original Character, Non-consensual, Derpy Hooves, Sex, Thunderlane, Narcotics, Applejack, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
Length: 93735

Derpy Hooves hasn’t had much luck in life. Aside from having a bad set of eyes and being a poor flier, she isn’t exactly the best at working her job. All she wants is love, a stallion who will accept and love her for being the pony she is.

It’s no secret that life hasn’t been very good to Derpy Hooves, and yet she keeps her chipper, can-do attitude. She doesn’t do it to laugh in the face of misfortune, but because she believes being nice and hopeful is the best way to be.

She’s been dating Thunderlane for a few months now. She thinks he’s handsome and kind, perfect for her, but he doesn’t know everything yet. She feels so anxious about telling him the things she hasn’t yet, and it gives her a tummy ache just thinking about it. It’s time to come clean... he’s a nice stallion after all, right?

Under Adult for: Sexuality, Drugs, Rape, Diapers and Use.

Pseudo-sequel/prequel to “One Stormy Afternoon”

Proof read by Ninebreaker.

Published 2015-09-09 13:20:01 UTC
Last updated 2024-12-25 18:45:52 UTC

1, 1 -- "Twelve Years Ago"

1, 1
"Twelve Years Ago”

It was approaching midnight.

A young gray pegasus kept her head down and eyes closed. She lay on a comfortable bed, just made, clutching a teddy bear. She felt ashamed and humiliated. A pile urine-soaked sheets lay by the foot of her bed. There were other two ponies in her room -- one staring at her with love; the other in the doorway, smoking a funny smelling hoof-made cigarette of while rapidly nodding his head. They were all dressed up, all but the little one who wore just her bedtime pajama shirt.

“A-are you mad at me, Mommy?” the little one asked, quietly.

“Not at all, Derpy, ” the older pegasus replied, embracing her daughter in a warm hug. “Not one bit.”

Derpy looked up, her slightly eyes crossed:

“I’m sorry.”

Her mommy kissed her cheek.

“It’s not your fault.”

The filly smiled up at her mother, her mother smiling right back.

Both heard the sound of a gravely-voice clear its throat by the door as he extinguished his funny-smelling cigarette in a hoof and sighed.

“Could we speed this up a little?” The unicorn tapped his hoof. “We need to be there in an hour. If you’re late again it’s not going to look good. You've got no clue the lengths I needed to go to get you another chance with this artist... let's just say I had to go down on my forehooves for her older brother and stay a while. Even though she's only twelve, we've got to take this Photo Finish seriously. We're talking major opportunity here... worth all the sacrifice.”

"Just a minute.” The older pegasus looked back over her shoulder. “This could be really embarrassing for her. I just want to make sure she’s okay, like a good mother... not that you'd know what that's like.”

The unicorn put his hooves up defensively:

“Ouch! That really hurt, you know?” He laughed. “I get it. Need a minute with your kid? Fine, Diamond. Take as long as you need. Take too long, though, and well… let's just say if we're late again, I shouldn't need to remind you there are plenty of other models out there who could use my talent. Not as scrumptious-looking as yourself, mind you, but I'm willing to take a few cuts for a little punctuality... that and I don't like chewing extra-mint gum after a second round of behind-the-scenes negotiations. Hope I've made myself clear I'm not doing that again.”

The pegasus rolled her eyes, turning back to her daughter. She pulled up a plastic bag that had some weight to it:

“Okay, Derpy, here’s the thing. You wet the bed three times this week. We can’t have that. You’re going to ruin your mattress.”

“I know Mommy! I’m sor-“ Derpy started to whine, but her mother put a hoof up.

“Stop it right now, Derpy. Mommy doesn’t have the time for this… you know that.” Noticing her daughter’s quivering lip, Diamond let out a sigh. “Okay… here’s what’s we’re going to do.” The pegasus went into the plastic bag and began pulling things out. First was a white, rubber-covered garment roughly the size of one of Derpy’s schoolbooks, second was a plastic canister. “This is called an ‘All-in-One’ Derpy. Mommy’s going to put one of these on you each night before you go to bed. It will help keep you and your bed dry. In the morning, take it off and put it in your hamper, then take a shower working the knobs like I showed you. Do you understand?”

Derpy just stared at the rubber-covered garment in her mother’s hooves.

“Mommy, that’s a diaper."

“No, it’s an ‘All-in-One’ sweetie.” Diamond playfully poked the smaller pegasus on the shoulder. “Now lay back and be a good cooperator... or else you'll make Mommy’s Agent very angry. You don’t want to do that, do you?”

“Oh, I’m already pretty angry,” the unicorn interjected by the doorway as Derpy laid back. “Diamond, isn’t she old enough to be doing this by herself? What is she, eight... nine?”

The pegasus sighed.

“Mic, for the last time: she has special needs. She can't even tie knots on her own, much less get dressed. Now legs up please, Derpy.”

The little pegasus was used to hearing stuff like that from her mommy, though sometimes it made her feel funny. She did as she was told... thinking Mommy must say these things just because she loves her, though she wasn’t very happy right now. Derpy was, for lack of a better word, crimson with embarrassment, but remained still while her mommy stuck the thick garment beneath her bottom and popped open the container. It smelled of foal powder.

Derpy whimpered under her breath the moment she smelled it. Diamond rubbed her shoulder gently in response, glancing back and Mic, who raised his eyebrows in impatience.

"Well, come on," he said. "Put the diapers on her and let's go!"

Scowling at Mic, Diamond centered the All-in-One under Derpy’s rump. She then sprinkled some of the powder into its soft core, holding the filly’s back hooves together like she was still a foal. It felt very gentle and cool… it almost tickled, but Derpy was too ashamed to notice.

The garment was then pulled up around Derpy’s waist and fastened into place using two strong, Velcro fasteners. The first fastener made a loud screeching noise as it was pulled open and stuck, followed by the second. Derpy looked down and watched her mommy diaper her – at eight years old, she was being put back in diapers. Even though her mommy said that wasn't what they were doing, Derpy knew better. Mic had said so, and any filly her age would have called them diapers, same with any other mare, colt, or stallion.

“Now turn over, please,” Diamond said in a soft, tired voice as Derpy did as she was told.

Derpy was on her tummy now. Another screech and the garment was fastened around her tail. She was diapered.

“All done!” The pegasus hugged her little daughter. "That's not so bad, is it?"

The filly didn't answer, instead she tried to stand up on her bed while wearing the diaper. It felt awkward, but she was able to get up okay. The garment hugged her bottom snugly. It felt thick and stiff. Like a foal, she fell over to her side immediately and noticed that the diaper kept her lower half in an unnatural position. Derpy loved sleeping on her side, but it was going to be hard now wearing the thick garment that she would soon find out didn't breathe all that well.

“Mommy, this feels really weird between my legs. I don’t like it!”

“I’m sorry, Derpy." Diamond began putting everything away. “Just go to sleep… you’ll be okay. Don’t take it off until it’s time to get up. Mommy will be very disappointed in you if you do and the bed's wet when she comes home. She knows you don’t want a spanking.”

Derpy shook her head as her mom reached for the wet sheets.

“No!” Mic barked from the doorway. She froze, mere inches from touching the sheets. “I don’t want you getting any of that on you. With my luck you’ll end up smelling like pee and put everypony off.” He bent down and got them himself. “Bathroom hamper, right?”

“Yeah.”

The unicorn motioned with his head towards the door.

“Well, come on, then Diamond…”

The pegasus smiled devilishly.

“After you, Mic.”

He scowled in response.

“Just go already.”

Mommy began to walk away, glancing back at little Derpy Hooves one final time before blowing her a kiss. The tiny pegasus caught it and giggled, despite all that had just happened. Soon enough Mic stepped behind Diamond and sped her up by making loud marching sounds with his hooves:

"Left, right, left, right, left, right... come on, Diamond."

He didn’t look back as he shut off Derpy’s light, leaving her in the darkness.

The pegasus clutched her teddy bear first thing. Other lights in the apartment went off as well -- lights that normally stayed on as Mic passed them, hurrying Mommy along -- leaving Derpy now in total darkness. It was pitch black in her room and she hated the dark. Derpy could smell three things still lingering in the air – Mommy’s perfume, Mic's funny cigarettes, and foal powder. The last one wasn’t the weakest, unfortunately... Mommy’s perfume was.

The pegasus rolled to her side, pressing the teddy to her chest. She wanted to unvelcro the All-in-One and throw it off her bed, but she knew Mommy would find out... Mommy always had a way of finding out when Derpy had lied to her.

It was already a hot night out, and it was going to get hotter. The air-conditioning could only do so much. After laying there for thirty minutes, Derpy started to sweat where the diaper was covering her body and near her shirt. She clumsily pulled off her favorite night-time shirt, hearing the sound of tearing fabric near the collar... she would find out in the morning the collar was ripped because she didn’t have Mommy there to help her. The lonely pegasus felt tears welling in her eyes as she sniffled. She wanted to hug Mommy again so badly just one more time, but this was how things were sometimes. Mommy had to go to work with Mic, leaving Derpy all alone without so much as a babysitter. Derpy always acted less happy when Diamond came home if he had one of those, afterall.

1, 2 -- "Just an Ordinary Day..."

1, 2
“Just an Ordinary Day...”

Derpy Hooves sleepily opened her eyes and looked around the room. Her mind was always blown as to how she could fall asleep each night in her own room, yet not remember where she was at all when she first woke up.

The pegasus stretched, yawing, smacking her lips. She could see through her window it was early morning, the sun had a pinkish hue as it came through her blinds. She rolled over onto her stomach and rose from her bed, her eyes focusing to the best of their ability.

She stopped, feeling a cold dampness between her legs. Derpy sighed. She was used to it – five times a week or more she’d wake up this way. It felt more familiar to her than her own room. Thankfully, she was wearing a diaper… each night she put one on since late foalhood.

She didn’t bother looking down at it. She left the room, untaping it by the door and throwing it into the trashcan before cantering down the hall and into the shower. She didn’t have to think about it anymore -- the only changed aspect of her routine was eventually disposables were bought instead of cloth All-in-Ones. She stayed in the shower for a few minutes longer than usual… getting herself extra presentable for a big day.

After shower came breakfast. Hoofmade Oatmeal muffins from the Sugarcube Corner. They always filled her up. A glass of milk followed, a little cheese later, and she was on her way.

Derpy lived alone. She had no pony to say good-bye to. Hopefully that would change soon, but if not that was okay. She had many friends to say hi to as she walked down the way to where her date waited. That was enough. Twenty years old and she was always happy… some ponies thought she was simple and that’s why she was happy, others admired her chipper attitude. She said hi to them all, just as Pinkie Pie would have.

Thunderlane waited at Horte Cuisine. He saw her coming well before she saw him and waved, getting up and pulling out a chair while smiling. Each week they’d meet here and talk, and eat, and plan what they were going to do that day. He was always so nice. Sometimes when it was all over and the sun was set, they’d go back to Derpy’s house or go up to Thunderlane’s house, and have a little fun. It was usually just a lot of kissing and snuggling, which Derpy really liked, but this one time Thunderlane put his hoof on Derpy’s privates and started rubbing really fast… but she asked him to stop because it was too rough.

Horte Cuisine was always so expensive. Thunderlane liked to “Go Dutch” most of the time, so Derpy started eating breakfast before meeting him there. She’d get an appetizer to snack on while he ate. Sometimes he’d have too much and share, but not always.

“Derpy!” The black pegasus exclaimed as she made it up to him. “I’m so happy to see you!”

The small gray pegasus blushed.

“Likewise, Thundie,” she replied, sitting in the chair he pulled out. “What’re you going to have today?”

He sat down in front of her:

“I’m thinking the poached eggs and two currant muffins.”

“Sounds nice.”

“Oh, it is!” He looked at her and smiled. “Are you going to order anything this time?”

“Maybe a salad,” replied the wall-eyed pegasus, giggling. “I’m trying to keep my figure.”

“Oh, come, come now, Derpy,” replied her dark date. “You’ve got a fine figure. You can eat anything you want and still be my petite, little Derpy Hooves.”

They’d had this conversation before. Many times. Derpy had already told him it was too expensive for her, so she started to say these things so he wouldn’t try to help her decide on cheap things she knew she didn’t like.

“I’m fine.” Derpy smiled. “I feel like going to an exhibit after this. I hear Cherry Berry’s displaying all three of her balloons over the next couple days and answering pony’s questions about their history and what makes them work. That sounds like a lot of fun.”

“I don’t know… that sounds kind of boring.” Thunderlane motioned for the waiter. He came up and smiled as the pegasus made a few stiff motions towards his menu without saying a word. The waiter nodded.

“And the Madam?” He asked, not even looking over at Derpy.

“I’ll have a salad,” she said, sheepishly. “No dressing, please.”

“That’s fine, Madam,” the waiter responded, still not looking in her direction. “Would you like something to drink with that, Monsieur?”

“A mug of Faux-Jacks Cider would be nice.”

“This early?” said the waiter, his eye wide with surprise.

Thunderlane just stared at the waiter, who nodded sharply in reply.

“Uh, yes. Very well, Monsieur!”

The waiter began to walk off.

“Separate checks, please!” Thunderlane called after him. "Don't forget this time!"

“Will you bring me some water, too?” Derpy asked, as the waiter looked back at her date and nodded.

Thunderlane sighed, turning his attention back to Derpy.

“So… you were saying?”

“I want to go to Cherry Berry’s exhibit and learn about balloons today.”

“Oh, yes.” He put his head in his hoof and smiled politely. “And how much is this going to cost me if I come along?”

“It’s free,” Derpy replied with a smile. “Cherry’s doing it to help with public speaking and because she feels really passionate about balloons. Twilight Sparkle suggested it to her.”

“Oh. That’s neat.” Thunderlane nodded. “Something tells me you’re pretty excited about this, aren’t you?”

“Uh-huh.”

“Well,then…” Thunderlane thought for a moment and nodded. “I suppose it wouldn’t hurt to learn about how earth ponies get into the air.” He smiled more sincerely this time. “I wanted to see a movie or go to a secluded part of the park, but if that sounds better to you… then I guess I’ll just have to go along with you, won’t I?”

“Thank you, Thundie.” Derpy smiled.

“No need to thank me, Derpy. I like knowing you’re happy and grateful.”

“Your meal, Monsieur.”

Derpy jumped as the waiter set Thunderlane’s food down on the table. He passed her the salad and water more casually. He then set the cider down carefully before the black pegasus, setting a napkin by his side. Derpy looked down at her salad. Her cheese looked mushy already as some of her water had splashed into it.

“Thank you!” said Thunderlane, as the waiter nodded and walked off.

“Yeah, thanks,” Derpy said, loud enough to be heard, but not getting a response out of the servant.

The two sat there, Derpy picking at her salad, while Thunderlane savored his poached eggs.

“You have to try these sometime,” he said, picking up a small bit he spilled on the table with his hoof. “I don’t know what they’re using for seasoning, but it cuts through the bland egg taste and really adds some zing!”

“Maybe for my birthday?” Derpy looked up at him and smiled.

“If you remember,” Thunderlane playfully teased, grinning. “Then it won’t be a problem. My treat.”

“I won’t forget,” Derpy replied, giggling, as she watched Thunderlane pick up his first currant muffin.

He took a bite and grinned ear-to-ear, his mouth full of rich, moist muffin.

“Oh, my.” He giggled, sounding muffled through his muffin. “Derpy, this is amazing!”

“I’m glad,” replied the wall-eyed pegasus, looking up at her date. “I like seeing you smile.”

Thunderlane chuckled as the muffin disappeared into his mouth.

“Oh, wow, that's so rich, I’m not sure I can eat the other one.” He belched, washing it down with a bit of cider. “Would you like it?”

Derpy’s grinned ear-to-ear.

“I’ve never had currant before,” she said quietly, staring into the rich, dark muffin which looked more like roasted oatmeal raisin. “I’d love to.”

“Here,” Thunderlane said, passing the breakfast treat across the table towards his marefriend. It never made it there.

The muffin fell to the ground in a way that normally wouldn’t have happened. There was a hole located in the center of the table for an umbrella and the muffin was just the right size. Thunderlane usually got a table with no umbrella... a dark-coated stallion like himself loved basking in Celestia's sunlight. It was free, after all.

“Oh, no!” Thunderlane laughed. “Hopefully it landed topside down, err, uh... topside up!” He got up, pushing his chair all the way out. He took one look and shook his head. “Oh, Derpy, I’m so sorry… my chair just crushed it. It’s a streak in the gravel now… you don’t even want to know what it looks like.”

Derpy’s smile, which had been hopeful even after the muffin fell, quickly faded.

“It’s okay, Thundie.” She sighed. “I know you didn’t mean to.”

“Really, I’m very sorry.” Thunderlane looked her in the good eye. “Maybe next week. Now how ‘bout we get the check and skidattle on over to that little balloon thing of yours, huh?”

“I’d like that.” said Derpy, as Thunderlane put up his hoof and the waiter zipped by.

He set two checks down. Thunderlane paid for his and even threw in a tip, while Derpy… the eight bits her salad cost was almost all she had on her at the time. She didn't leave her little bit extra for the waiter that didn't look -- even into her bad eye -- when she talked.

The two then left the restaurant.

1, 3 -- "Ten Years Ago"

1, 3
“Ten Years Ago”

It was dark, maybe two in the morning. Ten year old Derpy Hooves waddled in the direction of the bathroom. There were sounds inside the tiny room. The door was open, so she peered in.

She saw Mommy all dressed up in the red outfit she wore when she was out for a special photoshoot, but… she was half-crouched on the floor in the front of the toilet. Mic was behind her, holding back her mane while she threw up into the toilet.

“Mommy?” the younger Pegasus asked, staring into the bathroom.

Mic's head whipped towards her. He was wearing dark sunglasses, the type airborne pegasus like to wear. It was really funny to be wearing sunglasses at night (and indoors), but he took them off when he saw Derpy. His eyes were red, like he’d been rubbing them all night. It scared Derpy a little because it didn’t quite look natural.

“Your mommy is very sick, Derpy,” he said, motioning towards her. “Go away and let me take care of her.”

Derpy just stood there, looking at her mother, who looked back… drooling.

“Derpy, go away," said Mic, sighing. When she didn’t move he gritted his teeth. “Okay, kiddo… what’d ya want?”

She took a sudden interest in her hooves.

“I really have to go to the bathroom,” she replied, almost as if she were ashamed to admit it.

“Oh, great.” He rolled his red eyes. “Number One or Number Two?” Again, she didn’t answer. “Well, come on. I don’t got all night, kid!”

“Number One,” Derpy said, again sounding ashamed.

He laughed.

“Derpy, just go back to bed. Be lazy, pee in your diapers. I won't tell if you won't tell.”

The filly looked down at her mother. She didn’t seem to be responding to what either she or Mic had been saying.

“I don’t want to,” she finally said. “And Mommy says it’s icky to do that on purpose.” Derpy watched her mother’s eyes blink slowly, one at a time. “Why isn’t Mommy saying anything?”

“Because she’s sick, Derpy!” exclaimed Mic, his eyes drifting back and forth between Derpy and Diamond Hooves. “Your mommy will be fine in the morning. I won’t tell her what you did, alright? Now go away! I’m done talking with you.”

“But I-“

“Get out of here, Derpy.” Agent Mic smiled. “Don’t make me have to stop what I’m doing to throw you back in bed. You wouldn’t want Mommy to throw up on herself while I’m taking care of you, do you?”

“No, but...”

“Just go, and just forget you saw this. I’ll take you out for ice cream tomorrow after lunch, promise.”

Derpy couldn’t explain why, but she felt very funny talking to Mic. Her tummy was in knots, and she didn’t know what to do. She stopped talking and took a couple steps backwards. Mic turned his attention back to her mother, just as she disappeared behind the door frame.

She heard her Mother groan:

“No… don't-”

“Oh, you like that, don’t you?” Agent Mic asked in a low voice. "You're paying me for that faux pas earlier tonight... like it or not. Puking on your partner cost us Photo Finish's contract. You're going to know just how I felt getting you this job."

Derpy took two steps forward, still afraid, but also angry now.

Her Mommy’s position was the same, but now her bottom was in the air. Agent Mic had reached under her dress and was pulling down her panties. Derpy took one look and started crying.

“What’re you doing to my mommy!?” she asked, an accusing tone in her voice because she felt this was very wrong. She put both hooves to her mouth, surprised by her reaction to what she saw.

Sighing, Mic turned back to her.

“Derpy,” he said, his voice unusually calm. “Diamond has the trots right now. If you keep distracting me, she’s going to have them in her clothes and it will be your fault. This is a nice, expensive dress, and that will completely ruin it. Go back to bed right now. I don’t want to see you again for the rest of the night. Next time I see you you’re getting a spanking. NOW GET!”

Mic actually yelled at Derpy this time. She didn’t take off as he expected, instead she stood there crying. He just stared back, his eyes red and twitching.

“Please don’t let her see this,” groaned Derpy’s mother, as she looked up at Derpy with unfocused eyes. “You can do anything you want to me, just please don't let her see this.”

“Hear that? Your mommy doesn’t want you to see her like this. She’s telling you to go away.”

“Mommy?” Derpy looked down at the motionless, drooling mare before her.

“I… love you, Derpy.”

“Go to bed, kid. It’ll be alright.”

Derpy lowered her head, but kept her eyes focused on her mother. She blinked again, opening her mouth:

“Go…”

Even Derpy's mother was sure she didn't want her around. The filly turned around, padding off in the direction of her bedroom. She didn’t know what to do.

When the filly got to her room she shut her door, then whimpered. She was otherwise silent while laying in bed. Outside, all the way down the hall, after a minute Derpy heard this rhythmic pounding. It was quiet at first, but then it got louder and faster. It sounded like the washing machine stuck on "agitating mode," as she liked to call it, but it was on the wrong side of the apartment. She had no idea what was causing it, and was too shaken by everything that was happening to want to leave her room. She cried right where she lay. Not even her teddy could make her feel better this time.

The humiliation and fear wasn’t over quite yet. She still had to go pee and wouldn’t be able to hold it until morning. She shut her eyes, wincing as she made herself go. It felt warm and embarrassing... it tickled as it splashed around before being absorbed by the thick All-in-Ones. It felt wet for a while.

After that Derpy didn’t know what to do, so she shut her eyes. Her light was still on and the rhythmic pounding continued for what seemed like forever… loud and forceful. She even thought she heard Mommy crying as it got faster. Her light swayed in time after a while, lulling Derpy into sleep. She was asleep before the noise finally stopped, but had she been awake she would have definitely heard Mommy crying... and Mic leaving.

1, 4 -- "Hot Night"

1, 4
"Hot Night"

“I actually had a lot of fun today,” said Thunderlane as he opened the door to Derpy’s house. “I can’t believe that hot air balloons don’t actually use helium, but real hot air.”

“It is pretty neat,” Derpy said, stepping inside and stretching.

“The night is young,” Thunderlane said in a sly, sing-songy tone, giving Derpy a peck on the cheek. “Do you have to be up early tomorrow morning?”

“Nope!” Derpy giggled. “I know you like to sleep in Sundays… so, do you want to stay a couple of hours and snuggle with me?”

Thunderlane put his hoof on Derpy’s shoulder.

“Derpy, I’d love to! Heck, I’d even be open to the idea of sleeping with you.”

The blonde Pegasus blushed furiously.

“Oh, my goodness! Do you mean-“

Thunderlane nodded.

“Yeah. All you have to do is say yes and we’ll go to your room and just do what comes naturally. How ‘bout it, kiddo?”

Derpy was still blushing, if anything, redder than before. Her mind flitted to the idea of herself and her Thundie, snuggling under the covers, so warm and happy. He’d bite her ear, maybe hold her down and nibble on her neck. Then he would rub up against her and tickle her thighs, and… suddenly her mind went into a completely different direction.

Thunderlane had never mentioned sleeping together before, but there was a separate time where she had to decline having him in her room for one reason alone: diapers. Her room smelled of old foal powder because her trash hadn’t been taken out. Plus, sleeping together meant sleeping together… and that meant she’d have to wear a diaper. Suddenly she felt very queasy. Plus her trash needed changing again.

“I….” she began, half off in the good and bad parts of her fantasy. “I, uh… maybe tomorrow. Okay?”

“Oh, is something wrong?” Thunderlane leaned against the wall. “Not feeling well? Nervous? Afraid? Please don’t be… I’m gentle as a foal and you know it.”

“It’s not that…” Derpy sighed. “Actually, maybe it is.”

“Well, then speak up. Tell me about it..." The mare remained silent, to which Thunderlane sighed. "You might just be killing the mood, you know. “

“Well, I don’t want to do that,” Derpy said, slyly, proving once again she could hold her own over what seemed like his overly-aggressive flirting. She kissed him. “We can always snuggle on my couch for a bit.”

“Works for me.”

Thunderlane sat on his marefriend’s couch, as she sat down right beside him. He put his hoof around her shoulder first thing, and she fell into his chest. He kissed her cheek. She looked up, kissing him on the lips. Both of his hooves went up to touch her head, as she wrapped her forehooves around his tight muscular body. Together they made out on her couch, Thunderlane’s weight gradually shifting off the cushions. His rump finally hit the floor, and Derpy was above him laughing.

“You silly stallion-“ She didn’t get to finish her sentence.

He started kissing her tummy, towards her boobies. She laid back and let him kiss her all over. It felt really nice and tickly. He started sucking on them, like a foal would… this was the first time he ever did anything like this to her and it felt really good. Every single nerve-ending in Derpy’s lower body was on fire with a warm, snuggly sensation. Last time he tried something like this she told him to stop, but this wasn’t a hoof, this was soft lips and tongue… it felt a lot better.

She felt herself start to “pop out” as she liked to call it… Thunderlane would have called it "winking". He popped out in his own way, after all.

With both forelegs he held Derpy’s hind legs open and began to lick her tummy and boobies. Lower and lower he went, until he was just starting to lick the top of the where she was “popping out,” of course. His grip tightened on her legs as he licked every time it popped out. He felt the whole muscle flex.

He stood back up, standing as he normally would in front of the couch.

“Wha… why’d you stop?”

He smiled.

“You’ll see.” He focused his eyes on the target as he moved his hindlegs into position.

Derpy wasn’t experienced, but she still knew what that body language meant. He was about to mount her. She braced herself for the collision, wincing. To say she was nervous would be an understatement, but she was still completely trusting of her Thundie. This was her first time, not his, and though she was nervous… the rest of her was excited.

Thunderlane threw his entire body weight on Derpy. He had enough time to thrust twice, neither thrust squarely finding its mark.

*CRASH!*

The couch seemed to flip over on to its back. Neither pony saw it coming. Derpy was compressed into the soft cushions under her boyfriend’s weight while Thunderlane toppled onto the hard wood floor. Both laughed once they realized what had happened, though Thunderlane took most of the impact when his skull hit the floor. He was seeing stars well after he got up, wobbling from side to side. He suffered no permanent damage, merely swaying on his hooves for the first five minutes.

“Are you alright?” Derpy asked, trying to look back as her punch drunk boyfriend rose from the cushions.

“I, uh, think so.” Thunderlane replied, attempting to walk a straight line back to the couch.

Derpy got up, helping him over to the couch so he could lean on it.

“You’re okay, you’re okay,” she said, comfortingly.

Standing against the couch, he shook away the remaining stars. His excitement downstairs faded faster than the bright lights around him, his ego a tad bruised. The world finally stopped spinning as he focused on Derpy’s smiling face.

“Can you help me put the couch back up?” she asked.

“Heh,” the stallion laughed, still a bit loopy from the fall. “I’ll do it myself if you want.”

Derpy was too focused on her couch, already trying to turn it back over by herself:

“No thanks. I just have a really hard time doing it myself.”

“Oh.” Thunderlane grabbed an edge with one hoof. “This shouldn’t be too hard.”

They easily propped the couch back up together. Thunderlane was the first to release it.

“Hey!” The heavy piece of furniture started to fall back, pulling the unprepared Derpy along with it.

The black stallion reached, but he was too slow. The piece of furniture fell flat on its back again, Derpy having bonked her head on its soft cushion. She looked up, annoyed.

“I think you broke it,” she said flatly, as Thunderlane took a sudden interest in his hooves. She poked what felt like broken by the back leg to be sure.

He didn’t say anything. He blushed, slowly nodding his head in agreement.

“This couch was the one thing me and Mommy kept from Manhattan.” Derpy lowered her head. “Even if it gets fixed now, it’s been damaged… it’s not going to be as valuable anymore.”

Again, Thunderlane said nothing. He looked up at Derpy and sighed, turning towards the door:

"Maybe I should go..."

“It’s okay!” Derpy assured Thunderlane, motioning for him and giving him a hug.. “Besides, I can’t stay mad at somepony as cute as you. I can ask Applejack tomorrow to help me fix it if you don’t know how.”

“I don’t have a clue, Derpy. I really think I'd better, okay?”

“That’s okay! I guess, then... I’ll see you tomorrow." She let out a sigh. "I kinda just wanna go to bed now. I’m annoyed about the couch, not at you.”

“It’s fine.” Thunderlane turned back towards the door, glancing back one final time at his girlfriend and her couch. "Look, I'm sorry. Okay?"

Derpy smiled.

"I know that, Thundie. It was an accident."

He smiled back, then turned back and left... the door creaking shut.

Derpy looked over at her now overturned, broken loveseat. She took a deep breath, and rubbed her eyes.

"It's okay," she said, her eyes a bit wet. "You didn't want to sell it anyway."

Only the second half of that statement was true.

1, 5 -- "Changes"

1, 5
“Changes”

The night was black. Derpy lay stretched out on her bed, her teddy bear clutched tightly in her hooves. Mommy was okay, just like Agent Mic had promised, but he was gone now. Nowhere to be found... and Mommy was being really quiet. Ice cream was the least of her worries.

“Where did Mic go?” Derpy asked her mommy a couple of days after she was sick. “Will he be coming back?”

Mommy didn’t respond to that question. Derpy had asked it a few times to be sure. She just hugged Derpy, looking down at her beaming a huge smile. This confused the little filly, but she accepted it as “I don’t know.”

Two and a half months later.

The door to Derpy’s room open. It was Autumn, cold; Derpy was in her favorite sleeping shirt again, all fixed. A presence she couldn’t see stepped into her room, but the filly could feel it was her mommy. She came in and sat down on Derpy’s bed.

“You awake, sweetie?”

Derpy kept silent. She felt Mommy stroke her back, stopping at the All-in-One. She patted it gently with her hoof, then sighed.

“I'm so sorry, Derpy,” she said, soothingly. “We have a lot of changes coming up. It’s going to be very hard for you.”

“What kind of changes?” Derpy asked, turning over.

She looked up and saw her mommy’s smiling face.

“I thought you were asleep,” said Mommy, gently beeping Derpy’s nose. She laid down beside her. Derpy pushed herself into the crook of her mommy’s body by her belly. “You like to hug your teddy bear, Derpy. I like to hug you!”

“I like to hug you, too, Mommy!” Derpy giggled.

She heard her mommy laugh… then sigh.

“Derpy, you’re ten years old. You can tie knots now and brush your teeth without help, and you’re able to get dressed for night time without help. Mommy’s very proud of you.”

Derpy looked back at her mommy.

“You’re getting to be a big girl, and I know you want to know what happened to Mic.”

“Uh-huh.”

She cleared her throat, starting in an unexpected place:

“Derpy, um.... did you like Agent Mic?”

Derpy fell silent.

"Well... did you?"

“I don’t know,” she finally said, looking away.

"He was always there, I know." Diamond rubbed her daughter's wings. "Let me rephrase this... Did you like it when he and mommy used to fight?”

“I didn’t like some of the mean things he said to you,” Derpy replied. “They were scary and made me feel funny.”

The older pegasus bit her lip.

“He scared me, too, Derpy.” Mommy swallowed hard. “But he's gone now. Mommy, err… uh, I threw him out.”

The little pegasus blinked a few times.

“Why?”

“He did a very bad thing, Derpy.” The pegasus held her daughter tightly as she would her teddy. “He- he hurt me. He gave Mommy bad drugs that were supposed to make her not remember… but he didn’t give me enough.”

“Why did he do that?”

“Sometimes ponies like to think others can make them happy. Bad ponies might start hurting you when they find out you can’t. He didn’t think I was a good model, he didn’t think I was a good pony. He thought I owed him for all the time and energy he spent trying to help me.”

Derpy continued to look up and listen, silently… non-judgmentally, not that any of this was in her realm of expeirence.

“You’re going to meet all kinds of ponies, Derpy. Some will be good and some will be bad. Agent Mic did a lot of very good things for me and you, and I should have said more thank-yous, but... he was a bad pony. When Mommy couldn't make him happy, instead of just finding another model... he hurt me. He can never say sorry now that it's over."

"Why not?"

"Because he knew what he was doing and that I couldn't stop him, so what's done is done." Derpy just looked up at her mommy. The older mare sighed. "The more bad ponies you meet, Derpy, the quicker you’ll be able to know who they are. Promise me if you ever meet a bad pony, you won’t try to be his friend or try to do any stuff with him.”

“I promise.”

“Good. No matter what happens to you, Derpy, remember that. You'll always be able to walk away with your dignity that way.”

“Okay.”

Diamond sighed, again rubbing her daughter's wings.

“I'm afraid I have some bad news, Derpy. We’re going to have to move before the year is out.”

With those words, Derpy turned her whole body towards her mommy:

“Why do we have to move!?”

“Because Mommy has to retire from being a model… she can’t afford to pay for any of this anymore. The apartment, the clothes, all the treats have to go. Ponyville seems like a really nice place. You were about one year old when we visited an old friend of mine, Granny Smith, out on her Apple Farm. Do you remember the Apples?”

Derpy scanned her memory.

“No.”

“Well, she has a granddaughter about your age, and a grandson a bit older. We’re going to go back and visit them in a couple months, so you can know what Ponyville looks like before we move there.”

“But I don’t want to go… I want to stay here with you.”

“Derpy…” She heard her mother sigh, chuckling under her breath. “Mommy has some good news. Want to talk about that instead?”

“Okay.”

“You're going to have a little brother or sister, Derpy.”

Derpy scowled, feeling almost mad at her mother for calling this good news... it's not that Derpy didn't like foals, but she'd seen what happens to her friends when they get a baby brother or sister. They walk around with a scowl on their faces, just like the one Derpy had on now, but she had more than just one reason for scowling... a lot more than she realized.

"Oh dear." The pegasus laughed. "Don't you want a baby brother or sister?"

"Yeah..." Derpy looked at her hooves. "But why now?"

"Because that's just how things are, Derpy."

"Can't you make it go away, Mommy?"

"Derpy." Her mother forced her to look her in the eyes. She knew the good eye from the bad eye and stared. Mommy's faced looked stern. "That's not fair to the foal. The baby is inside of me and the only way to make it go away is to make it die. Do you understand?"

Derpy nodded rapidly, her mouth and eyes wide.

"I would never want that for one of my babies..." She hugged Derpy tightly, taking a deep breath. "Never, ever. Not even if I know it wasn't going to be perfect. My babies are always perfect to me... I don't care what any other pony has to say, and I don't care what it takes to give them a chance."

"Mommy?"

"Yes Derpy?"

Derpy looked up, tears in her eyes.

"I'm really scared, Mommy."

Again, Diamond hugged her daughter tightly.

"It's okay, Derpy. Mommy's scared, too... Mommy's scared, too."

1, 6 -- "Honesty"

1, 6
“Honesty"

It was early morning. Derpy's mane was still a bit messy, and her tummy grumbled (as she was still in need breakfast), but she was otherwise presentable. So was her house... and it better be, as she had company.

The pegasus looked Applejack in the eyes, but her guest was too focused on the task at hand. She had been over for only a few minutes, able to spare an hour from the farm, and they were already assessing the damage to the couch. Applejack pulled back the hanging cover -- which she noticed had a tear in it from the broken wood in the frame -- and nodded slowly.

"Ah should be able to fix this easy enough," she said, looking Derpy in her good eye. "Must've taken quite bit of force to break it like that, though. It split almost like it was wrenched... looks like a pegasus flew into it. How'd this happen?"

"Um, Thunderlane tripped and knocked the couch over," Derpy half lied, putting a hoof to the back of her head and not looking Applejack in the eyes. "He, um... fell on it. Hard. Nearly cracked his head open. Anyway, can you fix it today or are you going to have to come back sometime?"

Applejack knew Derpy wasn't telling her everything, but let it go. The only hint was a raised eyebrow... whatever had happened, though, was Derpy's business and probably personal.

"Ah can give you a temporary fix right now with just a bit o' twine from my saddle bag, but I'll need to come back in a couple days with some scrap planks to properly reinforce it."

"Oh." Derpy sighed. "Okay."

"Hey, you don't sound too happy. Were you hopin' your couch was ruined?"

"It's not that," Derpy looked up at Applejack, forcing a smile. "It was a special couch... mommy gave it to me from our old place. Anyway, um... will it be able to support two ponies again tonight?"

Applejack gave a sly smile.

"Of course. Provided you're not jumpin' on it." Derpy blushed furiously. Or makin' whoopie, the farm pony thought to herself. She couldn't help grinning. "It'll take just a few minutes, Derpy."

"Okay, um... then can I offer you a muffin or some milk?"

Applejack smiled again, this time less slyly.

"Well, that's mighty kind of you," she replied, laying the couch on its edge so she could get a better look. "I'll take a muffin, if'in I ain't deprivin' you none. Your tummy's been growling since Ah got here. It's almost noon. Ain't you had breakfast yet?"

Derpy was already headed for the kitchen.

"I came to get you first thing after I got up...," she said, going into the refrigerator. "I didn't sleep well last night. I didn't know how long this was gunna take, and I didn't expect you to come right over."

"Good timin', I guess." Applejack chuckled, searching through her bags for some twine. "Tradin' one project for another. Say, you don't sleep on the couch, do ya?"

"No, I've got a bed... I just kept thinking about last night and got really sad. Playing it in my head like a record." Derpy put a hoof to her mouth. She didn't want to tell Applejack too much about her personal problems. "It's not important." She loaded a plate up quickly, ready to change the subject. "I've got muffins."

Smiling, the pegasus headed into the living room with a plate as Applejack looked up from her task.

"Say," Applejack said, looking at the muffins. "Did you make these?"

"Oh, no... they're bought."

"Well, they look good."

"Thanks!"

In a matter of minutes, Applejack had wrapped around the broken wood tightly; she then set the couch up properly. The farm pony tested it by sitting on it, in a way like Lyra was fond of sitting on park benches. If it didn't break again with her leaning back, then it would probably be fine for now. She patted the other cushion.

"Come on! Test it with me. We'll break it in, or end up breakin' it."

Derpy hesitantly sat down beside Applejack, very slowly, unsure... offering her a muffin once the creaks finally stopped. Applejack took it, of course, and it disappeared quickly. Derpy picked one up, too.

"Um, AJ... Can I ask you something before you go?"

The farm pony's eyes went wide. She figured she might already know what this was about.

"Uh... sure! What's on your mind, sugarcube?"

"Have you ever had to tell Rainbow Dash anything you didn't want to?"

The orange pony grimaced, putting a hoof to the back of her neck. To say Derpy was being cryptic would have been an understatement.

"What'd ya mean?"

"Well, I wanna tell Thunderlane something important about myself.... and I don't know how he's gonna take it. I'm kinda scared."

"Well..." Applejack thought for a moment. "Is this something ya really have to tell him to keep things goin'?"

Derpy nodded, looking up at the earth pony and biting her lip.

"Ah see..." She let out a sigh. "Whew. Well, when it comes to things like that, me and RD just try and be direct with each other. She's a bit more liable to beat around the bush about things if they really matter to her, actin' like they don't. Don't tell her, but sometimes I think she's a bit of a big ol' fraidy cat when it comes to personal stuff. Fact you're havin' trouble talking about this means it's probably real important to ya. Sit him down and tell him, maybe show him how important this is to you. Showin' is better than tellin' half the time. If he's any respectable Special Somepony he'll hear ya out and understand why it's important. Well... hope that helped some."

Derpy grinned ear-to-ear, munching down the last muffin.

"Oh, very much!" She giggled. "Thank you! You've been a big help, Applejack."

"I'm glad." The farm pony got up and stretched. "If there's anything else I can do, just lemme know. If not, I'm headed back to the farm now."

"I can offer you another muffin, but you probably want to get going."

"'fraid so." Applejack turned towards the door. "It was good seein' ya again, Derpy. Don't be a stranger, now."

"I won't."

Applejack smiled, then walked out the door. Derpy followed, slowly, watching Applejack depart. She wished she was as strong as the farm pony, able to fix couches on her own. That would be nice.

Outside Derpy waved off Applejack as she headed down the road towards the farm. The pegasus was smiling sincerely for the first time in ten hours, which felt good after a fairly restless night. Her mind was without worry. Once Applejack went over the hill, Derpy was going to head back inside. Her plan was to rest up for now, maybe take a nap... as now she felt like she could. Of course it would mean another diaper and possibly another shower afterwards (which she would probably take one anyway, just so her rump wouldn't end up smelling like foal powder for her next date), then... she'd go meet Thundie at his house. A late afternoon date on a Sunday. This would be idyllic, it would be perfect... and if the two pegasai came as close as they had the night before, Derpy wouldn't be nervous this time. She had a plan in mind.

* * *

It was mid-afternoon.

Derpy stood in front of Thunderlane's door, shivering. It was always so cold high up in the clouds where he lived, but it was worth it just to see his smiling face again. He met her at her house occasionally, so it was alright to come up here. She tapped a familiar rhythm on his door:

Tap-tap-tap, knock-knock! ... Knock-knock!

Except for the breeze it was silent for a moment... this was usually how it worked. Though Thunderlane knew when to expect her it always took him a moment, as he usually had something else going on. What that was Derpy had asked before, and it usually amounted to "something work related" or "adding the finishing touches to my mane." Derpy didn't mind too much, especially if it was the later. His mane was very nice, after all.

The door opened.

"Derpy! So good to see you. Are you ready or would you like to first come in?"

Derpy looked down at the ground, the hairs on her back clearly ruffled in the cool breeze.

"Um... if it's alright with you, Thundie, could we please go down to Ponyville?"

Thunderlane laughed.

"Of course. Eager to start the date, are you?"

Derpy looked at the ground, nodding. "In or down, please..." she whispered. "I'm so cold!"

Again he laughed.

"Well, I guess I'm ready." The stallion shut the door behind him and spread his wings. Despite being preoccupied by the cold and (to a lesser extent) the height, Derpy noticed he was wearing his lime green saddlebags this time... they were her favorite because of how they complimented his color. Thunderlane kicked off from his doorstep, soaring downwards."Race you!"

Derpy turned around and spread her wings fast, gliding down with him. He only had a four-second head start on her, but that was more than enough to beat her. Flying down was always fun, even though Derpy wasn't particularly fond of being airborne for any length of time.

After they touched the ground (Thunderlane hit it almost ten seconds before Derpy) their date began. It was typical -- they caught a late matinee -- a comedy about a sentient society of lawn ornaments -- then settled on a park bench for a bit. Derpy still had her soda from the theater, which was typical. She'd refilled it for free twice before they left... it was all the money she had for the date just to see a film, though she might've bought that just to keep from going to his favorite restaurant. By the time they got up it was approaching evening, her drink was just gone. Thunderlane suggested, quietly:

"Hey, why don't we head to the Horte Cuisine?"

He was headed in that direction before Derpy could speak. She followed, voicing her opinion:

"But Thundie," Derpy quietly protested, the restaurant already in view. "I don't have anymore money!"

The dark pegasus stopped, turning to look Derpy in the eye. He knew the good from the bad and stared into it.

"Derpy," he said, firmly, with a smile. "This one's on me. I feel awful about what I did last night. I want to make it up to you... Please let me do this for you."

Derpy was taken aback.

"Y- ... you really don't have to, Thundie." She smiled awkwardly. "Me and Applejack kinda fixed it up... well, almost. She'll come back and make it all better in a little while. It's going to be okay, I promise!"

Thunderlane continued to smile. Derpy was weak to his smile and he knew it.

"I want to," the stallion said, still looking in her good eye. "And after this we can do whatever you want."

"Really? ...whatever I want?"

"Whatever you want, Derpy."

This was unusual coming out of Thunderlane. Derpy was used to having to compromise with him in some way, or just give him his way. Fighting usually made her feel icky, so she didn't unless it was really bad, but this... this was nice. She was grinning ear-to-ear.

"If it's alright with you, Thundie, I'd like to-"

"Don't worry about me, Derpy," he said, confidently. "This is for you."

The two were silent for a moment. Thunderlane's smile was especially appealing today for some reason... it had that extra umph in it. Derpy looked away and blushed.

"Well..." She thought for a moment. "Would a walk in the park be okay?"

Thunderlane snorted, putting a hoof around her shoulder.

"Hey, it's free, isn't it?"

Derpy nodded.

"And that's what you really want to do?"

Again, she nodded, rapidly this time.

"Then I think it... might be a date!"

* * *

Derpy and Thunderlane ended up at Horte Cusine. Derpy's heart was in her throat at first, because she knew the waiter treated her not so nicely, and when they showed up the he treated them both as he always had.

"Ah, so good to see you again. Right this way, Monsieur!"

They sat and Derpy was of course uncomfortable as one might expect, but when Thunderlane turned to her as the menus were brought out and said, "you order first," ... the entire experience instantly changed for her. She looked up. The waiter was paused, looking attentively at her... in her good eye, which stared back. She couldn't help giggling nervously as she spoke:

"I'll have... two currant muffins, some mozzarella, and a glass of milk please?"

Her order was phrased as more of a question, directed towards Thunderlane. The waiter picked up on this and turned to him. He nodded and the waiter scribbled down the order.

"Very well, Madam!" He turned to Thunderlane. "And for Monsieur?"

"The same. Hold the mozzarella and give me a daffodil sandwich with extra mayo."

"As you wish, Monsieur! And to drink?"

Thunderlane looked over at Derpy, who kept her mouth shut, waiting for him to answer for her. He grinned seeing that.

"Some sparkling champagne for the lady." He winked, gesturing towards Derpy with a hoof. "That's non-alcoholic, trust me." He turned back to the waiter. "And some red wine for myself." He looked Derpy in the good eye again. "Is that agreeable to you?"

She nodded quickly.

"Then it's settled!"

"Excellent choices, Monsieur!" The waiter turned to Derpy and smiled, looking at them both across the table. "Your meal will be ready shortly."

He then padded off quickly as he arrived, leaving the two in silence. Derpy was stunned. She spoke first:

"This really is different from what I'm used to," she said, giggling. "I kinda like this!"

"Me too, Derpy... Me too." Thunderlane smiled at her. "I want you to have lots of fun today. Okay?"

"Oh... I already am. Really!"

Thunderlane leaned forward.

"Honestly?"

"Uh-huh!"

"Good to know... good to know."

2, 1 -- "Strange Ponies, Strange Places"

"Strange Ponies, Strange Places"
2, 1

What was this strange place Mommy had taken Derpy to?

The filly was used to big buildings, blue skies peeking just above them. When it wasn't that it was mountains, and well-dressed unicorns skiing in the winter and fall, provided there was early enough snow. This place was almost empty, flat, and a bit hot. She felt, even where she was right now, strangely... vulnerable. It made her feel funny, like ponies could see her a mile away.

The pair had only just arrived, their luggage right beside Derpy. It was approaching dusk. Mommy hobbled away from Derpy as two ponies walked up.

Mommy stepped up on the porch, chatting with a green older mare in a rocker who sounded happy to see her, between them a small bassinet. Derpy knew there was a foal nestled up in there from the sound, and normally would have been curious, if it wasn't for her being so worn by the train ride. That and then there were the two ponies right in front of her. Both looked more mature than Derpy, and they had their cutie marks. One stared at her... so motionless it was almost unsettling. He wore a yoke a bit big for his body... must've been a teenager or a really young grown-up from his size. Derpy was too nervous to realize that he looked like a really nice pony, and fortunately he was. The other one wore a stetson a bit too large for her, much like the colt's yoke. She was more talkative, and stuck out a hoof... speaking in a fast, high-pitch drawl:

"Well, howdy! I'm Applejack."

"Derpy Hooves," replied the shy pegasus, taking her hoof.

Applejack shook it enthusiastically.

"This here's Big Macintosh," she said, gesturing to the colt beside her. "Granny says y'all are visiting for a week. Well, welcome to ya!"

"Thanks."

Derpy reached for her suitcase, but was surprised when Applejack put a hoof on her foreleg.

"Oh, don't you fret none. Big Mac's got your luggage. Yer Ma's, too! Don't you Big Mac?"

"Ee-yup."

Not surprisingly, Big Macintosh picked up the three heavy pieces of luggage and set them on his back with ease. The pony-drawn cab had carried them this far; Derpy wasn't sure she would be able to carry them very far on her own. Her mommy was in no shape... she was, if anything, starting to look fat around her tummy. This gesture on the part of the children was just the beginning of the Apple's hospitality.

Following Big Mac, Derpy walked right by mommy and the older mare. She went inside the big house to their tiny guest bedroom. There they set the luggage down and the colt trotted off, looking at Derpy first and giving her a welcoming smile. She looked around, inside the tiny room first then out and down the hall. She had never seen a house quite this big before:

Is this really all their home?

The little pegasus then cantered back towards the porch, where Big Mac had just shut the door. She heard snatches of a conversation she could not begin to understand. The old mare -- Derpy knew was Granny Smith from her mommy's description -- spoke to Mommy in a hushed voice, clicking her tongue.

"You're better off without 'em, seeing what he did to you. Just how far are ya?"

"My due date's three months from now."

Granny looked down at the bassinet and smiled. Her rocker squeaked against the porch floor.

"Seems we've both been blessed, and both lost somepony at th' same time. Figures that'd be how it works out, but ya gotta take what you're given."

"Yeah."

The elder mare felt Derpy's eyes on her and looked over at the filly through the screen.

"My, where are my manners." She motioned towards herself with a hoof. "Come on here, child... you were a bit older than Apple Bloom here when I last saw ya. Let me get a good look at ya, now that you're settled in. I'm Granny Smith, by th' way."

Mommy opened the screen door and Derpy stepped out. The elder smiled. She was the only new pony that didn't strike Derpy as too quiet or too loud. If anything, she was strangely comforting.

"My, oh, my... you have grown. Lemme ask you a question, and it's real important now, so pay attention: do you like... apple pie, child?"

Derpy nodded slowly, giggling.

"Well, I make the best dadgum pie this side of Equestria! I'll give you two a guesses as to what's cooling for desert tonight."

"Pie?"

"Exactly! Now run along, child. Go play with th' grand kids. You'll know it's dinnertime, and if you don't hear the bell, they will. Trust me. Explore!"

Derpy looked out at Applejack and Big Macintosh. Both were in the middle of empty yard, staring at her. She had played with ponies her own age before, but large groups and only for a little while at school during recess. Never in big, wide open spaces. Mommy was usually too busy to watch her, so most of the time she had fun with her teddy. This was different, though. Dinner would take an hour and a half to prepare, not that Derpy knew, and the Apple siblings were happy to have a new playmate, even if she was the last picked for most games where she came from... and that wasn't just because she wasn't a unicorn.

"Come on!" shouted Applejack.

"Ee-yup!"

Derpy looked at her mommy.

"It's okay," she said, softly. "Mommy and Granny Smith have some grown-up talking to do. It's boring, you won't like it. Go have fun with the nice two Apple kids."

Slowly, and looking back at Mommy one final time, Derpy made her decent down the stairs. She nearly tumbled, continuing to stare back.

"Go on," said Granny Smith. "They don't bite."

Derpy giggled, turning to face the Apple children before heading off... slowly. Her coordination wasn't the greatest and she knew it, but she was able to trot in a straight enough line that neither Applejack or Big Mac said anything. Or at least that's what she thought. They were well-raised, after all.

They were all cantering into a huge apple orchard. The trees were endless where they were headed, and this... this started to feel a bit like home. Being surrounded by tall and big strong things made Derpy feel at ease again. The cool breeze wafting by her was an experience she had never had in the open air. Her smile grew as she looked up and saw pin points of yellow light glowing and then disappearing.

"Fireflies!" she exclaimed, something she had never seen in vérité.

"Ee-yup!"

Derpy was content to run, but soon the red colt was nowhere to be found. Applejack stopped dead in her tracks, pointing this out, his booming laughter echoed throughout the orchard. It was impossible to figure out where he was for sure without actually looking.

"Come on out, big brother!"

"Ee-nope!"

"Well..." Applejack looked over at Derpy. "Guess we gotta find him then. Hide and seek it is!"

Derpy, Applejack, and Big Macintosh played for what felt like forever. After they found the red colt -- who was hiding in plain sight, discovered by Derpy blending in to a nearby tree -- it was Applejack's turn. This also took a while, but eventually she was found, too, blending into the dirt by the rocks under a tree. She was really just the right color for that. Derpy didn't didn't take her turn, and didn't want to... the orchard was unfamiliar after all, so tag was the next game they played. Derpy chased after Big Mac first, then Applejack. Then she got chased, but surprisingly (especially to herself) she was not caught right away... she had already learned enough of her surroundings to know where some of the hills were, and she ran downhill surprisingly fast.

Eventually a bell rang off in the distance. It was time for dinner.

* * *

Dinner with the Apples was nothing Derpy had ever experienced. Four new ponies -- a foal in a highchair, babbling to herself; two "youngin's" and an elder mare -- and they all got along just fine. There was not one pony getting along with just one other, and being uncomfortable around the rest like with Mommy and Mic. No fake ponies like the ones that came as guests sometimes. They all talked freely here, even Big Macintosh, who said more than just "ee-yup" now that he was at the table. He had suggestions, thoughts, and opinions as to what would be nice to do the next day, and was actually fun to listen to:

"Maybe a film at the Ponyville Cinema? They just got that Lunar Wars movie in not too long ago, 'supposed to have some good effects."

Derpy's eyes lit up at the thought. 3D Cinema was a regular treat when Mic used to be around.... but Granny Smith shook her head:

"They can watch films any time they like back at Canterlot." She rubbed her chin, turning to Derpy. "Well, what would you like to do? Speak up, youngin'! Name anything ya like."

This was not a list of things to choose from, but an open invitation to make a suggestion... anything she wanted. Derpy naturally had no idea, but being given the option to contribute to a group discussion around the table was foreign to her... and exciting! Plans were not being made for her. The smile didn't leave the gray pegasus's face, even when she was given peas, something she didn't particularly like. Her mother was getting ready to say "eat up or no desert", but she didn't have to. Derpy ate it all, and for some reason... they were the best peas she had ever had.

After dinner came desert. The slices were small, even by the Canterlot Elite Dining Standards, but pie itself was good. Derpy was used to "home-cooked," single-servings of desert from the food courts at Canterlot, but she had never actually had real home-cooked food. Knowing that Granny Smith had made it (though it was actually Granny Smith and Applejack) made it taste better for some reason because Granny Smith was nice. This was the start of something awesome. Derpy could not put her hoof on why that was.

Shortly after dinner, however, would come bedtime. Despite not doing the best in school Derpy could tell time alright from an analogue clock. There was a clock on the kitchen wall. It said it was barely eight-thirty.

"But it's early, Mommy," Derpy whispered quietly at the table, as Granny Smith and the family were putting away the dishes.

"I know, but it's their home. When you're in some pony's home you have to play by their rules. No exceptions! Besides, it's only for a week."

Though disappointed, there was something Derpy already liked about this family... and what staying there was doing to both herself and Mommy.

After bathroom stuff was done and good nights were wished, Derpy and Mommy retired to their bedroom for the night. Mommy got the bed, Derpy got a cot... which Mommy was pulling out from underneath the bed frame. At night the house was surprisingly cool. Derpy was wearing her favorite pajama top, and the blankets on the cot looked quite inviting, except...

"I wanna sleep with you," Derpy said, eyeing the bed.

"The bed is too small, Derpy," said Mommy firmly. "Besides Mommy needs to be able to get up fast in the morning if she's sick. You don't want her throwing up on you, do you?"

"But... why would that happen?

"Because it's what can happen when a mommy's carrying a foal." Mommy went through her suitcase on the bed and passed Derpy a sizable white article from it. "Now put this on please, Derpy."

Derpy didn't have to look at it to know what it was. She scowled at it, then up at her mommy.

"I don't want to," she said, flatly.

"You have to, sweetie.... Mommy doesn't want you going tinkle in your cot. Granny Smith has been very nice to us and if you do that, she'll be very disappointed. You don't want that, do you?"

"But I don't want Applejac-"

"Derpy, please don't make Mommy have to raise her voice. We're having fun. Put the All-in-One on and just go to sleep. It'll be okay. If I have to talk to you again, I'm going to be very upset."

"Mommy..."

"Derpy, do what Mommy says! This is your last warning."

The little pegasus frowned, lowering her head.

"Okay."

Though they were without foal powder, as it had been forgotten in Diamond's haste to leave Canterlot (along with a few other things; Derpy's teddy bear included), Derpy put on the All-in-One just as she was instructed to. It felt familiar, but not in a way Derpy wanted.

Soon the light was flicked off and room was suddenly a darkish blue. Derpy was not used to having a window in her room, especially one so big with her bed so low and close. She stared out of it, at the huge crescent-shaped moon, and gradually faded. She wasn't happy to be diapered, but it wasn't as bad as it could be. The door was closed and she just knew the Apple family members would leave them alone, or at least knock before entering. Mommy was snoring a bit before Derpy was, and soon Derpy was as well.

* * *

It always puzzled Derpy how she could wake up in the same bed, in the same bedroom, and not know where she was at first. This time she woke up on a cot in a tiny room on the floor and had no clue where she was for over a minute. Celestia's sun was just barely peeking over the horizon, which Derpy wasn't used to seeing.

"Mommy?" she finally said, quietly.

There was no answer. Derpy turned over, barely recalling the night before, and looked at the bed. It was empty.

"Mommy?"

Derpy's voice now sounded a bit more upset, but there was still no answer.

Had she been wet from the night before, Derpy's instinct might've been put on hold long enough for her to realize what she was about to do wasn't the best idea. She bolted upward and headed for the door, pushing it open.

"Mommy?"

There was still no answer.

She stepped out in the hall, looking to left and to the right. To her right was Applejack, who saw Derpy and what she was wearing only for a few seconds -- shirt, All-in-One diaper, and all.

"Uh..." Applejack paused for a moment, awkwardly looking at Derpy's attire. She beamed a friendly smile and waved. "Mornin'!"

Derpy took one look and froze, then quickly ran back into the room, thoroughly embarrassed. She didn't know what to do, so she went to the cot and put the blankets back on. There she sat for a bit, rocking... waiting for her mommy to return. It was so quiet, all Derpy could hear was her breathing. She was alone for what felt like forever.

Mommy did eventually come back to the room, a full ten minutes later, with a magazine in her hoof. She was wiping her mouth with a cloth. She turned to see two little eyes on her.

"Hi Derpy... you're up early!"

The little pegasus smiled.

"Hi."

"Did you sleep well?"

She nodded.

"Are you dry?"

Again, Derpy nodded.

"I'm so glad." Mommy laid down on the floor beside Derpy. "We're going to have fun today... Applejack is going to show us around town after lunch. We can eat where ever you want. Doesn't that sound like fun?"

Again, Derpy nodded... slowly.

Mommy hauled herself off the floor. It was difficult because of her tummy. She smiled at Derpy, winking.

"Get up, silly... everypony's awake in this house, ready to have breakfast!"

Derpy continued to lie there as Mommy headed over to the bed. Eventually the filly turned over, took the All-in-One and shirt off, then got up.

She and Mommy headed into the kitchen together. They smiled at each other, and could smell the fresh cooking and hear little Apple Bloom's babbling. Mommy wasn't making breakfast today and neither really had to go anywhere. When they got to the door they saw was waiting for them: stacks and stacks of pancakes. In their spots rested little hoof-made napkins with the names of the guest on them.... and Derpy's pancakes had a smiley face drawn on top with whipped cream. Anything that had happened earlier was temporarily forgotten.

"Y'all like that, eh?" Granny Smith said, from the sink. "Applejack did it. She made breakfast wit' ma oversight. Enjoy now."

Applejack came shyly up beside Derpy. She was quite different from the night before. Derpy was quite nervous, and not that she would have noticed but Applejack was nervous, too.

"Sleep alright?" the farm filly asked.

Derpy nodded.

"Uh-huh."

"Well, that's good. Hope y'all like the pancakes..." Applejack gestured towards the strawberries and blueberries waiting to the side and laughed. "We eat more than just apples in this house, don't worry. Ah can promise ya a different food each day. Ya won't grow tired of what we've got in store any time soon."

Derpy smiled weakly.

Applejack sat, Derpy sat beside her with the rest of the family. They all ate... this meal was more quiet than the night before, but they had plans for the day already set. Derpy was surprised, however, when Big Mac and Applejack got up after their meals were gone.

"If y'all are set, me and Big Mac have some chores to do. Won't take too long... maybe a couple hours."

"What're chores?" Derpy asked.

"Responsibilities," said Granny Smith plainly, while spoon feeding Apple Bloom small bits of pancake. "Things to take care of, like big ponies got to. Big Mac'll be tied up a bit longer than AJ. He's older, so he's got more on his shoulders, but he'll meet you in Ponyville this afternoon. Won't ya, Big Mac?"

"Ee-yup."

"Why don't I have chores, Mommy? They sound neat!"

"Derpy, they can be a lot of fun, but they can also be really boring. You don't have chores because..." Mommy was clearly thinking of a good answer. She looked at Granny Smith, who seemed to encourage her to speak with a motion of her hoof. "We don't have a big enough home yet. Just wait until we move here to Ponyville, into a house just like this. I'm sure they'll be something Mommy'll need help with, if you still want something to do."

"Okee!"

Soon the Apple children departed breakfast leaving them all alone. Granny Smith approached the little filly.

"Y'all are welcome to come on a walk with me and yer mom in a few. Gunna show her around the Acres. You saw a bit of it last night. It's different durin' the day. You'll be able ta see Applejack and Big Mac hard at work on the farm. Mac'll be bucking apples, and AJ'll be feeding the piggies and cows. Y'all can help her, if ya really want a taste of farm work."

"Really?"

"Of course!" She turned to Mommy. "Provided your ma's okay with it?"

"Of course I am, sweetie. Just be careful!"

"I will, Mommy. Promise!"

"Then its settled!"

* * *

After bathroom stuff was done the four found themselves on a walk, Derpy at the back, Granny Smith at the front pushing a stroller, and Mommy in the middle.

The trees all looked the same, and going at this pace was a bit more boring than before, but Derpy found the same sense of security and wonder going into the orchard that she had the night before. First pony they saw out working was Big Mac. He was kicking the apple trees, two buckets beside him catching the apples that fell through the air.

"He's pretty strong for just a colt," said Mommy.

"Only fourteen," replied Granny Smith, proudly. "Stronger than most full-grown stallions."

"Wow."

Even Derpy was impressed watching him. With one leg he would kick a tree, the sound the apples made falling into the buckets was surprisingly loud.

They walked down the path a bit farther. Derpy had never seen miles of landscape quite like this. It stretched out a way and just seemed to drop off. It looked like it was the end of the world, but in reality it was just as far as she could see. Even as a pegasus filly she had never flown high enough to see something like this. This... this felt pretty, all this infinite space with no pony around and no boundaries.

Finally they approached a hill and came to Applejack, who was out with a few buckets on her shoulders headed to a building behind them.

"Y'all can follow her, if ya like," said Granny Smith. "I'm sure listening to an ol' fuss budget like me all day isn't half as fun as watching my grand daughter feed the animals. Or helpin' for that matter."

Derpy looked at Applejack, who simply smiled... motioning with her head.

"Come on," she said, plainly.

Derpy looked back at her mommy. She nodded.

This time Derpy didn't hesitate. She followed Applejack and soon Mommy and Granny Smith were over the hill behind her.

She didn't know what to say at first, so she let Applejack do the talking.

"In just a lil while I'm takin' ya out to Ponyville for lunch."

"Neat!"

"Um, anything ya wanna try?"

"I dunno."

Applejack looked back, biting her lip. The two were approaching the barn. When they got there Applejack held the door open and Derpy went inside.

"Ya know..." Applejack began, closing the door. "I've got a cousin a bit older than you out west a ways. He still sleeps with a rubber mattress cover. Ain't nothing to be ashamed of."

Derpy had no clue what she meant. Rubber mattress covers were well outside of her realm of experience.

"Okee."

"Look, uh..." Applejack set the buckets of feed down right in front trough. "I don't want you thinkin' I'm gunna make fun of you or anything 'cause of what I saw you wearin' this morning. It's just not what the Apples do! Ah don't care if you wear a diaper to bed. Ain't a big thing to me."

Derpy smiled big. The farm filly smiled right back... she looked, if anything, relieved.

"So... ya wanna feed the piggies now, I guess?"

The pegasus looked over at the trough, then down at the buckets. She nodded vigorously.

"I'd like that, Applejack."

"Me too, Derpy... Me too."

Applejack and Derpy turned to the trough and began dumping the first bucket in together. The second bucket Derpy was going to take care of by herself... or at least try to. She wasn't quite as strong as Applejack, and that wasn't just because of her being a pegasus. The piggies would still get fed, and then the cows their hay, but the slop would take some time to clean up first... which Applejack was okay with. The area surrounding the trough was in need of a cleaning, anyway.

The day would go on, as days tend to do, and Derpy would have lots of fun. So would the Apple children and Mommy. This was the start of a wonderful friendship, and not only that... Derpy was finding out fast she was good at more than just she thought she was. It brought her joy to run and jump with the two others, and to try new things. It seemed like there was almost no end to this wonderful place.

Lunchtime came and Derpy found something she never expected to: on the way there every pony the Apple family passed Applejack said hello to, and so did Granny Smith.

"Well, howdy!" she would say. "Howdy! Howdy... Well, howdy! Why, hello Ms. Fluttershy!"

This was unheard of in their district of Canterlot. There were just too many darned ponies going every which way to say hello, even if you did know them. Not only did Applejack say hi to them all, she knew most of them by name. Not just the fillies and colts, but big grown-up ponies, who smiled back when they saw her.

"How'd you do that, Applejack?" Derpy asked.

The farm filly laughed.

"Shucks, just spend enough time around ponies, selling 'em apples and whatnot, and ya just get to know 'em. It comes natural, and you become friendly to everypony you meet!"

Derpy's smile just grew and grew.

They would meet Big Mac for lunch soon, and their day would have still just started. An entire week, dedicated to getting to know Ponyville and all the ponies Derpy would soon be around. This was done just for her.

This vacation would be remembered for a very long time... it started out seeming like it was going to take a lot longer than it ended up feeling like it did. Once the pair went back Derpy's memory of Canterlot felt hazy, because she had seen what the future would bring... and that's all she could think about while she was there. Canterlot was boring and lonely, even with Mommy there, who was no longer working, but having all these loud conversations with suited ponies she called "Auditors." They weren't very nice. Ponyville was a nice place, and before Derpy knew it she would be there... with new friends not far off.

2, 2 -- "Trust"

2, 2
"Trust"

It was dark outside when the two finally ended up at Derpy's home. Being the gentlecolt that he is Thunderlane opened the door and turned on her light, motioning her inside with the flick of his hoof.

"Wow!" he exclaimed. "You really tuckered me out back there, you know that?"

In response Derpy gave a coy smile, cantering inside.

"I walk a lot, Thundie. It's good exercise!"

"I'll say!" Thunderlane gave her a noogie. "You're practically as fit as an earth pony! Walking behind you, though, I could really appreciate the view. Thanks for showing me that. Took over an hour, but it was totally worth it."

"Glad you liked it!"

Thunderlane grinned as he closed the door, locking it up for the night.

The two were in Derpy's living room. The stallion looked around, at the couch he'd broke the night before (which now appeared to be fixed) and the hallway to Derpy's bedroom, a place he had yet to see. He approached the couch, gingerly set his bags to the side, and sat down carefully... not wanting to end up on his back staring at the ceiling.

"You know, Derpy... the night is still young." He patted his knees. "Feel like trying your luck with me again? Hopefully we won't break anything this time."

Derpy blushed deeply.

"You mean... like last night?"

Thunderlane nodded.

"I thought about it. You know we really don't need to move around all that much if you sit on my lap. It'll be fun and we can go from there. You trust me enough for that, right?"

Derpy recalled Applejack cautioning her not to jump up and down on her couch... what they were talking about doing was a lot like jumping. She lowered her head.

"Um, Thundie? I think maybe we should try this-"

"Another time?" He cut her off, grinning wide. "After a nice, long date like that you're turning me down? We've been together, what, three months now? Come on... please don't make me beg."

Derpy took a sudden interest in her hooves. Letting out a low grumble, she looked up at her Special Somepony with furrowed brows:

"That's not what I was going to say."

Perking an ear, his tune changed rather quickly:

"Oh! Well, what were you going to say?"

"I was thinking..." Derpy swallowed hard, blushing. "Maybe in my bedroom?"

She continued to peer at Thunderlane as he sat there, his face blank. He cracked a smile.

"You mean... all night long?"

Derpy nodded. "Uh-huh."

His grin broadened.

"I'd like that, Derpy... I'd like it a lot."

"Me too, Thundie. But, well..."

Derpy lowered her eyes again.

"But what...?" He reached out with a hoof, gently touching her chin. "You can tell me anything. You know that."

She pushed his hoof away, peeking up.

"Nothing. Just let me get ready for bed first. Okee?"

"Huh." He leaned back, causing the couch to buckle where it was held together. He leaned forward fast, not wanting to push his luck. "Wow, the bedroom might be the best place. You sure you don't want any help? Maybe picking out something pretty?"

She shook her head. "No, Thundie. I'm sure."

Derpy wasn't going to admit it, but she was shaking. Thunderlane could feel it, through the floor and in the air, but he couldn't see it... not that it mattered to her. She was too preoccupied with something else:

I have to tell him.

What Applejack had said earlier echoed in her mind:

"Sit him down and tell him, maybe show him how important this is to you. Showin' is better than tellin' half the time. If he's any respectable Special Somepony he'll hear ya out and understand why it's important."

She looked up.

"Um, just give me a few minutes. Okay?"

Thunderlane put both hooves up.

"Sure, sure... take as long as you need. I'll be right here." He leaned forward, smiling. "You'll come and get me when you're ready then, right?"

"I'll- I'll call you. Does that work?"

"Works for me, Derpy."

"Great!"

Before he knew it Derpy had bolted away to her room, slamming the door shut. A bit bewildered, Thunderlane folded both forelegs behind his neck and sat back... the couch wobbling yet again. He sighed, leaning forward... not entirely comfortable in this position, but better than standing sore after that walk like that. He'd just have to wait patiently.

* * *

Derpy's logic in this made perfect sense, but only in a somewhat skewed way. It didn't matter how she was going to go about this, what was more important was that she was going about it. She was so nervous she had butterflies in her stomach, and felt suddenly a lot more hesitant than she thought she would.

"Oh, my..." she whispered to herself. "You're just getting ready for bed. It's a normal night." She looked over at her bed. At least she had a queen, room enough for two ponies. "I can't do this." She looked over at her dresser and trotted up. You just have to show him what you've got to wear at night. If he doesn't laugh or get grossed out, everything will be fine. Right? She opened the dresser, staring at a container of foal powder and small stockpile of folded disposable diapers.

She grabbed a diaper and the foal powder then hopped on her bed, diapering herself right there. She could have herself ready for bed in under thirty seconds ─ foal powder and all ─ very good time, all things considered. The motions were rote, so despite requiring some fine-motor skills (which in Derpy still weren't the greatest), she could do it in her sleep. She looked down at the thick disposable diaper and got up, hearing it crinkle as she moved.

So loud! she thought, blushing. I never realized. She looked around the room, first at her bed, thinking, under the covers might be good... but then she bit her lip, contemplating. No, he'll probably dive in and try to hug me, end up feeling it... I want him to see it, after he sees me. She looked at her closet, her red bathrobe with gold trim hanging limply from a hook. She gave a weak smile, grabbing it and quickly putting it on, tying the ends loosely.

Derpy looked at her rump. She couldn't tell she was diapered from the side, which is exactly what she wanted. She knew Thunderlane well enough to know he could be playful... if she lay facing him it wouldn't be about noticing the diaper first, it would be about him seeing her as he always did -- his petite, lil Derpy Hooves. Then he'd have a closer look and they could talk about it... if they had to, before moving on to anything else. She also remembered from movies that bathrobes could be really romantic. That's what she wanted to be -- playful, romantic, and fun. She wasn't sure Thunderlane would accept this, but she'd still show him in the best way she could think to.

Pushing down her covers Derpy lay facing the door. She looked over her rump one final time and sighed, turning back to take in some air. "Okay, I'm ready!"

In her tiny room Derpy's voice reverberated back to resemble a bark, adding to her unease. Thunderlane had heard her, though. She heard him get up and trot towards the door. It swung open and there he stood, wearing the same cute grin she'd fallen for well before they first started dating. He approached, looking into her good eye. His nose wrinkled briefly, taking in the strangely puerile scent of Derpy's bedroom. He gave it no thought, however, focusing on what was right in front of him.

"Nice bathrobe."

"Um... thanks!"

He walked in closer and she blushed deeper, turning her head to the side. He gave a tiny peck to the side of her neck, then one along her cheek. She couldn't help wriggling a bit... she heard a crinkle, but he must've not heard it as he didn't even perk an ear.

"You've got plenty of room there for two ponies," he said, brushing by Derpy and tickling her nose with his tail. "I thought you'd have a single."

"I like lots of room."

He gave a quick glance towards her rump, sizing up her position, grinning... adding himself into the equation.

"I'll say. Makes things easier, right?"

Before Derpy could answer he got on the bed, facing the opposite direction. As the springs squeaked, Derpy's bottom crinkled again. This time he heard it, and wouldn't have said anything if he hadn't put his head past just her backside so his ear was just a few inches from her rump. He instinctively turned his head, seeing bits of white plastic jutting out from under Derpy's garment. She felt him hike up the back of her robe and froze, her body tense. He held it up for what seemed like forever (but was only a few seconds), staring silently. He looked at her, a look of complete bewilderment on his face.

"Derpy, what-" He shook his head, letting the material drop. "... what's this? A- are you wearing diapers?"

She turned around, smiling, pulling herself up so they were face to face. Thunderlane pulled his hoof back, his face unreadable. She gave a gentle hug, but could feel his body was still somewhat stiff.

"I have to wear them at night, Thundie," she said, plainly. "I can't help it."

He stared at her, his hooves against his sides. He slowly put a hoof to her foreleg and squeezed it, the other to the back of her head. She felt him patting her back tenderly... reassuringly.

"Okay," he said, taking a breath. "That explains the weird foal powder smell in here. This can come off like anything else, though... right? There- there's nothing else wrong with you down there that I should know about? It's only bed-wetting, right?"

She shook her head confidently, smiling up at him. He continued to look off, deep in thought, Derpy concluded.

"I only have accidents when I'm asleep..." she whispered, as if afraid somepony might hear her. "Or when I'm really, really scared. That hasn't happened in a while, though."

"Good to know..." Thunderlane continued to pat her back, sticking a hoof into the back of her bathrobe. They made eye-contact, but his eyes seemed to not actually look at her. He nodded his head, almost as though he was still thinking. The look on his face quickly turned back to the one that Derpy liked. "Let's just get this stuff off you, okay?"

Leaning back, Derpy smiled.

"Okee!"

Thunderlane smiled at her.

That was the talk Derpy knew she needed to have with him, over quicker than she thought. She really could trust Thunderlane, and that made her very happy. With it out of the way she was sure he was the one she wanted to connect with, and now they could go nowhere but up from here. She was still nervous, but that would fade, along with everything else in due time.

2, 3 -- "New to Town"

2, 3
"New to Town"

Applejack and Derpy walked down the street towards the Sugarcube corner. This was quickly becoming Derpy's favorite place, next to the fountain, which was pretty and always so peaceful. Like Applejack, the filly said hello to everypony they passed, or at least tried to... some ponies looked busy and just nodded, others gave an enthusiastic hello right back. Applejack said, one of the first times time they went for a walk into town alone:

"Don't be nervous! Just say hello, have it come from the heart. Most ponies'll smile if they know yer bein' sincere. If they're grumps, ya can't rightly do nothin' about that, so ya just gotta keep on trottin'."

Even after a month this was all very new. Everything was, actually. In a couple more months school was going to start up, but for now Derpy was still adjusting -- to a new life, a new house, and new ponies.

Derpy now lived in a tiny house with just two bedrooms, actually smaller than the apartment in Canterlot, but it was nice to have an outside she could play in any time she wanted, and her own tree to climb (well, try to climb). Granny Smith once said they might put a swing in it for her birthday. At night she slept with Mommy on a queen-sized bed they got when they moved... this was decided by Mommy because the foal would need space and Derpy could never sleep with loud noise right next to her.

The foal wasn't born yet, though. This is why Derpy was with Applejack for a few days. Mommy had to go to the hospital... something about the birth being complicated, Mommy needing a c-section because of the baby's horn. It was funny that a pegasus foal should have a horn, but no pony seemed too worried about it. This told Derpy everything was going to be okay, and it helped that she knew the Doctors would see that. The one thing Derpy was a little sad about was not being with Mommy, but that would change in a few days.

For now, Derpy just enjoyed her time with Applejack.

* * *

When the two got to the Sugarcube corner they noticed something different this time. There was a filly about their age outside, maybe a bit younger, vivid pink with a kinky mane and balloons for a Cutie Mark. She was juggling while balancing on a rubber ball. Resting alongside her was a deep wooden box with a rope handle, open just a crack... some Bits barely visible inside. The box was covered with crayon drawings, very vibrant and cute. The filly's blue eyes shone brightly in the light, she was clearly having fun entertaining the passing ponies, and had made a few Bits while doing so.

When Applejack approached she didn't want to break the pink filly's concentration, so she nodded politely.

"Hi!" chirped the pink filly.

"Howdy," Applejack replied, stopping to watch while Derpy gathered behind her.

"Hello!"

"I'm Pinkie Pie!" The juggling filly giggled. "This is my first time in Ponyville! It's a really nice town!"

"It is," Applejack said, looking over at Derpy. She noticed Derpy's mouth was hanging open and shook her head. "Uh, Derpy?"

Pinkie Pie looked over and imitated Derpy's slack jaw expression. She giggled, also imitating her crossed eyes. The pegasus immediately clamped her mouth closed and turned away... biting her lower lip and taking a deep breath.

"Aww, I didn't mean anything by it!" Pinkie said, pouting a bit. "I just thought it was funny!"

Derpy didn't turn back, as that explanation didn't help matters. Pinkie continued to juggle all the while, unaware of how much she had just hurt Derpy Hooves.

"She's bein' truthful, Derpy," Applejack said, giving the pegasus a squeeze. "Maybe if ya told her what you were lookin' at it might make ya feel better. She seems pretty friendly."

"Oh, I am! Trust me! I wouldn't hurt a fly... well, maybe one if it was the size or you or I, but then I'd need a super big fly swatter to do that and I don't have one of those quite yet."

Shyly, Derpy turned around and looked Pinkie Pie in the eye... the grey filly's right eye drifting off towards the clouds, her left remaining straight on. Pinkie didn't imitate her this time. The pegasus smiled weakly.

"How do you do that?" she asked, point-blank.

"Do what?" Pinkie responded, in earnest.

"You're juggling and talking at the same time."

"And balancing!"

"... how?"

Pinkie smiled, throwing a quick shrug as she continued to busk.

"I dunno!"

Derpy looked at Applejack, who also shrugged.

"Some ponies can just do that stuff," she said, plainly. "It's like Big Mac with buckin'. He knows just where to put the buckets without even havin' to look."

"It's neat."

"That it is."

Pinkie Pie giggled, watching Derpy's good eye move smoothly with the motion of the balls. Her eyes slowly began to move together until she was distracted by clinking right beside her.

Applejack fished out a bit from her own saddlebag, placing it into Pinkie's box.

"Thanks!"

Looking up, the farm filly grinned.

"I'm Applejack," she said, plainly. "This here is Derpy Hooves! Hope you enjoy your stay Ponyville, now."

"Oh, I will! Thank you!"

With a nod from the farm filly, the two slowly trotted past Pinkie and entered the Sugarcube corner, Derpy looking back one final time at the juggler who appeared to be yawning with her eyes closed and still not missing a beat. Even juggling seemed impossible to Derpy. Balancing and talking while doing it? Even more so.

How does she do that?

The door slammed shut, but Derpy could still see Pinkie through the window plain as day.

* * *

The Sugarcube Corner was dimly lit compared to the outside. Applejack quickly found a table near the counter and Mrs. Cake came right out as Derpy headed for the seat across from Applejack. Mr. Cake smiled from behind the counter.

"Good afternoon girls!" said Mrs. Cake in her usual, cheery tone. "What can I get for you today?"

"An extra-large apple spice muffin for me," Applejack said, taking off her stetson.

Derpy sat down:

"Same please!"

Mrs. Cake smiled at her husband, who pulled the order out from behind the counter. Derpy continued to stare out the window.

"I see you met Pinkie Pie," commented Mr. Cake, setting two muffins larger than his own hooves on the counter.

"She's kinda hard to miss," Applejack said. "Pretty good at jugglin', too!"

Mr. Cake laughed.

"That she is." Mr. Cake looked out the window, watching the balls move along with Derpy. "Fancies herself a traveling entertainer... at ten years old. I don't have a clue how she made it out this far, seeing how she says she came all the way from the old rock farm, but she told Cup that she hoofed it the whole way here."

"Land sakes! That's over fifty miles!"

"Fifty-five, to be exact," said Mrs. Cake. "She showed up ten minutes ago and started busking out front with just her toys... normally we don't allow that right outside of our shop, but a little thing like her... I just had to offer her a place to stay the night. She's out there trying to pay for it. I told her it's not necessary, but she's having so much fun doing it."

"Gotta admire her spirit."

"She is awfully cheery." Mrs. Cake turned to her husband. "Carrot, I think it might be best if we close up shop early today. Make sure our cheery little filly's story checks out and give her something to eat."

He nodded.

Applejack and Derpy sat watching Pinkie as Mrs. Cake quickly passed them their food. Derpy didn't know it yet, but Applejack did (and would tell her later) that the Cakes were planning to find some way of contacting Pinkie's parents... the farm filly could only surmise to make sure she hadn't run away. This also meant that, while they were welcome to stay there as long as they liked, the sooner they hit the road the better.

The farm filly tore off a piece off her muffin and tapped the table, pulling Derpy's eyes from the window, which were just starting to work in sync again.

"Hey, I'll race ya!"

Smiling, Derpy had no problem accepting that challenge. She scarfed down the muffin entirely in one bite, before Applejack could even pick up the rest of hers to take another mouthful. The farm pony's jaw dropped.

"H- ... how'd you do that? Th' whole thing was the size of ma head!"

Derpy just grinned and giggled, bits of muffin showing in her teeth. Applejack rolled her eyes.

"Yeah, that's real appetizin', you know." Applejack shook her head, laughing. "But I can't stay mad at you. You're just too... nice."

Applejack scarfed down the rest of her muffin in three big bites. They then paid the Cakes and trotted out. Before Derpy knew it the fillies were on their way yet again, to entertain themselves off in another part of town... undecided and idle, as were most foals during summer break. They both waved to Pinkie Pie as they passed, Pinkie smiling back and nodding. Derpy saw Mrs. Cake looking at Pinkie through the doorway one final time before they turned the corner. She liked the filly and hoped to see her again sometime soon... even if she had accidentally made her feel bad.

Little did either filly know that Pinkie had her parents' blessing to be out entertaining others, even miles from home. Equestria was a pretty safe place to travel, after all, provided ponies didn't stray too far from civilization, and it was her calling to make others laugh, as indicated by her flank. This was a new feeling Derpy could relate to, enjoying the smile one somepony else's face, but she had no desire to throw big parties. She just liked to be Derpy, out in the open air, and to have nice friends. She was being given a chance for the first time ever and it felt so good. Just like Pinkie, she was happy just where she was.

2, 4 -- "Closeness"

2, 4
"Closeness"

Thunderlane found himself back on the floor, Derpy's lower half in front of him. First thing to go was the diaper. He stripped it away like a pair of panties, coming up between Derpy's legs to do so... grinning at her. He threw it to the side and stared at his Special Somepony, sticking his tongue just past his teeth. He continued to grin as he poked her with a hoof.

"Feel like giving me a show?" He brushed a hoof past his shoulder. "I'd very much like it."

Sitting up, Derpy blushed furiously. This was being playful, just like she'd wanted. She slowly slipped her shoulders out of the bathrobe, just as Thunderlane had showed her... watching his smile grow. It fell listlessly away from her body.

"Now lay back," he instructed, coolly. Derpy did as she was told. "Get comfortable.... it's okay. Let Thundie take care of you. You know I'm not going to hurt you, right?"

This felt strange to Derpy... almost comforting. She lay there, instinctively opening her legs, giggling as the pegasus realized she was getting into a familiar diaper-position... just as she did for Mommy when she was eight or the times she was too sick to diaper herself. Thunderlane took her smile for reassurance.

The two looked at each other, smiling. Thunderlane's head quickly disappeared between Derpy's legs. She knew what he was going to do well before she felt the warm, wet tickly sensation against her inner thighs. She was looking forward to it. He held her legs open and....

"Bleaah!" Thunderlane's head whipped back. He ran his teeth over his tongue and wiped his lips. He looked at her, his posture clearly annoyed. "Yuck!"

"What is it, Thundie? W- what'd I do?"

The pegasus spat a couple of times, continuing to rub his mouth vigorously with a hoof. He had one thing to say:

"Foal powder tastes TERRIBLE!"

Derpy couldn't help laughing.

"I'm so sorry, Thundie!" she said. "Maybe I should've wiped myself first."

"It doesn't matter." He wiped her off with a hoof. Both ponies could feel the warmth as he rested his hoof at her opening, Derpy feeling a tiny bit of relief from being touched in a not-so-rough way. "Say, you're pretty excited already."

She looked past her thighs.

"Huh?"

Thunderlane licked his hoof, happy to no longer be tasting foal powder. He then lined his body up and got into position... looking like a cat ready to pounce.

* * *

It happened so fast -- Thunderlane pulled back and then threw himself up. The stallion's barrel was suddenly in between Derpy's thighs, and he was nose-to-nose with her. Because of his weight and size she had no choice but to keep her legs wide open, which was a bit awkward. To top it off he was also holding down her front legs... in a way she didn't much mind. He kissed on the lips, a smile spreading its way across his face as he looked into her good eye.

"Oh, my...." she said. "Thundie, you're really fast. And you're really strong! Wow. Oh... Ow! Ah-ahhh-!"

Thunderlane had thrust his hips forward and this time he found his mark. The stallion let out a satisfied whinny as Derpy's forelegs shrunk to her sides, giving him ample leverage to hold them tight. Upon penetration Derpy not only immediately popped out (which felt nice) but also thought she might've urinated a little. She didn't say anything, and was sure Thunderlane didn't notice or didn't care. He began thrusting rhythmically while staring into her good eye, and she loved the look he gave her. Though his hips were quite animate, his eyes looked calm... and very pleased. But she wasn't very happy:

"Too rough!" Derpy exclaimed, biting her lower lip. "Ow! Thundie, you're hurting my legs!"

The act itself didn't hurt. It was more pleasant than uncomfortable... but it was uncomfortable at first. She felt sore, too narrow and taught for this. He thrust so hard the entire bed vibrated against the wall. This could be heard from outside, not that anypony would've likely been outside at the time.

"You'll get used to it," he said, coolly. "Trust me."

He continued to thrust, leaning in to give Derpy a kiss on the lips. Having some of the weight off her tendons helped Derpy slip into a more natural position, which happened instantaneously. No longer in distress, she shut her eyes and achknowledged that awkwardness as just an accident, accepting his kiss. She kissed him back just as hard, her cheeks turning bright crimson as his tongue forced its way into her mouth and overpowered her own. While a little rough this... this was nice.

Less than a minute had passed and Derpy's body was already starting to become accustomed to this activity. She knew it was getting easier and feeling better to accept his thrusting, and she loved the idea of having her Special Somepony closer than is usually possible. It was worth the fading twangs of discomfort on the inside. It took over a minute, but soon Derpy found accepting the thrusting so effortless that she began to squeeze each time he pushed in and pulled back. He let her know how much he liked that by giggling, rubbing her chest right down to her boobies while sitting upright. She closed her eyes as he towered above her... and he released her forelegs, and yet she still felt very secure and happy.

Each thrust brought them both pleasure. Every contraction Derpy made amplified that. Moisture and suction came into play, two things Derpy never expected to feel so wonderful; chemicals like acids and bases working together. It tickled and felt so alive. Looking into each other's eyes made her feel so close to him as he rubbed her tummy and tickled her sides.

There was an involuntary contraction now. It started as a quake, growing to a clench. Moisture grew even more concentrated (possibly a tiny bit more urination with it). Sensing it, Thunderlane started to lean forward and his thrusting became quicker, smoother. It was only logical to Derpy that he was doing this for her, to make her feel nice. There he was -- good looking, confident, and super charming -- and again he held Derpy so tight she could barely move.

"Come on," he whispered, leaning over to give her a kiss. "Come on you..."

The contractions grew and grew, harder and harder to the point it was uncomfortable again, but not painful. Quite the opposite. Derpy was too taken aback by this new, incredible sensation to even cry, as much as she wanted to. She felt an expansion inside of her and Thunderlane now leaned forward, she felt him almost pushing up against the contractions.

Vigorously thrusting while holding Derpy tight, he cried out in relief... as though he'd just got the best massage in all of Equestria. Derpy continued to feel his upward contractions, the moisture inside of her suddenly growing even more full and sticky, more complete and tickly. He fell forward on her, his whole weight almost squishing her for a moment (not that she minded). He rolled to the side, disconnecting himself in the process.

* * *

Both ponies lay panting, exhausted, feeling complete. Derpy felt the stickiness left over, coating on the inside, and Thunderlane knew he was spent. He had his eyes shut blissfully, but felt she was looking at him. He opened his eyes to see that she was.

"What?" he panted out.

"I love you, Thundie."

He nodded rapidly, continuing to pant... completely spent.

"Yeah, you too."

Both lay in the afterglow for several minutes. While she'd had a couple of wet dreams before and had got sticky down there during certain times of the month, thinking about certain stallions she really liked (both in real-life and the movies), Derpy had never done anything like that before. She knew what it was, was ready for it and submitted to it, and didn't regret choosing him for a moment. Of all the stallions she'd known, he was the cutest and the funniest... he was perfect.

"I think that was the best I've ever had," Thunderlane finally whispered, sitting up. "I mean it."

"Yeah," Derpy wheezed back, looking up. "I'm happy... It was really nice."

Thunderlane looked at her, poking her in the shoulder and smiling, and she continued to look up at him. Up and down he looked, admiring the mare who had just gave herself to him completely. There might even be a round two of this before they go to sleep, though looking at her it was not likely. He thought for a moment.

"So Derpy," Thunderlane said, finally getting back some strength. "I think you can agree that was pretty awesome, huh?"

She gave a satisfied nod.

"We're probably going to sleep now, but if we can get up early enough... I'm probably going to want to do that again." He looked around the room, sparsely decorated. "Do you have an alarm?"

She shrugged. "I always just wake up at the same time. I never really needed one."

"You wake up early, though, right?"

"Uh-huh!"

"Good." He stretched, looking into her good eye. "Lemme ask you something, lil Miss Hooves... what do you like?"

"Um... I like you, Thundie. I like you a lot!"

He laughed. "That's not quite what I meant. Now that we've been in bed, I'll let you make little requests of me because they usually lead to better... a-hem, nighttime fun. You enjoy it when I lick you down there, right?"

Sheepishly, Derpy nodded. "Uh-huh!"

"Well, Derpy... I've got something I'd you to try in the morning, and if you'd like tomorrow night we can do the same thing we did tonight. A couple times a week, if you'd like. This'll be super quick... Heck, we might even be able to do it tonight."

He looked at her, hard... waiting for a response. She looked back, also waiting for him to say something.

"What is it you want?" she finally asked.

"Well, to tell the truth, Derpy... I really like having my willy sucked, especially if it's done by a cute mare such as yourself. I like it when she, a-hem... takes what I give her and swallows it, then cuddles me afterwards. Is this something you think you could do in the morning before breakfast? You won't even have to take your diaper off. We can do it first thing and afterwards I'll treat you to breakfast. You'd like that, right?"

Derpy blushed. "Oh, my goodness!"

"It's not really a hard thing to do." He reached out and gently touched her lips, pulling her top lip down. "You just gotta make sure to keep your teeth covered and hold your tongue forward. Create a good suction and it's nearly impossible to mess up. You just suck, just like a foal does to his hoof, and it goes back as far as you're comfortable with. It's not like in the movies... that's silly. You'll know if it's working because you'll feel the skin move, and then the head will mushroom out a little towards the end."

Derpy shook her head, pulling away.

"Thundie, I- I think I'd feel kind of weird doing that. I don't wanna say embarrassed... but that's really the only word I can think of. Even talking about it makes me feel kind of funny... and gross."

He looked at her, smiling.

"Why would you feel embarrassed? I make you feel nice with my mouth. It's basically the same thing, there's just a bit more to swallow. Besides, you already took it in a different place. What's the difference?"

She looked away, shrugging... suddenly very quiet.

"Okay, Derpy." He guided her head back, encouraging her to look at him again. She did. "Maybe another time? You just gave me something pretty incredible, and maybe I'm being a tiny bit ungrateful. I'm really sorry, okay?"

She looked at him, smiling... trusting.

"That's my pretty, petite lil Derpy Hooves." He stretched, grinning coyly. "You've got... stuff all inside of you now, Derpy. You're left a lot... let's say 'muskier' than me because everything's internal. I can just wipe myself off just fine, but you... why don't you go shower, put that little thing back on your rump, then we can sleep together. Take your time, get clean. Smell nice, and while you're out I'd like a separate blanket please."

"Huh?"

"Well, Derpy..." He rolled his eyes. "It's only reasonable for me to ask, since there's a small chance you could leak and-"

"Thundie, that's only happened twice." Derpy looked down at the garments on the floor, the diaper so sturdy it was practically standing up. "These are super good, made for bed-wetting adults... it's kinda why I get them. I spend almost all my free Bits on them. Please... I wanna cuddle you without blankets so badly. Trust me!"

"Derpy?" She looked at him. He took a deep breath. "The answer is no. It's something I'm not comfortable with. We can touch, I'll even hug you, but I'm sleeping on a different side of the bed, with my own blankets, and I don't want your back legs anywhere near me. Okay?"

Derpy nodded, slowly... looking at the floor.

"Okay, Thundie. I understand."

He gave her an affectionate kiss.

"I had a lot of fun tonight, Derpy."

She looked up, smiling weakly.

"Yeah, me too."

She got up, glancing back one final time before turning to the doorway. Down the hall and to the shower... that was her destination. She noticed his eyes were fixed, not on her but on a particular spot... where she had been resting. More specifically where her rump had been. That spot on her bedspread was darker than the rest. Wet. He stared at her.

* * *

Derpy didn't mind being stared at, but when he looked at her and she saw that confident look she liked fading fast she knew what he was thinking.

"Thundie, I- um, uh..."

"Hey, it could be anything," he said, coolly. "This was your first time. There are a lot of fluids when it happens."

She nodded, watching him peel back her bedspread with a hoof.

Where that stain was her mattress was dark yellow. Even so, Thunderlane leaned forward to give it a sniff. He looked up at her, coldly... biting his lip.

"Derpy, that's fresh urine. I thought you said you usually just have this problem when you're asleep."

"That's how its always been," she said, approaching her nightstand, going into the bottom shelf. "I'll just change my sheets and everything will be o-"

"No, Derpy." Thunderlane got up, pulling her sheets back even further, seeing another stain on her mattress from years before, and another one near it closer to his side of the bed (which was just drool, but looked like it could've been pee). "Your mattress is disgusting. That's not going to be good enough. I'm not comfortable with this at all."

She looked at him, smiling weakly.

"Well, we could always turn it ov-"

"No."

She winced, taking a breath.

"Okay. I've got an air mattress... I've never slept on that."

He shook his head.

"You really should have told me about this first. We'd have done it in the bathtub!"

"I... I honestly didn't know this would happen. I'll- I'll go to the doctor on my next day off. Make sure there's nothing wrong."

"Yeah, you do that." He walked passed her. "I'm not sleeping her tonight, Derpy. I'm really going to have to think about this."

Hearing that, Derpy took a deep breath.

"But Thundie... I've never had that happen before."

He took a breath, stopping to look her in the eye. He put up a hoof.

"Okay, just tell me this... you didn't know it happened? Honestly, if you can tell me you didn't know it happened, I'll sleep on the air mattress. We'll only do it on the air mattress. You can at least keep that clean, right?"

"Well... yes, but-" She clicked her two hooves together. "Thundie, I felt something that might've been-"

The stallion gritted his teeth, stamping his hoof in anger.

"Gah, I felt it, too! Twice!" He shook his head. "Sweet Celestia, you could've said something. Derpy, you peed on me!"

Derpy lowered her head, slowly.

"Roseluck once told me it feels like you've really got to pee," she said, plainly. "Guess that's what I thought was going on. I didn't know it happened. Really! And I didn't want to stop you! I'm sorry..."

Thunderlane scowled. Derpy knew why that was, and she couldn't blame him. He gritted his teeth again, much harder than before... she was expecting him to start yelling. Instead, she saw that cool expression return to his face that she liked so much.

"Derpy," he said, very calmly. "I'm going home. Forget it. Just forget this ever happened."

He quickly turned around and began to trot briskly out of the room.

Even though Derpy wasn't completely sure what he meant, she trotted right after him. She was getting a very bad feeling about this.

"You'll see me tomorrow, though, right?"

He was already at the door and unlocking it.

"I'll see you at work."

"Um... Good night then?"

He opened her door and shut it, without looking back. She was left standing there... feeling very confused and sad. She took a breath.

I didn't mean to lie.

Suddenly it was quiet in her house. She stood there for the longest time, not thinking of anything. Normally that meant she was carefree and happy, but not this time. She wanted to cry, but couldn't. She didn't know why she wanted to cry, but she knew she just couldn't. She took a breath and shut her eyes... wanting everything to back the way it was just five minutes before. That would be nice.

Author's Note

This was one of those that made me a bit nervous because of the twist.

2, 6 -- "Loyalty"

2, 6
"Loyalty"

Resting on her old swing Derpy looked up into the clouds. The sky was dark, cloudy, not even the moon shone through. She let out a sigh, slowly spinning back and forth. She had no idea how long she'd been out there.

Thunderlane left hours ago, but she could still feel him -- his smell, his voice, his touch... the way he looked at her. She didn't know why he had gotten this angry, but she wanted it to be all over with. Most problems she'd faced didn't feel like this, or if they did somepony was usually there to tell her it would be okay. Not this time. In the distance she heard the sound of crickets chirping, which was comforting in an odd way... rhythmic, relaxing.

Derpy didn't know if she wanted to cry, but she felt sad. At least it wasn't all over, he was just angry... and angry can go away. In the morning she would be able to set things straight -- she'd tell Thunderlane everything was going to be okay and she'd do whatever she had to do to make him happy again. He'd understand if she meant it, and she would. That's all I have to do... show him how much I want to make things better. Derpy kept thinking these thoughts over and over for the longest time, each time feeling more confident about it. She eventually found herself smiling, though she still felt a bit scared, so she stayed where she was, rocking. She felt safe on her swing.

After a while the sky started turning pink. Derpy looked off into the horizon, just realizing:

It's morning already.

It didn't feel like it should be, but it was.

The pegasus had never been up all night, but with her mind preoccupied she knew from her time spent in Canterlot how easy hours could slip by. Now she'd have to work on no sleep, all the way up in the clouds. At least she'd have a couple hours to get ready first.

Derpy hopped off her swing and stretched, heading for the house to pull herself together... almost colliding with her door frame on the way in. She shook her head, as everything was wiggling, and then took it very slowly. She didn't feel very well, but she still had to get ready. Not just for Thunderlane.

She prepared breakfast in her tiny home, just a few oatmeal muffins. It took a little longer than usual to get everything together. It was always in places Derpy could easily find without looking, without thinking, but today everything was a blur and nothing felt right. She looked on the wrong shelf in her refrigerator, swearing breakfast was there. It was only after taking a step back and looking a shelf above in frustration that she saw them, wrapped up tightly behind her milk... exactly where she left them.

She sat on her kitchen chair and ate, thinking. In a couple hours she could see Thunderlane and promise him she was going to make things better. It made sense that's all he needed, to know that she cared enough to fix it, because that's what she would want to hear. She would take charge, just like Applejack or Rainbow Dash. That would be best.

With the night behind her and a good plan in mind, Derpy couldn't help kicking back and letting out a little giggle. It felt so good to finally be able to relax, she closed her eyes and sighed deeply... having much to look forward to. Things would be the way they used to be again. She would see to that.

* * *

There was a distant sound. A bit sharp, almost like tapping.

"Uh... hello?" a gravely voice echoed.

Derpy didn't respond. Where she was felt much too relaxing.

The tapping got louder, faster... more percussive.

"Hey Derpy!"

The pegasus bolted upwards. She wasn't sure where she was or what was going on, but she knew she felt very cold. He eyes began to focus slowly as the tapping continued... this time sounding almost angry.

"Um, Hello? Are you even in there?"

Rubbing her eyes, which were still adjusting to the light, Derpy realized she was at her table, a few muffin wrappers in front of her. The sun shone brightly through her window, too brightly for morning, and... her chair pad felt completely soaked through. Right away she knew why. She also knew the voice calling through her front door. It was Rainbow Dash.

Derpy paused for a moment, unsure of what to do. She didn't want to open the door because of the state she was in, but she knew things could get very unpleasant for her if she didn't answer soon. In urinating at least she had probably washed out most of the sticky fluids from the night before, but in just taking a few deep breaths she realized that she now smelled very badly like pee. Her back legs and rump were soaked, after all.

"Umm..." Derpy remained frozen. "Rainbow?"

A moment of silence passed. Dash could be heard sighing through the door.

"Derpy," the rainbow-maned pegasus said, gruffly. "I can hear you in there. Look, I don't know what's going on, but if you don't open this door right now there's going to be trouble. I don't have time for this!"

Both pegasus ponies let out a sigh.

"Alright. I'm, um..." She looked down at the puddle beneath her chair. "I'm not decent!"

Rainbow Dash growled.

"Well, then get decent! I'm giving you three minutes. Okay?"

"Okay!"

Derpy bolted from the chair. She grabbed a dish towel from her sink and threw it on the puddle, trying to clean it up. She must've been there for over a minute, all that happened was she spread the mess around and saturated the towel.

"Hey, I'm really leaving if you don't open this door," Dash grumbled. "And then you'll really get it. Having to come look for you guys is so uncool!"

"I, um..." Derpy found her forehooves were really shaking. "I'm sorry, Rainbow Dash!"

"Just come out here so I can talk to you."

Derpy rushed towards the door, put her hoof on the handle and hesitated. A red image flashed through her mind.

"Just one more minute! Okay?"

"Make it quick."

"I will! Promise!"

Derpy literally flew down her hall, crashing into her bedroom door frame on the way. She got up, shook away the stars, and looked into her room for the hook on her closet. It was bare.

Oh, where is it?

She scanned her room to find her red bathrobe on the floor, beside a thick diaper practically standing on its own. Images of the night before flashed through her mind, but that couldn't matter right now. She took a few steps into her room, threw it on, and trotted back towards the door. It swung wide as Derpy finished tying her robe.

Rainbow Dash was standing there. If Derpy hadn't been talking to her she would have been unable to tell if she was bored or very annoyed.

"Derpy, can you at least tell me why I had to come looking for you on my lunch break? Three other ponies are sick today already and none of you had the decency to at least tell me you didn't feel like showing up!?"

I, uh..." Derpy took a sudden interest in her hooves. "Um..."

"Well, come on already! Spit it out!"

Derpy winced, her body twitching upward. She made eye-contact with Rainbow Dash only for a second as she could feel her left eye fluttering. The gray pegasus opened her mouth hoping to speak, to say something, but ended up letting out a whimper. Everything went blurry as she began to cry. She couldn't look up at Rainbow Dash anymore.

"Woah..." Rainbow up put a hoof in her direction. "Oh, wow."

* * *

Rainbow Dash found herself comforting Derpy Hooves in the doorway. While Applejack had mentioned they were once old filllyhood friends, and sometimes hung out for a few hours, that didn't mean anything to Rainbow. Derpy was, simply put, the oddest, most difficult pony to work with, and Dash had to be her boss. Now she was hugging her. This was the most awkward, yet sincere hug Rainbow had given in years.

"It's okay, Derpy," Rainbow said, patting the wall-eyed pegasus on the back. "I'm not going to fire you or anything... I just need to know why half my crew didn't show up today. I- I'm just really frustrated. And hungry. Okay?"

Derpy didn't respond. She silently quaked. Dash could feel her shaking. She tried to encourage Derpy's head away from her shoulder, but she kept her eyes closed.

"Hey, are you gonna be alright?"

Derpy slowly opened her eyes.

"I'm really sorry I didn't come in today, Rainbow," she said, quietly. "I fell asleep."

Normally Rainbow Dash would raise her eyebrow at an excuse like that, but today, looking into Derpy eyes -- with their slow, asynchronous blinking -- she was going to take it at face value. Something was definitely going on. She smiled, looking around Derpy's home for the nearest thing the grey pegasus could sit down on. Taking a breath she noticed a strong smell coming from Derpy... a lot like urine. Rainbow cringed, but didn't say anything.

"Look, uh..." She broke away, checking her hooves while gently motioning Derpy towards her sofa. "You probably need to take the rest of the day off. It's cool." She smiled. "Heck, take tomorrow off if you like! It'll be alright. Anyway, um, I should get back now... It's almost eleven-thirty and I've only got, like, fifteen minutes left. You're not the first pony who's door I've had to knock on today... just the last. Not one of them told me they were sick ahead of time. Heck, I can't even find two of them! Well..." She sighed. "Looks like I won't be eating lunch today. Stupid flu... well, at least it's not the feather flu."

Derpy's stopped in her tracks, smiling weakly at her boss.

"Um... maybe I could get you a muffin?"

Rainbow smirked, shaking her head in disbelief.

"Seriously, Derpy? I come in here yelling at you and you offer me lunch?"

Derpy stared at her, unsure how to respond to that. She smiled awkwardly. Dash rolled her eyes.

"I'll take that muffin, Derpy." She leaned up against the wall and sighed. "You want me to eat it in the kitchen?"

"No!" The gray pony's eyes went wide. "Um, in here's fine."

Again, Rainbow rolled her eyes. Derpy was being weird, as usual.

"Fine, fine... I need to go in, like, a couple minute, though."

Smiling, she watched Derpy trot off... right into the kitchen wall.

"Ow." She shook away the stars and continued.

Maybe it's a good idea she's saying home. Hate to have a repeat of town hall. Dash looked around the room, at the couch, which looked surprisingly fancy, and the surrounding furniture. Derpy keeps a pretty tidy home. She stretched, noticing a bit of bright green by the couch. Squinting, she realized it was a rather nice pair of stallion saddle bags, much too big for Derpy. She identified them as Thunderlane's and suddenly everything clicked into place. Must've given her whatever he's got.

"Derpy?" she said, towards the kitchen. "Thunderlane was here last night, wasn't he?"

"Um..." Derpy appeared in the doorway, biting her lip. "Yeah. Why?"

"Look, uh, take tomorrow off. See a doctor. Make sure you're alright. You can hold on to that muffin, I don't want it anymore."

"What? Why? It's really good!"

"I'm sure it is, but..." Dash sighed, thinking about how to be tactful about this. "Look, something's going around and I so don't want it. Seriously, keep bundled up and drink lotsa fluids. I'll see you in a couple of days. Um..." Rainbow spread her wings, glancing towards the exit. "Later!"

In a flash Rainbow Dash disappeared out the door, leaving a rainbow'd blur in her place. It was silent now. Derpy, with muffin in hoof, scratched her head... confused as to why Rainbow had left so quickly, without her muffin.

What did I do?

Leaning against her wall Derpy unwrapped her muffin, a feeling bit sad. She would eat it now, then afterwards she would shower, diaper herself up and climb into bed. In a few hours she might feel better. She could go to Cloudsdale to visit Thunderlane after work. Maybe even the doctor's first if there was time. This was the perfect plan... but this time Derpy would first get some sleep because now she felt like she really needed it. Rainbow had used up her last bit of adrenaline and she just felt icky.

After finishing her muffin Derpy sauntered back to her kitchen, headed for the trash. A few steps from her destination her front hooves gave out and she slipped, bumping her head against the chair by her table, causing it to topple beside her and trip her up. The pegasus landed with a hard thud, instantly knowing what she had slipped in. She was alright, a bit sore... her robe and body hair absorbing most of what remained on the floor. She's be taking that shower pretty soon now. Then she'd do laundry... at least a chair pad, dish towel, and her favorite bathrobe. Maybe even some sheets, too. Soon this would all be in the past, though. Derpy looked forward to that as she got up from her urine-soaked drop and shook away the stars. This day could still be okay.

Author's Note

Had a bit of trouble writing for Rainbow Dash in this chapter.

Rainbow's supposed to be Derpy's Manager and really pissed when she shows up, but more at the situation than Derpy. Derpy just... irritates her. Initially there was something that just felt kind of off about Dash's scene and dialogue. Way I write Dash normally is as kind of an impulsive hot ticket, not really thinking about the consequences of what she's doing fully. Maybe it's the role I put her in, but the scenes with Dash got a lot of editing.

2, 7 -- "Changes"

2, 6
"Changes"

One week after Nightmare Night and Derpy was already feeling a lot better.

She and Applejack trotted from The Acres towards Ponyville. After a sleepover they were on their way to the Ponyville Cinema, ready to watch a new comedy about a young blank flank left home alone during Hearth's Warming vacation. This was going to be an exciting day -- Applejack said she had invited Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie to meet them.

"Can never have enough ponies when you're goin' to the movies, right? Besides, it's fun!"

The leaves had turned amber in preparation for The Running of the Leaves. While neither filly was old enough to participate yet (and Derpy would definitely be discouraged by Mommy), both looked up at their fragile appearance in wonder. In a few years they would learn in school why the leaves changed, but for now it was a mystery... as were most things in nature.

The weather had grown colder in the past weeks. Above them weather pegasi had begun shading the land with clouds. Both could see it, brightly colored dots moving around giant masses of gray.

"Someday I wanna do that!" Derpy said to Applejack, while looking up in wonder.

"You can do anything ya like, Derpy," Applejack replied, matter-of-factly. "Especially since yer a pegasus. It's practically in yer blood!"

Derpy grinned-ear-to-ear hearing that.

The pegasus wore a long scarf to stay warm, many colors to match the leaves. Applejack wore a thicker winter coat. As a pegasus, Derpy's body was more accustomed to the cold breeze, but she still didn't like it. Applejack was tough, though, really tough... but shared she wasn't comfortable either:

"Boy, howdy, it sure is nippy out here! Should've brought that nit hat Granny made me."

They walked huddled together, hoping to cut down on the breeze. It was a long walk, but in the silence both fillies really appreciated the moment together. It was just the two of them and nothing else. Even after over a year Derpy still expected some type of outside ruckus. Aside from the breeze and Applejack walking beside her, it was silent.

It wouldn't be just the two of them for very long, though. As they approached Ponyville they passed a cottage in the outskirts. Out came a long-legged yellow pegasus, a bit older than either of them, but Derpy still recognized her. The filly wore what looked like a bright blue hat (it was actually teal, but Derpy would have called it blue). She smiled weakly, but Derpy knew she was friendly.

"Fluttershy!" Derpy exclaimed. "Is that your house?"

The yellow filly gave a timid nod, huddling alongside the two in the cold. Applejack was now in the middle of the group.

"Um... glad ya could make it, Fluttershy!" Applejack said, looking back at Derpy. "Y'all ready for the movie?" The filly's eyes darted between the two.

"Uh-huh," Fluttershy replied sheepishly.

"Yup!" Derpy exclaimed.

Applejack smiled.

"Then let's get movin' before we start gettin' cold again!"

* * *

The three continued along for a while, faster than before. Derpy noticed Fluttershy's step was nearly as peppy as Applejack's, but because her legs were longer she trotted much quicker... making them all move faster.

It didn't bother Derpy, but for some reason Applejack's attention was now focused almost squarely on Fluttershy. As they entered Ponyville she kept talking to the timid filly, who only gave one-word replies, yet the farm filly kept looking back at Derpy and smiling. Every question she asked Fluttershy that she didn't answer, or said something to the effect of "but you already know this about me", Applejack just turned to Derpy and asked her instead. There was a particularly awkward question Derpy thought was funny:

"So... y'all two really like animals, don't ya?"

Fluttershy raised an eyebrow and Derpy laughed.

"Yes, I like animals," she said to Derpy. "Applejack knows that I want to care for them when I grow older. Now you do, too."

"That sounds neat!"

Fluttershy whispered something to Applejack. Derpy wasn't sure what, but the farm pony's eyes went wide and she sighed.

"You're right, Fluttershy. Maybe I am goin' about this the wrong way."

While it was weird, it didn't really matter. Derpy was used to being around ponies talking and not participating much. It was a bit like in Canterlot, but neither were yelling or being mean to each other so it was nice. Just a couple of friends heading out to see a movie. Applejack didn't ask anymore questions like she had been, but that was okay. It was a bit like it was before Fluttershy came, but both she and Applejack kept their heads down now... not even looking around or at each other anymore.

The Sugarcube Corner wasn't far from the movie theater. The farm filly glanced towards the bakery, looking almost relieved, as they approached.

"Hi girls!" a high-pitched voice exclaimed from the door of the Corner. Derpy turned to see a flash of pink.

"Pinkie Pie!" Applejack exclaimed, watching the filly bounce from the building to the group. "Oh, am I glad to see you!"

"And I'm glad to see you, too!"

Pinkie trotted up beside Derpy, giggling while wrapping herself up in a periwinkle scarf. She was clearly excited to be with the group, and it was nice to have everypony together, so warm. Applejack smiled, Derpy could only guess because they were all in the group now.

"Hey, hey!" Pinkie exclaimed, turning to face Derpy while putting a foreleg around her. "Are you as excited as I am?"

Derpy pulled away from the pink pony, trying to smile... forcing it a bit. She hadn't spent a lot of time around Pinkie yet, outside of trips to the Sugarcube Corner and seeing her at school, but she knew from experience Pinkie wasn't exactly a quiet pony. And like quite a few ponies (especially in Canterlot), Derpy wasn't comfortable being touched by those she didn't know very well.

"Um... yeah!"

She looked back at Applejack, who was biting her lip.

"You know Pinkie Pie! She's nice."

"Oh," Pinkie giggled. "Of course I am, silly!"

Derpy looked back at the pink filly, who smiled at her infectiously. Derpy couldn't help smiling back.

Soon they found themselves on their way again, traveling quickly as a group to keep warm. Fluttershy trotted beside Applejack, Pinkie Pie beside Derpy, the two in the middle sandwiched between their company keeping warm... for the most part. The only pony truly unphased by the weather was Pinkie. Derpy figured this out quickly because after a while she started bouncing and pick up speed, unaware her three friends were really that cold at all. Her bouncing generated a cool draft, but Derpy didn't say anything... she didn't want to be rude and tell Pinkie she couldn't bounce, because she clearly enjoyed it.

Unlike Fluttershy, who was now super quiet, Pinkie Pie didn't need to be asked questions to keep her talking... there was plenty for her to talk about. She talked about the Cakes, about school, about new recipes she was just learning, her favorite color and all its variants, the rocks in Ponyville (which Derpy thought was really odd), the sky turning gray, the leaves changing color, her favorite candy, what movie they were all about to see, and that there was something called a "waxing moon" in the sky even though it was still daytime. Derpy didn't have anything to say back, she was fine listening to the pink pony prattle on and on about everything... as long as she didn't get too close while chatting, as she had no problem putting her hoof around Derpy a second time while gesticulating upward to describe the size of the first order she had filled all by herself. The touching still made Derpy a tad uncomfortable, but she didn't want to say anything... part of her said that this was something ponies just weren't supposed to do to each other, but it was even worse to say something to somepony so nice.

* * *

When they got there, they bought their own tickets and went inside, not wanting to stand around in the cold and chat.

Though she had been here for over a year, this was the first movie Derpy had seen in Ponyville. The Ponyville theater was a lot smaller than the one in Canterlot, but no less dark. This wasn't the premier of the movie, there were only few ponies towards the front, some adults and a few foals. Derpy wasn't aware of what this meant, but they had come to watch a "Family Movie" -- a movie that everypony could enjoy.

This was the first comedy of this type Derpy had ever seen. In Canterlot she saw comedies with a lot of jokes she didn't understand, with Mic and Mommy, but this was one she could relate to -- a little colt named Ratchet accidentally left home with no family at the start of Hearth's Warming vacation. This idea terrified her, even though he made a pillow fortress, ate cake and all the ice cream in the house for breakfast, being without Mommy was the worst thing Derpy could imagine. Yet seeing all the mayhem on screen made her friends laugh, and even though Derpy felt a tad upset by the premise she started laughing to. Seeing this movie with friends made the idea of being without Mommy seem less scary, until he started missing her... and the rest of his family.

Derpy wasn't crying, but she was trying hard to hold it back. It would feel funny crying in front of Applejack like that, but when she looked over and saw Fluttershy was crying and even Pinkie Pie looking sad, that made her feel better about how she really felt. Even though Applejack didn't seem particularly taken by the idea of a colt missing his family, Applejack was tough... or so Derpy thought.

She looked back up at the screen and took a breath, allowing the tears to flow. It felt good to let this happen in front of her friends. Soon Derpy's tears were replaced with joy as his family came home during the night while he was asleep, dreaming of them all. While they missed out on their expensive Canterlot vacation and all their plans, that was okay... they had each other, and Derpy knew from her own time spent in Canterlot that having a friend like Applejack and seeing Mommy regularly (even if she spent a lot of time with Dinky) was really special, and more important than treats or toys. The pegasus saw Applejack smiling at the end, along with herself, Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy. With Hearth's Warming not far off, this was just what they each needed to get them feeling especially good about what they each had.

* * *

Walking away from the theater, it didn't feel as cold as it did earlier. Everypony was excited, talking about what they had just seen. Both Derpy and Fluttershy spoke the least, but that was okay... they liked to listen to Pinkie Pie and Applejack, as both had a lot to say about what they had just seen.

"Remember that bit where Ratchet tried to jump into th' giant snow drift from the roof o' his house like his mama warned him not to? I was expectin' that to hurt, not to see a cute lil hat poking' above, then the colt havin' to beat his way back to his house, pretendin' it was giant snow monsters standing in his way."

"Oh yeah! And then that part where he tried to make hot coco, but ended up accidentally using his Dad's super-duper strong dehydrated coffee? I did that once with Mr. Cake's pseudo-espresso and let me tell you, you really do go loco in the koko like that, bouncing so high you could hit the ceiling, for hours and hours!"

Fluttershy giggled.

"That was pretty funny."

Derpy laughed at all the memories she had just made, not saying anything. She didn't feel like she needed to. Applejack smiled again at all her friends, laughing.

This was the first experience Derpy had like this, together with ponies around her age. School was similar, but nowhere near as fun, even at recess. There were no rules here, but no pony was bad... nothing to pay attention to except each other, and no homework. This was pure, unadulterated fun.

Before Derpy knew it, however, it was coming to a close.

Pinkie Pie departed from the group first, but not before giving the girls a big group hug. Derpy didn't realize until way after that she didn't mind being hugged this time for some reason. Something had changed, if only a little. The pink filly bounced back to the bakery where she stayed -- a warm building where the Cakes waited for her, to hear all about her time with the fillies.

"That was a lot of fun!" Pinkie exclaimed, opening the door. "We should do it again some time!"

"We will before the year is out!" Applejack declared. "Pinkie promise!"

"Great!" Pinkie Pie disappeared inside the building again.

Their number was down to three.

Fewer ponies meant less to distract them from the cold and that meant they would all be feeling the weather soon enough, which they did. It was still cold out, cold as it felt earlier, and much more quiet now... so quiet Derpy could hear their individual hoof steps. However, Fluttershy continued to trot at the same peppy pace as before, and Applejack kept up. Derpy had no problem moving quickly, as long as it wasn't too quickly.

Something had changed however. Applejack remained quiet and so did Fluttershy, but Derpy looked over at them and saw they both were smiling. They were all enjoying the walk home, just as Derpy and Applejack had in the beginning, the only difference being there were three ponies now and it was just starting to get dark.

The breeze wafted over them, each shrinking under its nip. Finally, the group left Ponyville and soon they approached Fluttershy's cottage, where they stopped. The filly broke away from the group.

"Thanks for inviting me, AJ," she said. "It was a lot of fun."

"Yer welcome, Fluttershy," said the farm filly. "We'll do it again, real soon. Promise."

"I'd like that." She glanced over at Derpy. "Um, it was very nice getting to spend some time with you."

Fluttershy then turned towards her cottage and trotted up to it, opening the door to see a few animal friends visible from the road and (Derpy could only guess) parents waiting inside. Unfortunately, Derpy never would go inside Fluttershy's cottage. The yellow filly was much too quiet, but Fluttershy would definitely be around for future get-togethers, and once for Derpy's birthday party, and she would someday meet her parents. The two never really clicked, but that was okay. Not everypony could be friends, but most would at least want to get along nicely. Fluttershy had become an acquaintance.

* * *

It was just Derpy and Applejack... and the wind. They were on the long trot back to the Acres, a few apple trees not far in the distance. The walk would take at least ten minutes. Both were tuckered out by the ups and downs of their day, not to mention the cold, but neither was cranky.

"So..." Applejack said, shivering a bit under the cold breeze. "Now that it's all over, what did y'all think? You had fun, right?"

Derpy nodded rapidly.

"Uh-huh!"

"Pretty good movie." Applejack smiled. "Nice fillies, too. Glad I invited 'em."

Again, Derpy nodded.

The farm filly paused for a moment, looking up into the clouds. She let out a sigh.

"Ah was kinda hoping you'd hit it off with Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie. Fluttershy said I might be tryin' a bit too hard, and well... she might be right. I dunno."

Derpy looked off in the distance at the bright leaves. Applejack looked over and laughed.

"Ya know Big Mac and me go to off camp this summer, right? Can't remember if I told you."

"You did. Sounds fun!"

"Oh, well... it is pretty fun." The farm filly thought for a moment. "Look, it ain't like I'm not always gunna be around or nothin'." She glanced down at her flank. "Cutie Mark proves that. I'm an apple farmer, and I pretty much love Ponyville and everypony in it, but..." Applejack got Derpy's attention as the trees off in the distance came even closer. They looked at each other. "Ya know Big Mac's goin' to be a Camp Counselor this year, right?"

Derpy's face lit up.

"That's neat!"

"It is. He's gunna be sixteen. A 'responsible, young stallion,' Granny says. Knows how to swim should anypony need help, and he knows how to keep track of all the campers and even track 'em if he has to. May not seem like it, but he's shaping up to be mighty fine leader! At least that's what Granny tells me... Ah think so, too."

Derpy smiled at the thought of Camp Counselor Big Mac... He was a nice-looking young stallion, after all. Adding the uniform to that would make it even better.

"Ya see, we, uh... every two years we go off to camp as kinda a reward for all the hard work we do here on the farm. Also, well... when we come back we're given some additional chores to get used to before school starts. I've mostly been tending to the animals, with occasional bucking here and there, and also fixing meals, but when Ah come back ma list of chores for the day is gunna increase a lil bit to include a lot more apple bucking."

Derpy shook her head.

"So? That doesn't sound so bad... chores are fun!"

"Most ones I'm doing now are, especially the ones you can help with, but... this means I'm gonna be a lil busier on the farm in general. When Big Mac hit twelve, it was the same deal. Then again, Granny Smith retired from bucking that same year so maybe it'll be different. Don't know why I'm thinking about this..." She blushed. "Y'all must think Ah'm bein' pretty silly."

Derpy smiled. They were now maybe twenty feet from the start of the Acres.

"Couldn't you just talk to Granny Smith? Make sure everything's gunna be okay?"

Applejack looked into the sky and laughed.

"Makes sense, but... Apples jus' don't do that. We're happy to take on more work, and Ah know I'm gunna be. Ah don't wanna say 'Hey, Granny... Am I gunna be too busy to play now?' 'cause of course she'd say no... but Ah know I'd feel a mite foolish for askin' and she'd be a bit disappointed. Might sound like I don't wantto help on the farm." She looked directly at Derpy and smiled. "Ah just want you to have a lot of friends, Derpy... okay? I really like you and Ah know other ponies are gunna like you, too, if you give 'em a chance. Ya just have ta try a bit harder, okay?"

Derpy stopped dead in her tracks. She couldn't say why, but talking about this was starting to make her feel kind of funny, almost angry... at Applejack and in general. Her tummy was in knots, her shoulders ended almost up by her ears.

Applejack could see the change in her face and bit her lip, waiting for the pegasus to say something. Anything. Derpy just stared at her, looking both angry and sad. After a while the farm filly spoke up:

"Um, you alright, Sugarcube?" Derpy didn't know how to answer. Applejack put a hoof to the back of her neck and chuckled. "Heh, well... Look, I ain't sayin' you don't know how to make friends of your own, now. What I mean to say is-"

"Do you need help?" Derpy finally asked, cutting the filly off. She approached a withered-looking apple tree and turned her back to it. "All I need to do is kick, right?"

As Derpy reared Applejack's eyes went wide.

"Now, hold on a sec, Derpy! If you don't know what you're doin', you could get real hurt doing th-"

Derpy heard her. Derpy understood her, but Derpy still kicked as hard as she could. A loud rustling sound filled the air.

Applejack's jaw dropped. Derpy had no training. She knew it. She was also the wrong type of pony for apple bucking, and did not have the best coordination by any stretch, yet she bucked the tree perfectly... and pretty hard, too.

Leaves drifted down around the pegasus. She smiled triumphantly, feeling satisfied with herself. For some reason doing that felt really good. Derpy didn't realize it yet but she could've benefited greatly from time spent with a bucking bag... years later would she be taken out of cloud gathering for being a bit too eager to make it storm, because that also felt really good.

Applejack opened her mouth, Derpy could only guess to say something, when down came a loud cracking sound, then everything went black.

* * *

This new place Derpy found herself in felt a lot like sleep, just colder. Heavier. Black. She drifted further into it, which she found herself doing off and on, and everything would've gone quiet if it wasn't for the ache. This was the type of cold that makes a pony's bones hurt.

"Careful," said a Southern voice. "It's tangled up in her scarf."

"Ee-yup."

Derpy opened her eyes, or at least tried to. She couldn't see anything, save a sliver of light. Thump, thump, thump... Her head throbbed as she came to. She knew her left cheek was pressed up against the cold, hard dirt from the taste of soil and rocks. She knew her neck was torqued to the left and downward. When she tried to straighten out she felt a heavy and abrasive mass pinning her torso. Her spine. She could move, though, and that was a good sign... not that she'd know how close she came to breaking her own neck. There was a sound, almost like sawing, and rustling, causing the pegasus to let out a cry in both pain and fear... having no idea where she was or what was going on around her.

"Derpy?" Applejack said, a hopeful sound in her voice. "Are you awake?"

"Uh-huh," Derpy quaked. "Applejack? ...what's going on? I'm really hurt. W- where are you?"

Derpy heard a second pony approaching. From the sound of the more labored, raspy breaths she knew it was Granny Smith. "A branch came down on ya hard, child," the elder pony said, matter-of-factly. "Try not ta move and we'll get it off ya soon as we can."

The pegasus didn't say anything, but she could tell Granny Smith knew she understood her. Maybe it was because her breathing slowed down a little. She felt a reassuring tap on her exposed flank.

Derpy did her best to sit still as the three ponies tried their best to get the branch off her... not that she could move without considerable discomfort. Waiting for this to be over with, however, was the worst.

Between the cold and the fear, and the cramped space, Derpy wanted to scream. Her shoulder was contorted awkwardly, she couldn't move her head... but she had enough presence of mind to realize that screaming, while it might feel good, would make her want to move. She was becoming too scared, however, to just sit there keeping it all in. After being awake for seven minutes listening to the sawing, growing closer and faster, a thought occurred to her:

What if they cut into me?

Little did she know they were far enough away to keep that from happening, but it felt like it was coming from right on top of her as it reverberated through the entire branch.

By now Derpy would normally be crying and her body would be tense in some way, but she quickly realized she was too restricted for that. Instead as Big Mac sawed through the tree branch right above her, the pegasus reacted by trying to imagine she was somewhere else... somewhere quiet and safe, but the sound was too loud. With no way to react that didn't hurt in some way, Derpy shut her eyes, winced... then lost control of her bladder. She was so scared. Everypony noticed as the pool formed in the mud and steam rose. Big Mac took a step back to make sure he wouldn't slip, but no pony said anything, except for Granny Smith:

"It's alright, child. We're almost there."

A different type of tension now replaced Derpy's initial fear. This was a low weep, mournful... frightened. The sawing got even faster, higher, adding to her anxiety.

"It's okay," said Applejack. "You're gonna be right back up in a minute. Promise!"

A snapping sound filled the air and, as it did, the distribution of weight changed. Suddenly the weight was removed from Derpy's back legs and she saw more than a sliver of light now. Out of the corner of her eye she saw all three ponies pulling the branch away. Then slowly, very slowly, as the weight was taken from her she felt the scarf around her neck tighten.

"Careful, Big Mac," Granny Smith said, placing both hooves on Derpy's shoulders. "Don't wanna strangle her, now." The older mare got down on Derpy's level, giving her a warm smile. "Just follow ma hooves, child... I'll get ya unraveled."

Sure enough, Granny Smith encouraged Derpy's head one way, then the other. When she moved as encouraged the scarf became looser. Back and forth they went, until Granny Smith was holding the end of her scarf and Big Mac was finally pulling away the branch.

"It's all over now," she said, as Derpy Hooves looked at her three rescuers. Big Mac wore a smile along with a flannel coat. Granny Smith was bundled up, too, whereas Applejack was filthy, head to hoof. The farm filly smiled warmly through all the grime. The pegasus would've cocked her head if her neck wasn't so stiff.

"Ah ran to get Big Mac," Applejack said, with a shy smile. "Kinda slipped in the mud on ma way. It don't matter now... ya alright?"

Derpy nodded.

"You'll both be gettin' a bath, plain and simple," said Granny Smith. "Afterwards, all three of ya get hot chocolate." She turned to Big Mac. "Get inside, you. Wash-up first... Derpy'll be alright now."

Big Mac let out a sigh, smiled weakly, then turned around and began to saunter off, without a good-bye or even his saw.

Even after all that, Derpy didn't feel right with him just walking off like that.

"Hey Big Mac!" she called out, coughing as she was still recovering.

He turned around slowly.

"Ee-yup?"

"Um..." the pegasus suddenly felt very shy as she realized all pony's eyes were on her. "Thanks!"

He smiled, this time quite warmly. Derpy smiled back. Picking up the saw blade he'd almost forgotten, he turned around again, but not before saying:

"Ee-yup."

* * *

By now it was dark outside.

The room was warm, dimly lit and filled with steam. Two fillies sat in over a foot of water and suds, each on opposite ends of a big bathtub. Both were clean and calm now, though very tired. Derpy had seen how dirty she was in the mirror before... head to hoof, far worse than Applejack. She was still a bit sore, yet otherwise okay. Much like some of her nastier experiences in Canterlot, now that it was over with it was very much out of her mind. Both would sleep well tonight. Applejack relaxed while Derpy played on her own side.

The pegaus tried to make an igloo out of bubbles. She focused on shaping it perfectly, but it quickly collapsed under its own weight as she added the finishing touches. For an igloo to be an igloo it required a hole so ponies could get in and out, but that didn't leave enough suds for it to keep its shape.

Applejack chuckled, looking over at Derpy's collapsing building.

"Here," she said, scooping up some bubbles and compressing them into the shape of a brick. She parted her hooves through the top, forming it into a triangle with a bit of overhang. "There. It's a barn... doesn't really look like one, but it is."

Derpy laughed.

"Maybe it just needs a couple windows and a door." She gently poked them in, misshaping the barn slightly. "See?"

"Oh..." Applejack splashed playfully, eradicating her bubble barn and covering Derpy in suds. "You're too... gosh darn agreeable!" The farm filly stuck her tongue out, then sighed. "Derpy, what in the hay am I gunna do with you?"

"Um..." Derpy smiled. "I dunno."

Applejack grinned, leaning back in the tub.

"I'm glad you're okay," she said, closing her eyes and going back to relaxing with her hooves behind her head. "Bubbly thing like you... I'd hate to see ya hurt."

Derpy blinked.

"What'd ya mean, Applejack?"

The farm filly looked over, scowling a bit at the pegasus. Derpy knew that meant she was annoyed.

"I mean that the stupid tree branch could've done irreparable things to ya. That means damage ya probably wouldn't walk away from."

"I know that, silly." Derpy splashed back at her friend. "I mean, what'd ya mean by bubbly?"

Applejack sat up. She shook her head, grinning at the pegasus.

"Means you're nice, fun-lovin'... always smiling and happy. Ya never make trouble for no pony, and anything bad happens it just rolls off your shoulders like it was nothin'. Everything's so brand new and special to you, nothin' ever bores ya. I- I kinda admire you for that, Derpy. Its-" Applejack bit her hoof. "It's one of the reasons I like ya so much. Yer just so kinda... neat."

Derpy's eyes shined in the faint light.

"Really?"

"Ee-yup. Honest truth! Wish Ah could be half as easy goin' as you."

Derpy smiled. She seemed to glow as she agreed with what Applejack had to say, but Applejack didn't see herself as Derpy saw her and the pegasus knew that could be a problem:

"Applejack, you- ... well, you're strong, funny, and always there for everypony. You never, ever complain, and always have something nice to say. Nothing bothers you either. Applejack you're the easiest going pony I know. Really!"

Smiling, Applejack turned her head and blushed. It was a bit awkward to hear (on top of that a bit awkwardly phrased), but all true... for the most part.

"Aw, shucks, Derpy... that's just what I gotta do. Ah don't think about it none. Comes natural to you, I guess."

"Well..." Derpy grinned. "Those're some of the reasons you're my friend. You're special to me because you're so nice to everypony!"

Derpy saw Applejack blushing brighter, pulling her forelegs in against her body while leaning back. The farm pony then relaxed her hind legs, allowing them to open a bit under the warm water. If they only knew what that meant in grown-up body language they would've thought it quite inappropriate, but they were just fillies... unaware.

"Wow, Derpy... Ah don't rightly know what to say, 'cept those reasons are why you're special to me. Hope you never lose 'em."

"I won't Applejack. Promise!"

Suddenly there was a knock at the door. It came sudden enough that it caused both ponies to jump. The sound pulled Derpy's focus away from the bath tub. A deep voice spoke:

"Granny says she'll have coco for all of us ready in a few minutes. Heh, Ah know it's cold, but she says it's time to come out."

Hearing this the pegasus turned to the door, pulling her forelegs to the side of the tub. She glanced back at Applejack.

"Maybe just a minute more?" the farm filly asked, loud enough to he heard by her big brother. "It's so relaxin' in here."

Big Mac didn't answer. He was already gone.

The farm filly leaned forward slowly, forelegs open. Given all the nice things they'd just said about each other, it made sense that she might want a hug (which she did), but... warm coco was a lot better than cold. Derpy pulled herself up from the water and stepped outside.

As Derpy dripped dry on the tiles Applejack sighed, noting the tub felt a bit empty without her friend. From just looking at her, however, she noticed something different and worth mentioning. Bubbles popped on Derpy's body, particularly on her flanks, but a few remained. They were emblazoned there, permanently... still white from the filly having just received them.

"Derpy!" Applejack exclaimed, tapping the side of the tub. "Look at your flanks. Ya ain't gonna believe it!"

Confused the pegasus looked down and saw what Applejack saw. As she rubbed her eyes a smile grew on her face, much larger than any she'd had all day. Completely silent except for a small squeal, Derpy jumped for joy seeing all the bubbles on her side, almost slipping on the wet floor. She caught herself on the edge of the tub, smiling at her friend who had just helped her discover her true talent.

"Applejack, if you hadn't called me bubbly, I-"

"Derpy, I called you bubbly 'cause ya are!" the farm filly said, with a smile. "The magic was always inside of you, you just had to be able to put it into words." Applejack looked back at the filly's flanks. "That's one heck of a Cutie Mark!"

Derpy looked down at it again and smiled as Applejack rose from the tub, shaking off the water and pulling the plug.

It was all true. This was something about Derpy that would never, ever change. It was a part of who she was. This was reason enough to celebrate.

Soon they'd have coco. Derpy would show her Cutie Mark off to both Granny Smith and Big Mac. They would be quite happy for her, and then the two fillies would go to separate rooms, where they both would fall asleep... eventually. Each had a reason to be awake, after all, but for now... Applejack stepped out of the tub and hugged Derpy Hooves tightly, snuggling her head against the pegasus's shoulder. She really liked her and was happy for her... this was great. They kept each other warm as the sultry temperature gradually faded from the room.

Author's Note

The idea of the film they go to see is "loosely" based on Home Alone, but not the premise. I think it's a fun film to reference in MLP fan fiction as it has a lot that would draw ponies to it -- a child, home alone on Christmas, family and togetherness. The second half about arming the house with booby traps and shooting Joe Pesci pony in the family jewels with a BB gun might be best if left out... as that's not really about friendship :moustache:

The whole tree branch idea has a point, though knowing Derpy survives as she's present in the future kind of negates kind of any tension. I hoped to make it more about Derpy being scared and how quickly she is able to let bad things go.

This chapter went on, and on, and on, and probably spent the most time of any in the editing phase. If anybody thinks it went on too long, has too much in it/lost steam, or has any suggestions as to how it could've been done more smoothly, please feel free to shoot 'em my way. In a PM if best.

Hope you guys are enjoying this story as much as I've enjoyed bringing it to you. Peace! :eeyup:

2, 8 -- "Up In The Clouds"

2, 8
"Up In the Clouds"

"C'mon Scootaloo!"

Derpy opened her eyes to the distant laughter of fillies. She knew she'd been asleep for a while, but didn't feel very rested. Shaking her head she looked out her window and stretched, watching Apple Bloom and her two friends trot by in their little red capes... off on an adventure to find their special talents. She smiled, rubbing her eyes.

The mare got up and noticed first thing, from the lack of clammy material between her legs, that she was dry. A small victory... not to mention she wouldn't need to shower right away. Yawning, Derpy thought for a moment and remembered exactly what she wanted to do today. That was enough to get her moving.

Slipping out of the diaper Derpy trotted from her room and to the kitchen. There she grabbed a muffin to go, and Thunderlane's saddlebags (which were surprisingly lighter than they looked), then headed out. It was a bit after three in the afternoon when she left. Her bottom still smelled faintly of foalpowder, and her eyes hadn't -quite- adjusted to the light yet (giving her a slight headache) but that wouldn't be enough to slow her down. Now that she had energy she wanted to get certain things behind her.

First thing she headed to Doctor Stable's -- a simple appointment made with Nurse Redheart. Done. Derpy would be back the very next day at the same time. It was a little embarrassing to talk about, even with the nurse and no ponies around to hear, but she was able to whisper that she was having problems with leaking. The staff was always so understanding, and this wasn't the first time she'd been to the Doctor's about this, but it was rare since she knew there wasn't much they could do about her nighttime accidents... daytime was new, though. So was what she'd done with Thunderlane. These were all questions she hoped Doctor Stable could answer.

Derpy was soon on her way again, with plenty of time to spare and a pep in her step. However, she knew the Weather Factory hadn't changed shifts yet, so she knew it would still take a while. Anypony could tell that by looking at the clock tower... she wasn't usually too focused on the time, but today she found herself looking at it over and over, watching the minutes slowly tick by. She took a deep breath and sighed... still a bit sleepy, but too high-strung to nap. She needed to keep telling herself everything was going to be fine, because deep down she knew it would be. It made sense to her that she was just nervous... it also made sense to her that she might feel better if she just kept moving.

Derpy looked up to the skies and gradually became lost in her own little world... spacing out, thinking over (for the millionth time) exactly how she would talk to Thunderlane. Seeing how it was approaching late afternoon ponies began to pass in groups as she approached the center of town, though she was aware enough to avoid bumping into them. They were all faceless, most headed home except for one mare that stopped about eight paces away. This particular pony had an air about her that could cause her to stand out in a crowd, much like another mare Derpy knew. It was almost enough to pull the pegasus out of her trance, the pony only had to shout "Hey there!" to get her full attention. Derpy turned to look her square in the eye:

"Hey Applejack!" Her eyes focused on the familiar farm pony trailing up with a cart. They greeted each other with a smile.

Applejack pulled to the side and stretched. They stood near Ponyville Fountain, resting in a spot where they wouldn't hold up traffic. Both glanced out at it. Town square was always busiest once ponies started to get off work.

Derpy felt Applejack's eyes looking her up and down. She could tell her friend could sense something was different, but from her expression Derpy felt Applejack wasn't sure what. She knew Applejack well enough to know when she was stumped. The pegasus still started to blush, to which the farm pony grinned:

"From the look of ya, you must've had one heck-of-a long day." She stretched out again. "Heh, I know the feeling. Surprised Thunderlane ain't with you. Usually is 'round quittin' time, isn't he?"

"I-I'm going to see him...," Derpy stammered, smiling unevenly at her friend. "Actually, he doesn't know I'm coming yet so I guess you could say it's a surprise!"

Applejack glanced at the saddlebags and nodded.

"Got a lil somethin' romantic planned there, huh?"

"Actually no. It's more of a, um... Well, I'm honestly not sure what to say it is yet."

"Still figurin' it out, huh?" Applejack continued to smile, peering down at the pegasus's tightly-tucked wings. "Gunna wing it?"

Derpy nodded slowly, to which Applejack chuckled.

"H-how do you know this stuff, AJ?"

"Maybe 'cause Ah know you. I can see those lil gears turning in your head. You're a teensy bit nervous and that's okay! Ya don't have to be."

Derpy blushed brighter. Applejack ruffled her mane.

"Go do somethin' romantic... don't. S'up to you. I'm sure he'll be happy to see you just as ya are." She grinned. "After Ah'm done with deliveries RD'll be off work, so if there's time we're gunna go relax way up high and watch the sunset together. Sometimes the best thing couples can do is just enjoy the simpler things. Hits the spot, like a cold cider on a hot day. Know what Ah mean?"

Derpy nodded.

Applejack stretched a third time, more thoroughly... her joints popping and cracking.

"Well..." She pushed down the brim of her hat. "If'n I'm gunna make sunset I'd best be off then. Take care now, Derpy!"

"You too, Applejack!" Derpy waved as the farm pony began to trot off. "And tell Rainbow Dash I said hello, and that I'm feeling a lot better now! Okay?"

"Will do!"

Just like that the farm pony was off. Soon she was over a nearby hill with ever-increasing momentum, the grinding of her wheels slowly fading away. Except for the sound of water trickling from the fountain and the distant chatter of ponies, it was quiet again.

* * *

Rubbing her temples Derpy leaned against the fountain, still quite tired. Her headache was back again with a vengeance for some reason, but she knew she'd be okay if she just rested a bit. She took a moment to think about what Applejack had said:

Maybe something romantic would show Thunderlane how much I wanna make things better? Her eyes drifted to the clouds. She sighed. "I don't have any money." It's silly to think like that. Laying down she glanced up at the statue -- a stone mare balancing herself on a ball, just one hoof... something Derpy could never do. She thought hard, continuing to rub her temples. I've got a few Bits in the bank.

A smile spread itself across her face. While her mom had taught her "your savings are for emergencies only" the more she thought about it, the more that's what this felt like. She'd do anything to keep Thunderlane happy, and besides, thinking about this made her feel nice... almost happy. She got up from the fountain and trotted off, blending in with the groups of ponies as she headed further into town. Rather than being lost in a fog, this time Derpy looked passed it all and stayed focused... despite being very tired still.

The Ponyville banks were open until dark. Though it's true she didn't have a whole lot, and any romantic gesture no matter how cheap would cost at least a quarter of her saving (Derpy could figure that much out), it was worth it just to see the look on his face... that grin she'd do anything for. She had an idea... this should be cheap enough and would definitely get her on his good side, even if he was still feeling a tad icky. This idea made her headache go away.

She trotted briskly along until she came to the bank where she went inside. After a few minutes passed she stepped back out, thirty bits from her savings in a small bag nestled in the part of Thunderlane's saddlebags which felt most empty. She didn't really want to think too much about what she was going to do, she just wanted to do it. Having a bit over three quarters of an hour left Derpy trotted over to Horte Cuisine.

* * *

Derpy swallowed hard as she approached the restaurant. This place could put her stomach in knots, especially without Thunderlane, but she knew she wouldn't have to be there very long. She could remember, from looking at the menus, about how much this was probably going to cost.

The pegasus cleared her throat, trying to get the attention of the waiter zipping from table to table a few paces away:

"Um... excuse me?"

The waiter turned to her, smiling at first... but that faded fast. He knew her all too well and she knew him, but he still approached. The look on his face was stiff, which Derpy could only interpret as professional.

"What is it, m'dam? Have you come to spend a few Bits with your Special Somepony?" He shrugged after a moment went by and she didn't answer. "Please allow me to seat you! He will be meeting you here soon, non?"

Derpy shuffled her hooves.

"Actually... he's not coming."

The look on the Prench waiter's face faded fast. He forced a smile back up.

"Well, what is it you want?"

"I was wondering if maybe I could buy some cider?"

The waiter nodded, extending a hoof.

"Certainly, if that is what you want then come with me! We have a bar just inside, away from the noise of the restaurant. It is quiet, m'dam... Relaxing. No need to drink out here."

Derpy took a step back.

"Oh, no thanks! I don't drink."

The waiter's eye twitched. He took a deep breath and sighed... gesturing outward towards the tables filled with ponies:

"M'dam as you can see this is a busy restaurant. Your requests are making little sense. Please tell me what it is you want or I must ask you to leave."

"Um..." Derpy dug into the saddlebag with her bits inside, pulling the bag out. "I just want a bottle of... I think it's called 'Faux-Jacks Cider'?"

The waiter took one look at her bag and smiled.

"Oh, but of course! Why didn't you say so? Something for your Special Somepony!" He turned around, not watching her nodding. "One moment while l get your cider! Then you will be on your way to see him, non?"

Before Derpy could open her mouth to answer he walked off, leaving her there alone. She looked out at the restaurant and took a breath. A few ponies, some in tuxedos, top hats, and fur coats, were seated... chatting softly, laughing, eating. Derpy never got why rich ponies liked to dress up like that, but sometimes it did look pretty neat. If anything it reminded her of Canterlot. The waiter returned with a bottle.

"I just need twenty-six bits and the bottle is yours."

"Twenty-six?" Derpy blinked. "But isn't it-"

"Actually prices have gone down this week, M'dam, as we made a mistake in ordering a very large surplus. New management." He cleared his throat. "Do you have it or not?"

"I do, I do!" she approached the nearest table a few steps away and began pulling Bits from the bag, counting, "1... 2... 3..."

The waiter rolled his eyes, but continued to smile.

A moment passed... Derpy had counted out all she needed to, pulling the last few Bits away by sliding them back into her saddlebag. The waiter, sharp enough to see she had come with the original price on her, gritted his teeth hard enough to snap a bit but still nodded as she turned to him, just finishing scribbling out her receipt.

"Here you go," she said, passing him the bag.

"And here you are!" He passed her the bottle and paper, then, without so much as a nod, turned away... trotting back to the tables. He glanced back to say, "Have a good day M'dam! Please be sure to come by with your Special Somepony sometime and see us!"

Derpy nodded as he left, staring at the bottle... that sickly feeling returning to her. She rubbed her temples again, letting out a sigh:

You're doing okay, Derpy. Just stay focused...

Truth be told Derpy had never purchased alcohol before. She'd had it a couple of times, but didn't like the taste or how it made her feel, even in small quantities. She knew this was considered near top-of-the-shelf for Ponyville, and if that didn't make Thunderlane happy nothing would. She stuffed everything into the bag, then looked up at the clouds, spreading her wings...

* * *

It never took Thunderlane long to get home from work. It was after five now so he was likely just settling in... but something told Derpy this might not be a good time, even though it would normally be as good a time as any. That nagging feeling was just her nerves.

The worst that can happen is he isn't there yet... or maybe he'll ask me to come back later.

Derpy was fine with either, but admittedly would be a little miffed if he told her to come back after what she had just done for him.... even though she was showing up unannounced.

She came up to his house fast, banking hard and landing clumsy by the doorstep... nearly losing her balance and falling face first into the clouds. At least he had no neighbors, so they always had some privacy... plus nopony was there to see her blunder. Derpy shivered. It was always so cold up there.

She walked up to his door and tapped out a familiar rhythm:

Tap-tap-tap, knock-knock! ... Knock-knock!

Then she waited and waited... and waited. It seemed as though nopony was home.

A familiar set of heavy hooves approached the entrance... her heart began to speed up. Derpy smiled as the knob turned and the door creaked open. Standing there, in his white bathrobe, was Thunderlane. She beamed a grin at him and he returned the smile... his brow twitching.

"Derpy," he said, yawning, looking her over from head to hoof. "You brought my saddlebags. Um, thanks!"

Derpy shivered again, looking down at Ponyville... wishing she was there.

"Um... can I please come in? I wanna talk to you but it's so cold out here I can't think straight!"

"Alright." He opened the door a little wider. "Let's keep this in my entrance."

"Thanks!"

Derpy walked inside and the door closed behind her. No more harsh breeze. She sighed, looking up at the pony she'd come to see standing right behind her. He quickly trotted around her, barring the walkway to his living room with his massive frame. She gave him a hug... his body stiff, slightly damp as though he'd just stepped out of the shower. She backed up to see him grinning.

"You're usually not in your robe until nighttime!" she observed. "Are you sick?"

Thunderlane leaned against the wall.

"That's what I told Rainbow Dash," he said, plainly. "Told her I've got the flu and have been resting all day. Isn't far from the truth."

"Oh... so you didn't go to work?"

"Been here all day."

"Well..." Derpy took a sudden interest in her hooves. This was growing awkward quickly. She'd imagined all these things, but it turned out he was just sick. She took a breath, looking into his two golden eyes. Their calm appearance comforted her... he didn't look mad or rundown. "Thundie, I want you to know everything's gunna be okay. Promise!"

"Oh?" Thunderlane smiled a bit. "What'd you mean by that?"

"Well, um... I'm going to see Doctor Stable tomorrow and he's going to help me make everything better. I'll do anything to keep you happy."

Thunderlane chuckled, shaking his head.

"Derpy, please... that doesn't matter to me anymore. Can't you understand that?"

"Oh..." Again Derpy looked at the floor, this time confused. She kept her head low, but her eyes went back up on him. "Does that mean everything's okay?"

"Everything's fine, Derpy. You and I are still on good terms. Promise."

"That's great!" She took off the saddlebags and set them beside herself, unsnapping the side with the bottle in it, getting ready to present it to Thunderlane. "I'm still going to Doctor Stable's tomorrow just to be sure."

"That's fantastic. Derpy, I truly don't care what you do at this point. You're getting that, right?"

She stopped. "Oh! Um..." the words don't care and at this point had rubbed her all wrong, coupled with his tone... but she was sure she just didn't understand. "Maybe there's something I can do to help then? I'll make you dinner!"

"No, Derpy. I'm okay. Trust me. Everything's fine up here and it was earlier, too. You can go home."

She stopped a second time, biting her lip.

"But..." She sighed. "Okay. You're sick... I understand that. Rainbow Dash told me to stay home, too. Guess that means I'll see you in a couple of days?"

"You'll see me at work." Thunderlane smiled. "Remember what I told you last night?"

"Oh! Then we'll go to Horte Cusine."

"I don't think so."

"Um... maybe my house?"

"Nope."

"Here?"

Thunderlane didn't answer this time. He stood there, grinning. It was the type of smile that Derpy loved, but something was off. It lacked what made it feel special. It was almost like he was waiting for something... this confused her even more.

"Thundie..." She took a breath. "What do you want to do?"

He sighed.

"Derpy, I've been patient enough. Here's what I don't think you're understanding -- I don't want to be your Special Somepony anymore. I can't be much clearer than that."

Thunderlane's had just said a few words that caused Derpy to momentarily sink back onto her hind legs. Her eyes went wide, her ears pinning against the back of her head. She felt confused, light-headed, and a bit sick. He must've been joking.

"Thundie... w-what're you talking about?"

"Remember last night when I said 'I'll see you at work'? That means it's over. Please just go home."

Tears began to form in Derpy's eyes. She didn't want to believe it, but that was a sign she knew deep down he wasn't joking.

"But- Thundie... I-"

"You need to stop calling me Thundie, Derpy. It's... inappropriate and getting weird. I'm just your co-worker."

With those words Derpy's vision started to blur. Tears fells from her eyes as she started sobbing, planting her rump firmly on his carpet and staring at the floor. Seeing this Thunderlane shook his head.

"Hey!" the stallion clicked his tongue. "Hey! Up here..." Slowly, she did as she was told. "Derpy, I'm not dealing with this. What do you need to hear? What can I say to you that will get you out of here without making a scene? Talk to me."

She sniffled.

"I just want everything to be okay again. Really, I don't know what I did to make you so upse-"

"Oh, would you please stop it?" Again Thunderlane's eye twitched. "For Celestia's sake, I'm not asking you what you want or telling you to do anything! Just tell me what you need to hear or go home. If you want the truth I'm only doing this so you won't pester me at work. It's over, Derpy. Get that through your thick skull and go home."

Derpy looked up at him... teary-eyed and confused.

"If you really want to do something for me, Derpy, do me a favor and ask me a question. Anything."

She sniffled again.

"Why're you doing this? I thought I was making you happy."

Thunderlane sighed again, leaning against the wall for the second time. He pounded his head twice, hard enough to reverberate through the whole house. He let out a breath, shaking his head.

"Alright, Derpy... you're cute, but you've got too many problems. I know you can't get over them. Bedwetting really was just the straw that broke the camel's back. You already know I think your bed's pretty gross, so why would you invite me there again?" He gave Derpy time to answer, more time than was necessary, raising his eyebrow in surprise when she shrugged. "Look, I don't want you urinating all over me because you fell asleep away from your bed. Especially on my furniture."

"But I can easily bring what I need up here."

"Even if you were careful and I was to catch you dozing... that's not good enough. Your 'protective undergarments' leak or your bed wouldn't look like that. Plus they're not all that appealing to look at."

Again, Derpy looked at her hooves.

"Thunderlane, I can't help it," she sniffled, looking up. "I'm doing my best, really! I- I don't know what else I can do! Please just give me another chance... I'm seeing Doctor Stable tomorrow so it won't happen again."

"First off, Derpy, when you came in here you made it sound like you're seeing Doctor Stable for me. Don't do that. Seriously, go see him for yourself. Second, you can do your best all you want, but it won't change enough. Certain things are just fixed, but none of this is your fault... is that what you want to hear?"

Though Derpy felt sad, his response made her feel weird... and angry.

"Thunderlane... what'd I ever do to you?"

"Nothing, Derpy. At this point I just want you to go away. Okay?"

The world became a small dot as Derpy stood up and clumsily threw the saddlebags at the floor, both satchels popping wide open. The bottle, a few papers, loose Bits and small objects flew out, scattering around the room.

Thunderlane grinned at the mare.

"Feel better?"

She didn't answer, so he looked down at the mess, noticing the bottle.

"What's this?" he asked, poking it. "I didn't have that in my pocket before..."

"I got it for you," Derpy said, pulling the bottle away and holding it tight. "But you're not going to have any... I- I'm going to return it!"

Thunderlane looked at the label... squinting:

"Derpy, it's just a bottle of Faux-Jacks Cider. I can have that any time I want. Take it."

Derpy stuck the bottle behind herself defensively, eyes wide.

"Thunderlane, I-" She breathed heavily, unable to think straight. She heard a roar in her right ear. "I hate you!"

"Oh..." Thunderlane put his hoof by his chest, lowering his head. "Come on, Derpy. You don't really mean that. You're just angry, and with good cause!"

"I do!" She gritted her teeth. "I really do!"

Thunderlane shook his head, letting out a sigh.

"Okay, Derpy... there's something I haven't told you." He smirked. "Maybe you'll feel differently once I get it off my chest. How 'bout it?"

The pegasus stood there, shaking. She had enough presence of mind to answer:

"What?"

"You know those two filly-foolers at work, Lilac Sky and Spring Step? They asked me a couple months ago to get together with them for a, um... let's call it an 'adult sleepover' but I said 'no, I'm with Derpy.' It's true." Derpy's scowl faded. "The reason I've kept you from coming into my house is because they're both asleep in my bedroom."

Her scowl came right back.

"... what?"

"You heard me, Derpy. Do I have to spell it out for you? Lilac likes stallions and Spring Step likes to watch. Lilac really likes stallions, too... and does that thing you were 'too uncomfortable' to do last night and I didn't even have to ask. She got right to it because I have something Spring Step doesn't and I guess she feels like she's missing out, huh?"

Derpy couldn't look him in the eye anymore. Everything seemed to slow way down. The headache she'd had off and on all day found its way to her stomach now.

She looked at the ground -- at the mess she'd made -- finding herself unable to think. She wasn't looking for very long when she noticed a couple of small, square-shaped plastic packages spilled on the floor that looked quite familiar. Though she'd never actually seen one in person, outside of health class, of course she could identify one the moment she saw it. She poked at them with her hoof, looking up at him.

"That's what you think it is, Derpy." He said, smiling. "I'm not going to lie."

"You had this on you last night?" she asked softly, her voice breaking.

He nodded. "I did. A few of them, actually."

She stared at him, taking deep breaths... narrowing her eyes.

"You had this on you last night?" she repeated.

"I just said I did. Yes."

She stared at him silently... hooves shaking. Gritting her teeth, her brow contorted downwards into a scowl.

"You want to know why I didn't use it?" The stallion smiled. "Would that make you go away?"

She didn't answer. He rolled his eyes... sighing:

"I didn't bother because you didn't ask me to. You know I'm not a virgin. I know you are one... well, were one. It's entirely up to you to ask me about it. Besides, it feels much better without one... not that you'd know. Seeing all the problems you have, you're probably not going to get that opportunity again for a long time, so I barebacked you. Really, you should be a little more thankful."

Derpy stared at him. She was no longer crying... she no longer felt much of anything towards him, other than anger. And sick. Not that she'd know it, but the color had left her cheeks. That didn't last. It returned... this time red.

His smile suddenly meant something else to her. It had been something nice for the longest time, something she enjoyed seeing, but now it seemed almost... sarcastic. Mean. Derpy had been with Thunderlane for a number of months and she thought she knew him... she didn't. She could see that whatever suited him was good enough.

The roar returned in Derpy's ear. She lurched forward to express herself one final time, but the words ended up as a jumbled mess that was surprisingly coherent:

"I- you... horrible!"

Being inarticulate made her even more angry. He continued to smile, staying just where he was.

Thunderlane replied coolly as she stood there... shaking and twitching:

"Derpy, would you just leave already? You know I really don't care what you think, so why are you still here?" She stayed where she was, gritting her teeth. "Tell you what, if it'll get you moving, I'll be honest with you... I don't think you're very smart. That's one of the reasons I was with you for so long. You took about everything I told you at face value. Occasionally I'd mess with you to see what would happen, but you never once called me on it. Think about it."

"That's because you-"

"Now, Derpy, I gave you your chance to speak. It's my turn. If you don't like what I'm saying you can just leave."

Again, she stood where she was... scowling. "You- you're just lying to me! You have to be! You're not going to say anything else mean to me... Take it back!"

"I'm being honest. You probably know it deep down inside, but I guess you're too stubborn for your own good. Since we're being so honest, Derpy, let me tell you something else... watching you flail around is hilarious, especially when you get excited. I'm not the only pony who thinks this ... ponies we work with think the same thing. Even Rainbow Dash finds it 'so annoying!'" The look of anger on her face began to fade, replaced with a long expression. "Derpy, you can't fly straight. You can hardly walk straight... your left and right hooves keep ending up in front of each other. I think you still get your left and right mixed up sometimes, don't you?"

Tears were streaming down her cheeks again. "Thunderlane... please stop it. I just don't want you to say anything more mean to-"

"Oh, I'm sorry. Am I hurting your feelings? Do I have to repeat that I'm not the only pony who thinks these things? If you don't like what I'm saying you can always just fly away."

"You're making me feel really-"

He put up a hoof.

"Alright, I'll stop. Just let me say one more thing first: I know that's a vintage, thousand bit Saddle-arabian mattress you sleep on. You've completely ruined it. How you could even afford something like that is beyond me. This leads me to a question... what kind of stallion is going to want a pony with those kind of problems? The whole point of having a Special Somepony is to eventually end up in bed together. I can't conceive of any stallion or mare who's going to feel comfortable sharing a bed with you, even if it's just a sleepover." Derpy stared at the floor, silently rocking back and forth on her hooves. Thunderlane sighed when he saw she didn't look up or try to leave. "Derpy... Hey Derpy!" He clicked his tongue again, but she continued to stare downward. He grinned. "Alright, one more question..." She peered up, her face surprisingly tearless. "Derpy, I'm curious... what'd your mother do to you to make you so horribly screwed u-"

Without thinking in anything other than rage Derpy shot out a hoof, connecting with the space between Thunderlane's left ear and cheek. He fell down like a sack of potatoes, clutching the side of his head.

"Mother of Luna...!" he exclaimed, shaking his head. "Sweet Celestia, you hit me in the ear! Ow! Ow! Ow!"

Derpy turned away quickly. She picked up the bottle and opened Thunderlane's door in one swift motion, leaving him laying where he was... and the door wide open. Without looking back she was gone and didn't care if she'd hurt him. She'd flown away.

It had been a cold evening when she first arrived, but towards the end of her visit she had become so hot that it felt quite nice to be outside again, so high up... making her descent towards Ponyville. She wasn't thinking of anything now, just putting distance between herself and what had just happened.

Though Derpy didn't like to fly she would stay in the air a bit longer than usual. When she would finally stop it would be in a place without many ponies... but that wouldn't be for a while. It felt nice to just keep moving, far away from everything right now. No thoughts... just the cool, refreshing breeze.

2, 9 -- "Mother's Love"

2, 9
"Mother's Love"

It was a day later, mid-afternoon.

Derpy walked side-by-side to town with Amethyst Star, the older filly pushing Dinky in a stroller. Mommy would have picked Derpy up a day later, but given what happened the night before she was coming home early. Her mommy stayed back at the Apple house... having a word with Granny Smith. It was taking a long time, and started to get pretty loud, so they left. Applejack and Big Mac were outside doing chores, as usual... the colt and filly each waved as they passed. Though it was a warmer afternoon than the evening before Derpy still wore her scarf, cleaned with care by Granny Smith.

The two stayed quiet for most of the walk... just out enjoy the autumn colors. It was a lot like when Applejack and Derpy were out the day before, only this time the Derpy did a lot more thinking. She wasn't exactly happy to be going home early, but she was fine being quiet, up until a question popped into her mind:

"Is Mommy mad at Granny Smith?"

Amethyst, who had been trying to keep a light expression, continued to do so while talking slowly and soothingly to the filly:

"She's not mad, Derpy. She's just... concerned about what happened to you."

"Oh..." Derpy took a sudden interest in her hooves as she hopped along. "She's coming home tonight?"

The foalsitter smiled:

"Of course! ...but she's probably going to be pretty tired. I'm going to make pancakes for dinner, with lots of maple syrup. Sounds like something you might enjoy, huh?"

Derpy nodded rapidly, but then stopped... scowling a bit, thinking:

"Since the weekend isn't over quite yet maybe can I have Applejack for dinner?"

Amethyst bit her lip.

"I... can't make that decision. There's a good chance, um... your mom's just going to want to be with just you and Dinky tonight. That's not so bad, though, right?"

Again, Derpy nodded rapidly.

"Glad you see things that way." Amethyst smiled. "Besides, it looks like you might have something special to show your friends at school on Monday. That's gotta be exciting! Tell me about it."

Derpy stopped dead in her tracks.

"Huh? What're you taking about?"

Amethyst halted, turning to face the filly. Her face was blank as she answered:

"Really now, Derpy? Your Cutie Mark, silly!"

"Oh!" They resumed walking. "Applejack told me I'm nice and bubbly, and... I guess I am!"

Derpy knew the whole sequence leading up to her getting her Cutie Mark was a bit more complicated than that... quite a bit. It was more of a feeling to her, hard to explain, but for some ponies... that's exactly how it ends up.

"You are nice and bubbly," Amethyst said, nodding. "That's a wonderful Cutie Mark. It says so much about you!"

Derpy's eyes drifted to her foalsitter's Mark.

"You've got a neat Cutie Mark, too, Amethyst!"

Amethyst glanced down at the three diamonds emblazoned on her flank and chuckled.

"Yeah, well... diamonds are pretty special kid."

"Just like Mommy!"

Again, Amethyst smiled... nearly putting her face in her hoof. She shook her head as she answered:

"Oh, boy... Derpy, think of it this way -- you're your mommy's diamond, and so is Dinky. She loves you so very much. When I got this I'd realized I could take care of more than just one foal at a time... after all, we're all special to somepony. In a few years, if she isn't already... Dinky will seem pretty special to you, too."

Derpy smiled. She had no idea how Amethyst could guess she usually didn't think of Dinky as anything other than a noisy foal (truth was that it was written on her face every time Dinky took attention away or cried for too long), but it was neat to have a pony around who could figure things out so easily.

The two had just entered Ponyville. Foals were out having fun, but even though they had to pass Sugarcube Corner to get home (and Fluttershy's cottage, not that Derpy noticed)... they ran into only a few of Derpy's schoolmates. They were all busy, running off, playing, doing their own things.

"Hi Derpy!" one of them said, an earth pony with a bright red mane who would shortly become Twist's older brother.

In response Derpy smiled and nodded, but didn't say anything... or make eye contact. If anything, the little pegasus sped up as the colt's friends approached, all chattering at once. Amethyst peered over her shoulder only and noticed Derpy biting her lip. The more excited the group got the quicker she trotted away... as if the sound of their all voices together was too much. Though Derpy had her Cutie Mark now, not one of the four colts noticed... and it was apparent Derpy didn't want to stick around to tell them. Amethyst made a mental note of this to discuss with Diamond later. Just as they were turning the corner, she asked:

"Hey, don't you want to show them your Cutie Mark? It's pretty cool!"

The pegasus looked past the corner, continuing to bite down on her lip. She looked up at the foalsitter, awkwardly twisting her forehooves against the cobblestones... not quite making eye-contact:

"I don't know..."

Amethyst forced a smile, giving Derpy a light hug.

"It's okay, Derpy." Amethyst glanced past the corner at the colts, then down at Derpy... who smiled and swayed by the stroller. Poor thing might have trouble when she gets older.

* * *

The afternoon was pretty boring once they got home. Amethyst spent most of her time cleaning house and watching Dinky. Rather than being inside and bored (and aggravated by all the noise of cleaning and crying), Derpy spent most of the time out on her swing. It felt nice to have the wind blowing through her mane, even though it was a pretty cool day. Amethyst came out once in a while to see how she was doing.

"Wow, you are so high up! Keep that up and maybe you'll take off like a Wonderbolt!"

This, of course, encouraged the little pegasus to keep kicking her legs as hard as she could. Little did she know Amethyst was well aware of how disappointed she was be coming home from Applejack's so early. Problem was she didn't understand why she had to leave, just that it's what Mommy said. This was a good way at least for her to get that out of her system.

Amethyst eventually stopped checking, but that was okay. Derpy would be outside for a while yet. It was only when she was alone for long enough that she began to think about how much she missed the Apples... especially Applejack. Still, higher and higher she swung, to the point she thought she was going to fly over the branch... too bad Amethyst didn't come out to see it. Closer and closer she went, though she never -quite- made it... but that didn't stop her from trying. Little did Derpy know that the swing had been carefully made so that could never happen.

On the way up Derpy noticed something out of the corner of her eye... Mommy. She was far down the road, so far Derpy saw her before she could see Derpy. It didn't help that Mommy's head was down. When she came close enough to see the little filly swinging so freely, she watched for a moment, and then:

"Slow it down some, Sweetie. You're going way too high!"

The filly immediately began to kick lighter and lighter, looking over at Mommy... watching her go inside without another word. That was strange. Mommy usually said hi. Something didn't feel right about being outside now, especially since she was home. Derpy jumped off and went in, following closely...

* * *

Mommy was standing by the couch in their living room... her head down.

Derpy smiled as she passed Amethyst in the kitchen, Dinky in a high chair right beside her... quietly being fed. The filly approached slowly. Mommy stood more quietly than she would coming home from what she calls a "busy night" at the Horte Cuisine. Coming in closer the filly could see that something else was wrong... she saw wet, red eyes.

"Mommy?"

Diamond looked up at her. Despite the misty, dark eyes she still smiled.

"Hi Sweetie."

Derpy got up to her and leaned in, giving her a hug. She was hugged back, more lightly than what Derpy was used to. The two made eye contact.

"Did I do something bad?"

Sitting down, the mare looked at Derpy and smiled:

"No, no Sweetie... Mommy just has some thinking to do. Grown-up stuff." She rubbed her eyes, letting out a sigh. "Why don't you go back in the yard and play? Amethyst will call you when dinner is ready..." She shook her hoof. "... and remember not too high on that swing."

Hearing this Derpy scowled. She wanted to be around Mommy, especially now that she'd been crying. Mommy almost never cried. If not Mommy than at least some pony she could have fun with. Derpy's scowl faded for a moment:

"Can I go back to Sweet Apple Acres and play with-"

"No, Derpy, you may not!" The older mare sighed, again rubbing her temples. "I mean, not now, Sweetie. It's much too far away and dinner will be ready soon. If you're good Mommy will take you to the Sugarcube Corner for desert. Okay?"

Derpy felt herself grimacing. She couldn't help it. Mommy looked at her, hard... her face didn't change, even though Derpy could tell she knew how she felt. Mommy didn't stare into her eyes if she didn't understand. That meant she meant it, and it always made Derpy very uncomfortable.

"Okay..." The filly got up, head down... walking towards the door.

She was almost there when she heard Mommy's voice. "Derpy?"

The filly stopped and turned to see her smiling.

"Uh-huh?"

"I really like your Cutie Mark, Sweetie. I'm so proud of you."

Derpy felt herself smiling big.

"Thanks!"

"We'll have to have a Cute-ceañera soon..." Mommy stretched, winking at her daughter. "Right now just go out and play. You can tell me all about it tonight."

"Okee!"

Derpy trotted back outside. She would've been disappointed by the day and not being able to spend time around Mommy or Applejack, but she had been given something to look forward to now. That was all she could think about.

* * *

After some more time on the swing, followed by an early dinner of pancakes (with not only maple syrup but also whipped cream), Derpy left with Mommy for Sugarcube Corner. It was just as the sun was going down, and it was just Derpy and Mommy this time. Dinky stayed at home with Amethyst.

The evening was very quiet. All that could be heard, other than crickets and the breeze, was the sound of their hoof steps... Derpy giggled and trotted lively, looking back at her mother who smiled at her... little did Derpy know how happy she was to see her daughter having a good time. The only thing Derpy noticed as a bit unusual was how she seemed to be going a lot faster than Mommy, but that was okay... she knew Mommy was right behind her, always. This was so exciting.

When they got to the corner the place was practically empty. It appeared to be just Mr. Cake tonight. Mommy nodded at him, and he replied:

"Well hey there! What'll it be tonight?"

There was a moment of silence. It was then that Derpy realized Mommy was looking at her. Mr. Cake too.

"We're here for you, Sweetie," Mommy said. "Please tell him what you would like."

Derpy had no problem doing that in this familiar setting:

"Strawberry ice cream with a chocolate muffin, please, Mr. Cake!"

Mr. Cake smiled.

"Coming right up, Derpy! And for you... um, Mrs. Hooves?"

"Oh, it's Ms. Hooves and you can just call me Diamond. I'll just have some plain vanilla soft serve. Whatever a modest serving is." Mommy began to look around. "Wow, this place is huge! Never really been in here before. Heard about it, though..."

"Good things, I hope!"

Mommy smiled and nodded, and so did Derpy when she realized Mr. Cake glanced at her, too.

"Applejack and me come in here almost every week!"

Mommy patted Derpy on the back. They looked at each other as Mr. Cake scribbled a note.

"Well, I have your order here. Pinkie will be right out with it... she's my little helper for the evening. Please feel free to sit down wherever you like!"

Derpy selected a booth... little did Mommy know, unless it was occupied, it was same booth she and Applejack took each time they visited -- the one furthest to the left, against the wall. She felt secure there.

The two got settled in fairly quickly. Mommy stretched out in the comfy seat... it was surprisingly roomy.

Pinkie Pie came out from the back quickly with the ice cream and a muffin. She somehow always managed to bounce so lively yet keep everything on the tray perfectly in place. Derpy was just getting ready to start talking about the movie she and Applejack saw when Pinkie approached. The little filly placed their order on the table, noticing something different from the last time she saw Derpy:

"Hey, hey! You got your Cutie Mark!"

Derpy looked down at her Mark and grinned.

"Uh-huh!"

"This I gotta hear!" Pinkie turned to the counter. "Oh! Oh! Can I Mr. Cake?"

"Sure!" Mr. Cake smiled. "Provided you're not disturbing Diamond or Derpy, that is."

"Of course not!" Mommy said, patting the empty edge of the table. "Are you one of Derpy's friends?"

"Uh-huh!" Pinkie replied, pulling up a chair. "She, Applejack, Fluttershy and me all went to the movies yesterday! Before that she was one of the first fillies I talked to here!"

Mommy glanced over at Derpy and smiled.

"Oh really?"

"Uh-huh! I'm Pinkie Pie!"

"Well then!" Mommy turned to Derpy. "Tell us both about how you got your Cutie Mark, Sweetie. You have my full, undivided attention."

Derpy smiled, telling them both about what happened, in vivid detail (for her). It was almost as brief as it was when she told Amethyst, but she mentioned a few other things... like they had been taking a bath and they were both tired. Pinkie grinned, lightly stomping at the end of the story, and Mommy smiled, very proud of her daughter's achievement... also happy to see Pinkie quietly listening the whole time. The few ponies she'd seen Derpy with, other than Applejack, sometimes talked over her... which made the older mare pretty unhappy. Though Diamond could tell Pinkie probably wouldn't always be the best at taking turns when talking, but when Derpy had something to say, Pinkie listened, and that was more than enough.

"You're becoming a young mare, Derpy," Mommy said, watching the little filly finish her ice cream. "Seeing how you've made a few new friends and this place is so big, maybe we'll just have your Cute-ceañera here."

She turned to Mr. Cake and he nodded.

"Sure! We can do that no problem!"

Mommy turned back to Derpy and continued to smile:

"When we're done with your Cutsienara, maybe I can also start trusting you with a few chores..."

Derpy had just finished her ice cream. She perked up, a bit of pink on her cheek.

"Really?"

"Yup, but for right now... I think you could do with some more ice cream." She turned to Derpy's friend. "If your dad says it's okay, would you like to join us for another round of ice cream, on me?"

Pinkie smiled.

"Would I!?!"

"Mr. Cake?" Mommy cleared her throat. "Two more bowls of ice cream... one for your little assistant Pinkie here, if that's okay." Mr. Cake smiled and nodded, indicating his approval. Mommy turned back to Pinkie. "What flavor would you like?"

Pinkie answered quickly:

"Chocolate!"

"Make it chocolate please."

"Sure thing m'am! I'll bring it right out." Mr. Cake chuckled. "Also, I'm not her father... more of a mentor, if anything."

"Mr. Cake, you shouldn't have told me that... I was just about to tell you she's well-raised!"

Derpy recognized this... Mommy sometimes talked to some of the business ponies like this in Canterlot if things were going really well. It was always a good sign, especially when Mommy winked as she was doing now.

Mr. Cake put a hoof to the back of his head, blushing.

"Well, um... Me and the Missis will make sure she stays that way then!" He turned towards the door behind the counter. "I- uh, well... guess I'll be back in a jiff!"

Mommy looked at Pinkie and Derpy. The lpink filly was already entertaining Derpy, using a napkin to cover up an extra spoon, only to have it disappear when the cloth was removed. Sitting almost right next to Pinkie Diamond had a better view than Derpy, but she still couldn't tell where the spoon was going; Pinkie was that good.

"Here you are, Pinkie!" Mr. Cake said, coming through with the ice cream. "I'm going to call it a night after this, you've been a big help. Wait 'til I tell Mrs. Cake!"

Making way for the baker, Diamond let out a sigh... stretching out again in the comfy chair:

I knew you were worried about nothing, Amethyst. Derpy just needs time and the right ponies.

This certainly appeared to be so. For right now, though, Diamond just watched Derpy and her new friend... hearing Derpy giggle, watching her smile. Seeing all this a small part of the older mare finally was able to relax.

2, 10 -- "Warm Evenings"

2, 10
"Warm Evenings"

Derpy let out a breath, eyes frantically darting around the meadow she'd landed in outside Ponyville. She had been there a few minutes, pacing, at first unable to think... but it was all coming back to her quite quickly.

Okay, okay, okay, okay... She looked down at the bottle, her vision blurring. "No..." She took a breath. "It's not okay."

Letting out a hushed cry, Derpy began to shake. Had any ponies been nearby they would've come to see what was wrong. She was closest to Fluttershy's cottage, but still too far away to be heard by anything other than birds in the nearby trees, which didn't care one way or another how she felt.

The pegasus stood there a moment, crying, finally able to process something other than the intense desire to get away from Thunderlane. I did everything like I was supposed to. I- I just needed to help... this is all like a bad dream. She looked to the skies, just turning to dusk, barely able to make out the pastel horizon. "I don't know what to do."

She collapsed to her belly and cried. It wasn't a loud cry, but a long one. She was no longer thinking about Thunderlane or getting away from him, but how much he had hurt her. Though everything was a blur, and she could hardly remember what he said word-for-word, she could remember two things clearly -- how it felt, and that she would never, ever forgive him.

After a while Derpy's cries began to fade and the sound of chirping grew over her own sobs. She got up slowly, rubbing her nose... an image of the hook she gave Thunderlane flashing through her mind. She looked over at the bottle again, a good distance away, thanks to her earlier pacing, and walked towards it... scowling.

I hate you.

She picked up the container, then eyed the trees a good ways off... imagining the eruption of glass and cider it would make after she threw it. Winding up she pitched underhoof towards the nearest, thickest tree. It didn't fly as she expected, much more slowly and unsteadily... bouncing off its mark and rolling to the grass.

The pegasus bit her lip and walked up, bending over to pick it up. The label was specked with grime, but it was otherwise pristine. Before she realized what she was doing she had started rubbing it, instinctively cleaning it up... she almost threw it again.

Derpy looked to the long road winding off in the direction of Ponyville and took a breath. Having thrown the bottle once already without much luck she found she didn't want to throw it again... the idea of destroying it started to feel strangely empty. Besides it made no sense to waste all those bits Thunderlane didn't deserve... but she still wanted to get rid of it.

Stepping on to the dirt road Derpy turned towards town, spotting chimney smoke in the distance. She took her first step toward Ponyville.

From this point Derpy would walk. She had a place in mind to go, and would be better off getting there by hoof. If she kept her hooves moving the journey would feel better than flying... she knew that from experience. Walking always felt good whenever she was like this. More relaxed, familiar... she needed familiar.

* * *

When she arrived in town it was still early. Looking at the Ponyville clock tower -- which she could see well before entering Ponyville -- she knew it wasn't six yet. Around five forty-something. She still had plenty of time.

To say Derpy was focused would have been an understatement. It was a rare mood for her to be in when she didn't want to talk to anypony, much less be around them, but she was in that mood for a good reason. All she wanted to do was return the bottle and go home, sleep a few days and stop thinking. At least her walk was silent, for the most part.

She passed Cherry Berry, who was headed home after an afternoon of showing her balloons to a group of tourists from Manehattan. Instantly recognizing the pegasus Cherry Berry waved, expecting Derpy to beat her to the punch and say "hi!" like she normally did... the mare was always so bright and bubbly, after all. Though Derpy turned toward the motion she looked right past Cherry Berry and walked on by... scowling. The pink earth pony stopped for a moment and looked back, mouth agape, before shrugging and moving on.

Derpy passed Sugarcube Corner. She passed Golden Oaks Library, the Quill and Sofa shop, and Rarity's Boutique. It all went by in a blur. Finally, in the middle of town, she came to Horte Cuisine.

There was just one pony out front, no customers. It was not a pony Derpy recognized, but she wasn't usually in the mood to be studying the place's employees whenever Thunderlane brought her there. She approached the earth pony stallion, who was around her age, cleaning the tops of the tables with a rag.

"Um, excuse me?" she said, plainly.

He jumped, turning to face her... slowly.

She held up the bottle.

"I want to return this."

Without a word he pointed toward a canopy right beside the restaurant, where she could see just outside the building sat the waiter she'd seen each time she came here... the one who knew her and she knew him, but they hardly said a word to each other. She looked back at the young stallion, still holding up the bottle, and he continued to point, a bit more intently this time... his eyes wide for some reason.

"There, there..." he mouthed. "Over there, miss. I can't do anything for you. Talk to him."

She turned towards the waiter and trotted up. He was facing away from her, his head down... focused.

"Um, I want to return this," she said, loudly.

He turned his head slowly and nodded, too busy polishing glasses to turn around completely.

"But of course, m'dam. May I first see your receipt?"

Though Derpy couldn't remember everything Thunderlane had said to her, she remembered throwing his bag... and that the receipt was resting somewhere on his floor.

"Ugh..." She let out a sigh. "I don't have it."

"Well, that's too bad. There is nothing I can do for you."

He returned to giving the glasses his undivided attention... focused again, away from Derpy.

The mare shook her head, feeling a throb in the back of her neck. She swallowed hard, which felt surprisingly difficult. Shaking away the dizziness, Derpy spoke more firmly:

"Hey! You sold it to me earlier! I-I don't want it anymore. Okay?"

The stallion let out a sigh, setting down the glass neatly with the rest in a row, all of them sparkling. He turned around, smiling... appearing friendly towards her for the fist time. He got up from his seat and approached.

"Oh, oui, I do recognize you m'dam! You've been here at least half a dozen times with that dark, Special Somepony of yours, non?"

Derpy heard a roar in her ear:

"He's not my~!"

The waiter put up a hoof:

"Be that as it may you, unfortunately, have no receipt. No receipt means no returns. Simple enough to understand, non?"

"But you sold it to me earli-"

"M'dam, you have come up to me when we are closing and I am most busy, and now you make demands of me? Why should I do this favor for you, hmm?" He crossed his eyes, grinning at her. "You think you can scare me by merely scowling and raising your voice? I lived with Griffins! You are nothing."

He stared at her for a moment, Derpy normally would've guessed waiting for reply... in actuality he was waiting for her to make the next move. She was shaking, he could see that... little did he know less than an hour before a stallion she'd cared about was talking to her a bit like he was now.

"Well?"

She continued to shake, her vision starting to blur. Through it all she could see the Prench stallion shake his head.

Despite her body's emotional response, Derpy was able to present something of an argument... at least from her point of view:

"Um, m- my mom used to work here a long time ago," she said, sniffling. "Diamond Hooves?"

"Oui, I do remember a Diamond Hooves when I was just starting out here in Ponyville... so you are the daughter she kept talking about, all grown up now, eh?" He smiled brightly. "I distinctly remember her mentioning a daughter with special needs. This changes nothing, and you'll find tears do not work on me either. Diamond was an excellent dishwasher, and you are wasting your time here."

Derpy cried more loudly. Gritting his teeth the waiter finally turned away. He went back to examining the last few glasses, preparing to sit again.

"I do not care what you do with that bottle, M'dam. Without a proper receipt I will not take it back. Now va-t'en! A good day to you."

Derpy sighed. "Please...?" She took a sudden interest in her hooves, struggling hard to continue to look up at him. "I, um... really don't want it. I spent too much money on it and... I- I hate him!"

Glancing back the waiter smirked one final time as he sat down comfortably:

"This is as good a time as any to take up drinking, then, non?"

* * *

With blurry vision Derpy walked away from Horte Cuisine. She offered the bottle to the pony cleaning tables on the way out, but he just put his hooves up and backed away. Little did she know he was acting a lot like she would have ten years before, though the scowl on her face when she first approached probably didn't help matters. Either way she was stuck with it.

Without a plan Derpy just walked away, head down. This was the second time in less than an hour she felt a strong desire to get away from someplace (and somepony) quickly... and she was sure she wouldn't be going back either.

There were a few places she could go: home, Sugar Cube Corner, Sweet Apple Acres; then it dawned on her. Applejack had said she and Rainbow would be high up to watch the sunset. The only place that could be, other than in the night sky (which didn't make sense because Applejack couldn't fly), was the Acres.

Normally this is where Derpy and Fluttershy had something in common -- both pegasai would be too shy to interrupt Rainbow Dash and Applejack when they were alone. This was especially true after meeting Thunderlane. Scootaloo had interrupted them just once to ask if they wanted to watch Rainbow Dash do a few tricks and even Thunderlane got angry... though thinking about it that wasn't surprising to her anymore. Thunderlane was the only one to say something to Scootaloo, though... Derpy just felt annoyed. For some reason thinking about how Thunderlane snapped at Scootaloo, telling her "take a hike, you lil wannabe" brought a smile to Derpy's face. Though she normally would have felt bad, it made him seem even less... nice every time she thought about it. So she thought about it again and again, and again for a while.

* * *

The closer she got to the Acres, the more she started to relax. This was especially true since she took the trip on hoof. Though it would take longer, she was used to walking from having nothing but houses on the ground since foalhood. It felt familiar... it felt right.

She passed Fluttershy's cottage and couldn't help noticing (despite being quite spacey) that the mare was either asleep or not home. The lights were out, no animals looked at her from the windows or outside as she passed. It was all silent.

As the sun set the world started to turn purple. It was nearing dark, yet Derpy kept at it on hoof, with the bottle tucked tightly under her wing. Normally she would've been questioning what she was doing -- it was growing late, the trek would take over a half hour, and she was tired. Aside from needing time with nothing going on around her, all she could think about was seeing Applejack... how Applejack, even when she couldn't help, could still make her feel better. All of the Apple family could... though she wouldn't want to share was was going on with Apple Bloom.

Eventually Derpy began seeing apple trees, then, of course, the ground started to slant upwards, towards the home. It wouldn't be long now. She began to pick up the pace, looking around... recognizing trees, even in the dark, as well as paths around the farm. This place... this place could always calm her down. It was a shame it had been so long since she was last there, but Applejack was always so busy.

She saw the Sweet Apple Acres house off in the distance... or at least she knew where it was. Like Fluttershy's cottage, the lights were out. It appeared just a abstract shape in the distance. Applejack was known to go to bed early, but not this early... or at least Derpy thought it was still early. She wasn't sure what time it was anymore.

Derpy picked up the pace, cantering towards her destination now... almost running. Carrying the bottle made it a lot harder to move fast (especially with her coordination) but she managed. She made it to the stairs and trotted up to the top. There, despite her mood, she tapped out a familiar rhythm:

Tap-tap-tap, knock-knock! ... Knock-knock!

Then she waited, and waited... and waited. There was no answer, so she knocked again:

Tap-tap-tap, knock-knock! ... Knock-KNOCK!

Nothing.

Derpy bit her lip, taking a deep breath. "A-applejack?" She poised to strike the door a lot harder.

Knock-knock-KNOCK!

Again, nothing. Derpy put her ear to the door just to be sure. It seemed nopony was home.

She plopped her rump against the wood of the porch, letting the bottle roll away. There Derpy put her head down and sighed... but didn't cry. If anything she felt strangely... blank.

There was so much Applejack could help her with, even if she couldn't actually do anything. In reality, Derpy just needed somepony to talk to. She didn't have other ponies in Ponyville she felt she could share this with. She also hoped, in the back of her mind, not that she would want to admit it (much less was thinking far enough ahead to put this into words)... that Applejack might offer to buy the cider off her, after hearing what she had to do get it. She would've been right, but Applejack wasn't there. Nopony was.

Again, Derpy picked up the bottle, looking off to the trees... it was so dark and they were so far away tha the bottle was unlikely to hit anything if she threw it again, but it was nice to think about. She wrung her hooves so hard, manipulating the bottle.... squeezing it, imagining just throwing it away or shattering it against the steps. She just wanted it to go away. She wrung it so hard...

Grrr-ggriiippp!

Derpy wasn't familiar with this brand of cider, but she knew that sound. She'd just broken the seal on the Fauxjax cider. She checked it just to be sure...

It was broken.

Derpy looked around, imagining just tossing the bottle somewhere in the dark, forgetting about it and going home. She knew Applejack wouldn't ask anypony about it... touring ponies left things on The Acres all the time. To just get rid of it, though, after having it for so long suddenly felt kind of... weird. While she did want it to go away, holding on to it while thinking about Thunderlane also felt kind of nice. Then a thought occurred to her:

What's it taste like?

Derpy could remember Thunderlane always raving about the food from Horte Cuisine. Always. The food wasn't cheap, though, and Derpy had things she needed a lot more than gourmet food... things Thunderlane was nasty to her about. This was a chance to actually try something she'd bought herself, even though she really didn't like the taste of alcohol or what it could to do her. This felt better than throwing it away, though, something so expensive... afterall it was hers, not Thunderlane's. It never was. She didn't realize it but she was smiling.

Since the seal was broken, as far as Derpy was concerned she had two options -- give it a taste or get rid of it.

Slowly she took the cap off and gave it a sniff. It smelled sweet. Surprisingly sweet, like juice. Hesitantly she took a small swig, looking down at the bottle... surprised by what she found.

It's actually good.

It had a tangy quality to it, lightly carbonated. While alcohol normally burned her throat, this tasted nice. Little did she know compared to most drinks (Applejack's cider included) this was considered light.

This was what Thunderlane liked so much, and she could actually understand why. She took another swig, a bit deeper, laughing.

"It tastes like soda!"

She got up, stretching, walking off the porch. Applejack wasn't there... nopony was, and Derpy had no clue when they'd be back. Aside from heading out to a place like Sugarcube Corner (she had no money, so she'd just be there to say hello), there was one more place Derpy thought might be a good idea to go: home.

She began trotting away, past the trees closest to the Apple house. She still had the Fauxjax cider on her and would hold on to it... Thunderlane wouldn't have it. She walked home slowly... the trip would take a good half hour to forty-five minutes, but Ponyville was a safe place to be at night. She could make it even with her eyes closed.

She took another swig, even deeper this time, looking up at the night sky. It was dark, almost cloudless, the moon was full. It looked kind of pretty.

What was odd was how, since everything was completely over, Derpy wasn't thinking of anything any longer. Her mind was blank, hazy... and it felt kind of good. She took another swig, followed by another.

The mare stumbled as she approached a bend in the road... she looked back and saw a small rock at the side of the path by her left back hoof. It made sense that must've been what caused her to almost fall to her knees. She kicked it out of the road, stretching, taking yet another drink from the Fauxjax cider.

Strangely she felt light, a bit numb in her extremities... particularly her hooves. It had been a long day, though, and it made sense she would feel tired since she'd been walking for most of the day. She took another drink and stopped for the moment, resting on her rump by a tree.

She looked around... everything was a bit fuzzy, but she knew where she was. She was still on the road, but if she turned left and walked straight over a few hills she would see what had become Apple Bloom's clubhouse. It was a nice place to play, she could remember that.

I wonder what it looks like now.

Derpy giggled, imagining herself going up to the tree fort in the middle of the night. Had she been in her right mind even she would have found that a bit unsettling.

She took yet another swig of the Fauxjax cider, hearing the remaining liquid slosh around in the bottle as it shook. She then realized she'd drunk over half of it. She laughed, realizing she'd gotten carried away. Doing that with something new was not unknown to her, though.

Derpy would rest by the tree for a while, then she would get back up and go home. That was best, she just had to cool down a bit... she felt so warm. But at the moment she would be content to just sit there and look at the night sky through the trees. A few fireflies lit up in the distance, capturing Derpy's attention for a moment. It felt like she was eight again, looking at their glow for the first time.

2, 11 -- "Expectations"

2, 11
"Expectations"

It was a few hours before lunchtime. Walking together, mother and daughter slowly approached Sugarcube Corner. They stood just outside and looked at each other. The filly smiled broadly.

"Are you ready?" Diamond asked, looking over her daughter one final time, making sure she was presentable.

Derpy nodded.

The mare opened the door, motioning for the filly to go inside. Derpy went in without hesitation.

Here we go, Diamond thought as she stepped inside, closing the door behind herself.

Surprisingly, except for the Cakes and Pinkie Pie, the shop was empty. It wasn't usually that way on a Saturday morning; there were normally a few young ponies about. Diamond had taken her time, hoping guests might've already started showing up, thinking that would give Derpy some idea of how many guests would actually be there. This would have to do. Besides, the filly hadn't invited too many, just a hoofful. Diamond had been sure Mr. Cake added the plus-one option to the inventions... not that it ultimately had made much difference.

The mare stretched, finding the nearest chair as Pinkie Pie bounced up to Derpy and greeted her with a smile... and a big hug.

"Happy Cute-ceañera!" the pink filly chirped.

Diamond watched as Derpy's posture stiffened and she withdrew, but then relaxed a bit in Pinkie's tight, snugly grasp. She weakly returned the hug.

That wasn't so bad.

Pinkie pulled away, looking into Derpy's eyes and smiling. She returned the smile and Pinkie immediately took her by the hoof, pulling her towards a jukebox in the middle of the restaurant. Derpy stumbled a bit into the open space, though not enough to cause Diamond to get up. She was clearly confused as to what was about to happen, but her mother knew. The pink filly pushed a button and everything became clear.

A happy tune emanated from the record player. It was just the right volume for Derpy, not too loud or abrasive. The filly looked on as her pink friend began to bounce in time, smiling at her. Eventually Pinkie's whole body began to bounce as the tune developed and instruments picked up in rhythm.

Diamond knew Derpy didn't dance. Plenty of opportunities in Canterlot going to client's weddings had shown her that. This was a different type of dancing than Derpy was used to, however. It wasn't organized, but that didn't mean she would want to try it.

Derpy stood there, watching Pinkie dance, lifting a fore hoof up and crossing it in front of her body. This wasn't done in time. The fact that it stayed there meant Derpy was already making up her mind about dancing.

Stay on the dance floor, sweetie. Please try it.

Pinkie continued to dance, getting her whole body into it, twisting and turning in rhythm. Diamond had heard from the Cakes that their little pink intern really liked sweets (to the point she had them with every meal); she was able to see how the filly kept so trim. The dance was growing more and more complex, Pinkie's mannerisms more and more inviting to Derpy... she reached out to her.

Derpy looked back at Diamond, a blush on her face. Why she was embarrassed Diamond could only guess, but she knew from the wide-eyed expression that Derpy would be heading in her direction pretty soon.

Letting out a sigh, Diamond set both hooves on the floor. It was time to get up before Derpy came to her.

"Uh, Pinkie?" Mrs. Cake said. "Maybe Derpy would like to play a different game, dear?"

Mrs. Cake's soft voice resonated over the music. She gave Pinkie a warm smile, maintaining eye contact to assure Pinkie this was more than just a suggestion. As Pinkie's eyes widened in confusion, Mr. Cake piped in, "Pin the tail on the pony's a very popular party game. Why not give that a try instead?"

Pinkie looked at Derpy, her expression blank.

"Um... does that sound like fun?"

Derpy nodded rapidly. "Uh-huh."

The smile returned to Pinkie's face. "Okay!"

Diamond set her hooves back on the chair across from her and sighed. The two were already headed in the direction of the wall where the picture hung. Despite requiring some coordination this was more Derpy's speed. Plus Diamond had a better view. Whenever the two fillies turned to each other to talk she could see both their faces just fine. Derpy was smiling.

* * *

Mr. Cake walked up and set a cup of cocoa on the table as Diamond sat watching Derpy and Pinkie play. Derpy had not won a single game of the three, but was showing no signs of tiring yet. Besides, Pinkie seemed supportive and completely willing to play... again, and again, never once losing the tiniest bit of enthusiasm. Maybe she and Derpy did in fact have something in common after all.

"How's it going, Diamond?" the young pastry chef asked, breaking her trance.

She turned turned towards him slowly, forcing a smile.

"I'm okay," she said plainly. "Derpy seems to be having fun, though."

"Yup," Mr. Cake turned towards the two. "It's too early to tell, but Pinkie might just have a future in entertaining. She just needs to learn to read ponies a bit better."

"She's young yet..." Diamond watched Derpy laugh, picking up the cup and taking a sip. "Besides, they make a good pair."

"That they do."

As Mr. Cake turned to trot back to the counter the bell on the door dinged. Both turned to see Big Mac opening the door, two packages held in his hooves, and Granny Smith's silhouette just entering the shop behind him. Applejack followed, pushing a baby carriage and wearing saddlebags. Diamond began to get up to greet them.

"Oh, don't you bother none on account of us," Granny Smith said, as Mr. Cake approached to offer her some help. Mr. Cake hesitated, confused, until Granny Smith gave him her hoof and a smile. "I'm on ma way, dearie... you rest now."

Granny Smith made it to the table just fine, noticing Diamond's hind hooves resting on the chair across from her. She sat to the side, Mr. Cake pulling out the chair for her. Then, once she was settled, with a flick of her hoof Applejack brought the baby carriage in and set it alongside the table. Granny Smith looked inside and smiled, straightening the blanket for Apple Bloom. Then she nodded to Applejack, dismissing her to go play.

Wonder how Amethyst is doing with Dinky. At worst she's probably crying.

Big Mac sat at the booth across from the two, setting the packages on the table in front of him. He slumped down into a similar position to Diamond, letting out a sigh as Applejack added her saddle bags to the pile. Granny Smith looked over at him and stared a moment, to which he straightened up and looked over at his sister. The young stallion got up and casually approached the grey filly.

Diamond looked on as Derpy's face lit up seeing her two friends approach. The energy in her voice as she greeted them with "Hi Applejack! Hey Big Mac!" was substantially peppier than it had been with Pinkie. The mare just watched.

"Hey Derpy," Applejack replied nonchalantly. "Happy Cute-ceañera!" She motioned to her side and Big Mac stepped up.

"Happy Cute-ceañera!" he declared.

"What'ya doing here?" Applejack asked, motioning to their game.

Pinkie bit her lip, holding her breath and grinning,... looking ready to explode.

"Pin the tail on the pony!" Derpy exclaimed after a moment. "Wanna play?"

"Sure!"

"Ee-yup."

Diamond smiled, looking at each guests face... they all looked eager to have fun with Derpy. Diamond also noticed Mrs. Cake looking at Pinkie and smiling. She knew why, though Pinkie looked completely oblivious.

She waited for Derpy to speak. That's really sweet.

They all began to play. They'd come to play with Derpy and that's just what they started out doing.

* * *

Wow, that didn't take long.

Four more games were played, of three to four, then Big Mac and Pinkie found themselves on the dance floor. Diamond didn't blame the filly, she could tell Pinkie was easily distracted from a mile away. As for Big Mac, she knew that other than school he hardly got out... much less took a break from work. The Cakes looked fine with this, though Diamond felt Granny Smith's hooves grinding up against the table as he turned his back on their game so soon.

"It's okay," she said, smiling at the eldest Apple. "Derpy doesn't mind."

Granny Smith nodded and relaxed. It was true, he hadn't left Derpy unhappy. That's what had mattered, at the moment at least.

Derpy and Applejack were still poking holes in the picture, though Applejack was beginning to yawn, showing signs of boredom. She forced a smile as Derpy spoke to her. Derpy was fine continuing the game, and in a smaller group it would go quicker at least, giving Applejack a turn a bit more often so she wouldn't have to just stand there.

"Sorry we didn't fill in the plus-one," Granny Smith said, looking out at her grandchildren. "Ah wanted to bring Breaburn and Apple Fritter along, but they're stuck out west, tendin' to their own family needs."

"It's okay," Diamond replied, smiling again at her elder friend. "The fact that Derpy has made even a couple long-term friends I'm really happy with."

Granny Smith grinned back, nodding, opening her mouth to speak again. She was cut short.

The bell on the door dinged once again, causing a few heads to turn. Standing there was a filly Diamond could only guess was Fluttershy. She was a friend of Derpy's Diamond hadn't met (and wasn't sure she would, seeing how Derpy never talked about her). She looked slightly encumbered by an overly stuffed saddle bag, which looked more lopsided than heavy. With the yellow-colored filly there was a friend. A cute little unicorn with a purple mane and light coat, her cutie mark a set of blue jewels.

"We're here!" exclaimed the unicorn in a sing-songy tone, entering the eatery with her friend in front of her. She smiled, instantly reminding Diamond of the children of faux-glitterati in Canterlot (or most of Derpy's old classmates). "Fashionably late, of course!"

As several ponies turned their way, Diamond noticed Fluttershy hiding behind her mane.

"Hiya Fluttershy!" Pinkie exclaimed, running to the filly and giving her a hug.

"Hi Fluttershy!" Derpy exclaimed from her little corner, before going back to the game.

Applejack and Big Mac both nodded and waved, Big Mac exclaiming a friendly "Hello!"

The unicorn blinked a few times, turning to Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy, giving her pegasus friend a slight nudge. "A-hem."

Pinkie's face lit up.

"Oh yeah! This is Rarity."

Rarity smiled and bowed, immediately showing all present how she was skilled in magic by gracefully taking the awkward-looking bags off Fluttershy's back and setting them on the table with the rest of the gifts. "You really shouldn't have insisted on carrying these all the way here, dear."

Fluttershy took a breath, sighing with relief. "They're... my bags."

Diamond took this all in, sitting back as she and Granny Smith nodded and waved to the two fillies, and Pinkie introduced the two new guests to everypony they didn't know by name.

This should be fun.

* * *

Everything had gone a lot better than Diamond had expected.

With the new guests there Applejack found herself briefly on the dance floor with her brother, then settled in the corner talking quietly with Fluttershy while enjoying some fresh punch. Pinkie Pie had been back and forth, being a good hostess, making sure all the guests were having fun. Diamond noted she actually seemed to fare better in larger parties. Derpy continued to play Pin the Tail on the Pony, happy as can be, with Rarity along side her. They had played several games and the unicorn showed no signs of tiring.

Diamond watched Derpy play with this strange new filly who stared for a moment at Derpy's eyes upon first noticing them, though not for long. Diamond was happy to notice that, despite the loud introduction, Rarity had somewhat of a quiet inside voice. She was so quiet, in fact, Diamond couldn't hear what she was saying word-for-word... but she couldn't hear Derpy well either, and Derpy tended to be louder. She watched Rarity's face closely and Derpy's reaction as they talked... checking for any discomfort, confusion, anger, or scorn in the way Rarity's lips moved. She knew it so well. Rarity seemed completely friendly, almost as enthusiastic as Pinkie Pie, though no where near as loud. If anything, the unicorn acted a lot like what Diamond had hoped Derpy would run into in Canterlot... but that never had happened.

"Perhaps this will be a new friend," Diamond mused, aloud.

"What's that now, dearie?" Granny Smith asked.

The older pegasus shook her head, continuing to focus.

The game continued for a few more rounds, and Diamond noticed Rarity starting to get distracted... her eyes moving to other parts of the Corner -- dancing, punch, bobbing for apples (which Applejack and Pinkie Pie were just approaching). She knew that probably meant the filly was getting bored.... however, something happened a bit different from all the other times Derpy had interacted with ponies, and it's possible that it had something to do with a cue:

"That's the last song for now!" said Mrs. Cake, as the jukebox ended. "Ten minutes and lunch will be ready!"

Big Mac looked disappointed, though he was the only pony dancing by this point. The Cakes had to be able to easily be heard.

Rarity turned to Derpy, and Diamond heard part of what she was saying (reading her lips for some of it):

"Want... new game?"

Derpy looked confused, though because the noise was dying down, Diamond could hear her more clearly:

"What kinda game?"

Rarity smiled. "It's simple! Sit, sit, I'll show you."

In a matter of moments Derpy and Rarity were sitting on their haunches facing each other. Derpy seemed utterly confused as both Diamond and Granny Smith looked on, curiously.

"It's easy, and I can guarantee you'll have fun." Rarity put her forelegs up in a boxing position and both mares nodded, knowing what was coming next. "Just put your hooves up, sit still, and... I'll show you first."

"Um..." Derpy followed suit, still looking confused. "Okee!"

Rarity, cleared her throat, reciting a rhyme by memory, adding a few words here and there all the while tapping her hooves on the offbeat, alternating pushing them back and forth:

This little foal
went to school (darling!)
to get the tools
and plant her seeds.

She ended up,
becoming queen
of fashions and of magazines!

And she was a great success.
Oh, wouldn't you
love to be her?
Looking back
on all your hard work?

(I would!)

Oh, you may not
follow the same path,
but that's okay,
you still must try.

We make our way,
by who we are,
not who we were,
or what we've done!

So make your tracks!
In Equestria
you'll find a way!
In a land of friends,
paths never end!

The singing had gotten both Applejack's and Big Mac's attention. Fluttershy in the corner looked passed Pinkie at Rarity rhyming with Derpy. Everything went silent.

Diamond found her lips moving along with the rhyme. It was a familiar song, an old nursery rhyme with a simple (albeit slightly grating) melody. She recited it with hope to Derpy when she was quite small and frail, at a time when she didn't cry much less look up at other ponies. Some of the lyrics were different, improvised and quite rough, but the premise was still the same... so was the dream she once had herself inside it all.

Derpy sat there. Diamond watched her face, the filly's mouth agape and smiling in awe.

"All you have to do is move your hooves like mine so we touch and viola!"

Derpy put her hoof forward and the rhyme started again... slowly, of course. She tapped her own hooves together, then put her other hoof forward, looking back at her mother.

"Keep going!" Granny Smith encouraged.

Diamond sat there watching intently, as Derpy did just that.

The game had started out at a crawling pace, with Rarity stuck on the first few words, the melody hanging in air, waiting for Derpy to respond. It quickly sped up as Derpy's hooves quickly learned what to do.

It's just muscle memory, sweetie.

Soon enough Derpy's hooves were moving to make the song as fast as it had been when Rarity started singing. The little pegasus, who had started out smiling, began smiling even bigger and brighter.

Diamond looked over at Granny Smith, the older mare grinned.

"Gotta admit that's mighty impressive for a first try."

Diamond nodded. It was, all things considered.

The rhyming continued for a bit longer, and eventually lost the attention of everypony but Derpy, Diamond and Granny Smith and, of course, Rarity. Naturally this type of activity required some physical exertion, so after a few times through Rarity began to sweat. It didn't help that the clapping was growing slightly faster. Mr. Cake took this as his cue to interrupt, coming up behind Rarity so Derpy could see him.

"How 'bout some ice cream girls?"

It took Derpy a moment to stop and look up at the young baker. Diamond could see her hooves still wanted to make the motions they'd been making for the past few minutes. The little pegasus rolled her shoulders back, rocking a bit while giggling.

"Okee!"

Rarity took a deep breath, panting.

"Yes, thank you, Mr. Cake!"

Mr. Cake just smiled.

"Certainly... please go sit at the booths and we'll have you all taken care of right away!"

* * *

Diamond was not surprised by the seating arrangement.

Derpy sat on the inside next to Applejack and across from Rarity, Rarity next to Fluttershy. Big Mac, again, picked another booth, not entirely by choice (Diamond guessed), but because the booths could only seat four. Mr. Cake quickly remedied this by bringing two chairs from the back, one for Pinkie and one for Big Macintosh. All was set and everypony seemed happy, though Big Mac and Fluttershy didn't say a word... which was, so far, not uncharacteristic of either of them.

What was unusual, however, was how Derpy talked to both Applejack and Rarity. It started about the game she and Rarity had just been playing, her eyes wide. Simple conversation, with Rarity nodding, saying "yes, yes, darling," and Applejack smiling, listening to her talk, biting her lip whenever Derpy repeated herself more than twice or went on for too long. Seeing this Rarity nodded, then looked directly at Derpy and spoke quickly during a brief moment of silence:

"Say, do you have any brothers or sisters?"

Applejack looked at the unicorn, giggling. That wasn't smooth by any means, but it was fairly smooth for a young filly.

Diamond watched as Derpy nodded rapidly.

"Uh-huh, a little sister named Dinky! She's a unicorn, and she cries a lot, but that's okee. I can always go outside and play on my swing if it gets too loud. Mommy says it's okay to go on my swing as much as I want as long as I don't go too high. Applejack helped make the swing, and I sometimes try to-"

"Hey... uh, Derpy?" Applejack smiled at the lil pegasus, playfully poking her with her hoof.

Across the room Diamond almost had her face in her hoof. Her daughter was wired.

"Uh-huh?"

She pointed at Rarity, whose eyes were slightly narrowed but she still smiled.

"Give her a moment to, uh... Ah guess think about what yer sayin' and say something back."

"Oh, um..."

Derpy smiled, looking at the table... turning red again, but this time for a more appropriate reason. Pinkie Pie, who'd been chattering with Fluttershy up to that point, stopped for a tick hearing what Applejack had said. It was good advice, after all. Everything went quiet for a moment.

"Well, ain't you the least bit curious if she's got any brother or sisters?"

Those words came from Granny Smith. Derpy looked over, her face still red. Her eyes settled on her mother as she responded truthfully:

"A lil. I hadn't thought about it."

"Then ask! It's good manners, sweetie!"

Those words came from Diamond. She found herself smiling... Granny Smith was looking at her, grinning as well.

Derpy turned back to Rarity, her face blank.

"Um... do you have any brothers or sisters?" she asked, directly.

The ivory filly was quick to reply, "Yes, yes." Diamond watched as her eyes returned to their warm state. "A little sister named Sweetie Belle. She's quite adorable and, yes, even for a foal, she can cry quite a lot. Mother says it's perfectly normal."

Derpy grinned.

"Neat!"

Applejack smiled.

"Is there maybe anything more you wanna ask Rarity?"

"Um..." Derpy's face went blank. Her face contorted into a sheepish smile as she thought. "I like your mane."

"Why, thank you! I like your colors."

Derpy giggled.

"Thanks! I like the way you talk."

This is going a lot better than I expected.

"So..." Rarity looked to Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie and Big Mac. She got Big Mac's attention and the rest followed suit. "Um, say Derpy, I can't help but wonder... how exactly did you get your Cutie Mark? Do tell."

"Yes please!" Pinkie exclaimed, already having heard the story once before, simple as it was. "Do tell! Do tell!"

Derpy looked at the ponies around her. They looked back, smiling. She started to look away, down at the table again. It wouldn't be long until she turned back to mom.

"It's what we're here to celebrate," Granny Smith said. "'Least talk about it some. She wants know 'cause she's interested! We all are, whether we've heard it before or not! If it's worth celebratin', it's worth talkin' about."

"That's true, Derpy," Diamond said. "We're very proud of you... and I think you can tell everypony here about what happened when you got it."

Derpy was looking Diamond's way with wide eyes again. Diamond smiled back.

"Please, sweetie?"

"Um..." Derpy turned back to the table. "When me and Applejack were gunna go to bed, she called me bubbly after a bath, and I thought about it... and I am."

Rarity's eyes darted around the table. She took a breath, but still waited a moment to speak. A lone cricket chirped somewhere in the bakery. That was all there was to say and everypony was silent.

"Well... you certainly do seem quite bubbly." Rarity looked around the table. "Doesn't she?"

Several guests murmured in agreement, one loudly piping over the rest, "Oh yeah! She's so bubbly and super nice!"

"Pinkie Pie..." Applejack chuckled, face in her hoof. "Those two kinda mean the same thing."

"Oh..." Pinkie blinked. "Well that doesn't keep it from being true!"

The farm filly rubbed her chin for a moment. Diamond couldn't help grinning at all this. "Fair enough."

Sitting back Diamond took a breath. This was all going to well, she couldn't have asked for more.

* * *

Ice cream was served, but not before each pony placed an order with Mr. Cake. He jotted everything down quickly before disappearing into the back for what seemed like less than two minutes, only to reappear with a cart stocked full of bowls.

He gave Applejack and Big Mac vanilla, whereas Rarity and Pinkie Pie were served chocolate. Fluttershy and Derpy both had strawberry, and even Diamond and Granny Smith enjoyed a bowl, coffee and vanilla respectively. Given how her hind hooves were still resting on the seat across from her, Diamond certainly could've used a lil caffeine. There was little talking as they all ate their ice cream, but Diamond still watched.

Everypony ate with good table manners, though by far the weakest were Pinkie Pie and Derpy. Compared to Pinkie, however, who's cheeks and face were completely covered in chocolate, Derpy was far less noticeable... a bit of strawberry on her lips and chin as she finished up. Diamond watched as Rarity looked up at her daughter eating, particularly around the lips. No, she did it twice... That wasn't where she was looking.

Rarity was, again, looking at Derpy's eyes. It was only a few passing glances. It made sense that fillies and colts would be curious. She was appearing well-enough raised to not say anything at least.

Applejack also gave Derpy a bit of attention. She turned to her with a napkin as they all finished up, only to wipe away the bit of strawberry from her lips. The farm filly smiled, booping the pegasus on the nose. "There!"

That's kind of her.

Diamond watched for a moment, expecting Applejack to turn to Pinkie Pie to do the same thing... there were plenty of napkins on the table, after all. Nothing happened, though.

Maybe she hasn't noticed.

Big Mac's spoon clanged loudly as he finished, gaining the attention of all ponies at the table for one brief moment. Applejack looked right at Pinkie, and the pink filly smiled back... nothing.

Strange.

This didn't last long. Mrs. Cake came out with a sizable cake on her back, ready for the party.

"Pinkie decorated it herself last night," said the baker, as the party made way and she and her husband helped set the cake on the table.

Diamond watched as Mrs. Cake subtly passed Pinkie a napkin, mouthing "clean your face, deary." Pinkie did just that.

Diamond then stood up to take a look, along with everypony else. They all stood in front of the table, peering downward.

The cake was grey, with a yellow boarder. On it there were blue bubbles, black writing, and a cutsy filly face. "Happy Cute-sinera, Derpy!" it said in rough script. The colors were a close match to Derpy's, if not a tiny bit too bright, close enough for everypony to make the connection. The smile on the face appeared a little lopsided, but it had a yellow mane, and the eyes were (thankfully) simple and black... possibly the Cakes' recommendation not to get too detailed.

Pinkie was left playing with her hooves, a bit like Derpy sometimes did... she sat there and said nothing.

"I like it, Pinkie," Diamond said, moving in beside the filly. "Don't you, Derpy?"

"Uh-huh!" Derpy turned the pink filly. "A whole lot!"

"Aww... thanks."

What happened next surprised more than just Diamond.

Derpy hugged Pinkie, tight. As the little pegasus had been unsure when Pinkie had first hugged her, Pinkie's forelegs went splayed and her eyes wide... but soon she returned the hug, blushing.

"Oh, wow...," Pinkie and Diamond muttered at the same time.

* * *

The cake was served up quick and everypony enjoyed a piece, though they all remained spotless this time. The cake was half yellow, half chocolate. Derpy had chocolate, alongside Pinkie. They smiled at each other, Derpy having switched sides to sit close to her, bits of it in both their teeth. Diamond remained standing by the table, a bit more directly involved, marveling at Pinkie's work. It wasn't professional-quality, but it was good... especially for a filly. She ate a small piece, watching her daughter and friends all together... they devoured it.

Once everypony had had a piece what remained of the cake was cleared away for the next part of the gathering. Next was, of course, presents. This was the other reason Diamond was standing, to be able to pass them to her daughter at an appropriate speed. Just a few years earlier Derpy was known to tear into her Hearth's Warming Eve gifts. Though unlikely, given how hyper she had become, that would be, for lack of a better word... impolite.

Diamond had talked with the Cakes before setting up the party, to get an idea of what to expect. In Ponyville, little gifts at a Cute-sinera were not uncommon. Not the same as birthdays, of course, but it was always the thought that counted. She turned to the pile on the table, figuring which gift to pass to her daughter first. A smile from Granny Smith, along with a motion from the elder Apple's head, suggested she might go through the Apples' presents first.

"Very well."

Applejack's came first... a set of thick purple blankets for their bed.

"Thank you!" Diamond said, nodding to the farm filly. "Always so practical... that's going to get you ahead in the world." She turned to her daughter. "What do you say, Derpy?"

"Um..." Derpy looked down at the gift. From the expression on her daughter's face, Diamond could only guess that Derpy was slightly bemused to be getting bed sheets from her best friend. "Thanks!"

Applejack smiled and nodded.

Big Mac's followed, of course... a small set of saddlebags. The perfect size for Derpy, and just what she needed.

"Thanks!" Derpy said, with slightly more enthusiasm.

"Ee-yup!" the farm colt replied, sitting back.

Granny Smith set her own package on the table. It appeared somewhat cumbersome, but she had managed to carry it to the table on her own. Diamond was ready to offer a hoof, but she knew how Granny Smith could be.

"Open it, child."

Derpy did just that, her face instantly her face lighting up once the present was opened. Granny Smith had brought a dozen apple spice muffins in a box with an open top. Derpy looked up at Granny smith, a giant smile growing on her face.

"Thank you!"

"Oh, don't mention it, dear."

With Applejack's saddlebags empty and Big Mac's two packages in tatters, there was one set of saddlebags to open. They were cyan in color.

"May I, Fluttershy?" Diamond asked, turning to the filly and remembering what she had said when she came in.

Fluttershy nodded meekly. Diamond picked them up, opening one side and removing a package. With it spilled a couple bags of bird seed and a towel with bits of brown fur, which Diamond tenderly pushed back inside, focusing on the package. This one was purple and said Rarity on it in script. Derpy was passed the package (with it a few hairs) and they all looked on.

A few tears of packing and the present was revealed. Rarity brought a new winter scarf, hoofmade and yellow. Not a bad gift, seeing how Derpy and Rarity didn't know each other.

"Thanks," Derpy said, with a grin.

Rarity smiled back as Derpy turned to her mother again.

"Last one on the table, sweetie," Diamond said, passing Derpy the final package.

This package was pink.

"Um, I hope you like it," Fluttershy muttered as Derpy was passed the pink package.

Derpy opened the package like she had all the others. This was another hoofmade item, a winter hat matching the scarf Rarity had made. She looked at it, then looked at the scarf she'd just gotten beside her with the rest of the gifts. Fluttershy looked away, blushing... so somepony else spoke for her:

"It's a set," said Rarity. "Fluttershy and I both went to work. It was quite fun!"

Derpy looked over at Fluttershy, who tensed up, Diamond could only guess because of how she felt. She took a breath to say something, but her daughter beat her to the punch.

"Fluttershy?" Derpy said. "What's wrong?"

Fluttershy murmured something under her breath which no pony could hear.

"Huh? I don't understand you."

Fluttershy sighed, turning to look up at Derpy. Her face was quite long.

"I said you don't like it."

Diamond looked over at her daughter... she looked confused.

"Um... I do like it."

Fluttershy sniffled, looking across the table at Derpy. They were both silent.

"Then what do you say?" Diamond asked.

Derpy looked up at her, before looking back at Fluttershy.

"Thanks Fluttershy."

The yellow filly's frown melted away, replaced by a grin... which made Diamond a bit uncomfortable.

"Oh, it was nothing... really."

She seems a little manipulative. The mare sighed, again taking everything in.

* * *

Mr. and Mrs. Cake looked at each other, then down at their little pink ward. Again, Diamond noted she looked ready to explode.

"You've been so patient, Pinkie," said Mr. Cake. "Why don't you get your gift now?"

Mrs. Cake nodded in agreement, mouthing "go on," with a smile. Pinkie bolted up, taking off like a shot behind the counter and then up the stairs, clip-clopping the whole way there.

This should be interesting.

Diamond looked down at Derpy. Her daughter wasn't looking back at her, she was looking where Pinkie had gone, curiously.

Applejack got up from her side, scooting past Rarity to do so. She walked around and filled the new empty seat, putting a forehoof around Derpy and gently squeezing her. Derpy looked over at Applejack and giggled.

"Happy Cute-ceañera, Derpy," she said, for the second time, smiling at the filly. "Happy to see ya laughing so much."

Derpy wiggled around playfully and Applejack retracted her hoof when she realized she was being watched. She and Diamond locked eyes for a moment, the farm filly putting a hoof behind her head before looking away. Diamond smiled in response, nodding.

Applejack gets a little too informal when she's excited. That's okay, she's under fifteen... she realizes it's inappropriate.

"It's okay," Diamond mouthed at the farm filly, continuing to nod.

It hadn't taken a minute for Pinkie Pie to come bounding back down with a gift on her back that, Diamond could only guess from its shape and size, was a record. It was wrapped tightly in bright red and blue paper, with a yellow ribbon, all primary colors. She set the gift package in front of Derpy, smiling... eagerly.

"I spend three whole days on this getting it -just- right!" Pinkie chirped. "I really hope you like it!"

Derpy looked up at Pinkie, then down at the package.

"Open it, sweetie," Diamond found herself saying.

Derpy did just that. Everypony was quiet... watching, waiting.

The very moment Diamond saw bright yellow and grey, she knew what Pinkie had spent her time on. Derpy, with surprising care, stripped the package of its remaining paper and looked down at the gift.

Derpy was looking at her own portrait, made without paint. It appeared exactly as she did, having enough care put into it that it seemed as though Pinkie really had put three solid days of work into it. The portrait smiled, the eyes drawn into happy little slits with surprising detail... again, possibly the Cakes recommendation. Pinkie even included the Cutie Mark, with the right number of bubbles and correct amount of space between them. The portrait was made from construction paper, layers on top of layers, carefully cut and assembled to give it a real, almost three-dimensional look. The edges were smooth, no lines left indicating where cuts were made. Pinkie either didn't use them or she was really that good with scissors. Either was impressive considering her age.

The party was speechless. Derpy just stared at her gift, then looked up at Pinkie as everypony watched.

"Pinkie," said Diamond, breaking the silence. "It's incredible."

Pinkie looked back at Diamond and smiled as Derpy nodded.

"Uh-huh!"

The whole party murmured in agreement.

Granny Smith got up from her table and slowly approached, taking a close look at the gift.

"You could have a future in this, child," she said, rubbing her chin. "Looks better than half the 'modern art' hanging in the Canterlot galleries... least last time I went up there to see Diamond. Derpy must've been Apple Bloom's age, though."

"Hasn't changed," Diamond murmured, nodding.

Pinkie Pie blushed. "Aww, shucks."

Derpy looked on, her mother could only guess entranced. Diamond knew this was the first gift she'd ever gotten that she couldn't really play with, really couldn't touch, so she just stared at it... and from her silence, Diamond hoped was processing what it meant. "Three whole days" - as Pinkie Pie put it - was a long time for a filly to work on something... especially one as excitable as Pinkie.

"Pinkie," Applejack said, in disbelief. "You really didn't... buy this?"

"Nope! Well, maybe the paper and glue."

Derpy finally put her hooves on the gift, carefully. Diamond's focus was on what she was going to do next. She kept it on the table, grasping gently at its boarder, gently... getting a feel for all the layers inside to out. That only made sense. There must've been at least fifty.

"Be careful, sweetie."

Derpy didn't look back, but weakly nodded in response.

Diamond then saw Derpy pull upward slightly on a loose edge and felt her heart skip a beat. Over the praise Pinkie was still receiving, Diamond spoke clearly:

"Sweetie, it's not that kind of-"

Riiiiiip!

The entire party turned to look and went silent, for a different reason.

* * *

Derpy had not pulled off one layer, she had ripped the second highest later over the base paper two inches inward, causing the right wing (both wings were spread) to loosen from it's tip. Diamond already knew she was thinking the card would open. It made sense, from her point of view, but unfortunately she was both strong and uncoordinated.

The grey filly froze, her good eye fixed firmly on the new tear in the card. She looked up slowly at her mother and Pinkie, then everypony else. Nopony said a word, and everypony under seventeen was either looking at each other, or the walls or ceiling. The only exception was Applejack, whose eyes darted back and forth among everypony there, positioning herself a bit between Pinkie and Derpy. Despite the lack of attention to her blunder, Derpy's breathing picked up and her eyes went wide... frightened.

"Sweetie," Diamond began, slowly. "That was an accident..."

Despite trying to comfort her daughter, tears welled up in her eyes all the same. If anything, that probably made it worse as she had just defined the mistake.

Diamond sighed, looking over to Granny Smith, who immediately motioned to Pinkie. Diamond looked over to Derpy again who was just staring at the little pony across from her. The frizz in the pink filly's mane was strangely missing, her mane fell unnaturally straight, even straighter than Fluttershy's. Deflated. Her coat appeared darker. Derpy stared at her, while she stared at the table motionlessly.

"Pinkie," Mrs. Cake said, gently, coming up from behind. "Derpy didn't mean to-"

The pink filly nodded, taking a breath.

"I know."

Derpy sat there, crying quietly despite having heard that, looking at her new damaged present. Diamond reached around the table and gently put her hoof on her daughter's shoulder. Applejack was ready to put a hoof around Derpy again, but looked back, scooting away to give more room for the bigger pony.

"It's okay, sweetie" she whispered, hugging Derpy tight. "It's okay."

Derpy continued to sniff.

"I- I didn't mean to. It was a nice present." She and Pinkie locked eyes. "I loved it, Pinkie. I really did!"

"Pinkie knows." Diamond looked up at Pinkie, who smiled weakly at them both. "We all do."

Everypony nodded in agreement, smiling warmly at Derpy. Nopony said anything, though. Applejack looked closest to saying something, but kept biting her lip. Diamond just nodded.

Pinkie reached, across the table to try to touch Derpy on the shoulder. It was a stretch and she had to lean, but when her hoof came close enough the grey filly turned towards the wall of the booth. Pinkie looked at Diamond, then at Mr. and Mrs. Cake.

It's alright, Pinkie," said Mr. Cake. "She just needs a little time."

"She'll be okay," Diamond promised, forcing a smile. "Sooner than you think."

Hopefully this won't take very long.

* * *

Everything was quiet. The party had shifted in tone and this did not surprise Diamond at all.

Following ripping Pinkie's gift, Diamond picked Derpy straight up, showing everypony there that strength runs in the family. "It's okay..." she whispered,over and over, knowing this repetitive whispering would usually help.

The filly spent a while in the corner wrapped in her forelegs. After the first few minutes she wasn't sure exactly how long it had been, but that was okay. This was enough excitement for one day. Derpy sat on her mother's knee, gently rocking.

"You were a big girl today, Derpy," Diamond said, quietly. "Mommy is so proud of you."

The mare had tried a few times to get a reaction out of her daughter as they sat there. Like earlier the filly did not look up, though she nodded. Diamond and Granny Smith exchanged glances again, the older mare nodding.

"Party's winding down now anyway," Granny Smith said, looking in the stroller at Apple Bloom. "Ninty-five percent of it went off without a hitch! Can't complain about the last little bit."

Nodding, Diamond looked out at the guests. They were talking at the table, Fluttershy and Big Mac paired up. Rarity and Applejack chatted, with Pinkie and the Cakes talking off in the opposite corner, the filly's mane still straight. Applejack, Diamond could tell, felt eyes on her again and looked back, biting her lip. The two smiled at each other.

You're a good friend, Applejack.

Diamond then looked down at her daughter, who looked up towards the ceiling, eyes still a bit teary.

"We're going to be heading home soon, sweetie."

Derpy responded with a small twitch of her mouth, then a nod. A bit of acknowledgement. She heard, she understood, and that was enough.

Diamond looked up at Granny Smith, who looked back. She kept up eye contact as she spoke:

"If it's okay with Granny Smith, Applejack can come over. Would you like that?"

As Granny Smith nodded a small smile formed on Derpy's lips. That was something. She turned to face her mother.

"Uh-huh."

Diamond smiled back.

"You have a nice smile, sweetie. Now, don't you think it might be a good idea to go back to the party soon?"

The two looked at each other, Derpy biting her lip. She glanced over at the guests, and her mother followed her gaze. Together they saw Pinkie had just turned around, her frizz slightly restored. She smiled, unaware she was being looked at by two ponies from across the room. Derpy turned back.

"I, um..."

"They won't be mad, Sweetie, promise. Not even Pinkie." Diamond ruffled her mane, to which Derpy grinned even bigger. "You don't have to go, but it would make everypony really happy to know you're okay. I know I'd want to know if I were Rarity or Applejack."

Derpy nodded, gears clearly turning in her little head as she sat there.

"Okay. I'll go."

Diamond, again, found herself smiling as she set Derpy down. She stood up so Derpy couldn't get back on her knee, towering above her daughter.

"That's my girl."

* * *

Derpy looked back at Diamond one time as she approached her friends.

Go on, Sweetie.

Applejack and Big Mac were the only ones to notice her approach, until she made herself known.

Trotting past the two, she was headed toward Pinkie first. She stood in front of the filly and despite still standing, Diamond couldn't see her face as they spoke, but she could see Pinkie's and hear their tones of voice. The filly smiled as Derpy said something, in a slightly upset tone. Pinkie just stood there, the Cakes on either side of her. When Derpy stopped talking, Pinkie responded by opening her forelegs and wrapping Derpy up tight. The Cakes clearly approved, each putting a hoof on Pinkie's shoulder. Again, Derpy's posture was tense at first, but after a moment she returned the hug and patted the pink filly on the back. When they finally broke away, Diamond could see Derpy's profile clearly. Derpy was smiling.

The two then turned towards the party and approached. Applejack made room for Derpy and she sat down on the inside, as she had been. Derpy didn't say anything, but Diamond could tell the grey filly was listening to everypony by the way her eyes were moving. That was okay. This day had been exciting enough already.

Diamond sat down across from Granny Smith, looking over at her older friend.

"This has been quite a day already," she said, letting out a sigh. "I'm happy. I really am."

Granny Smith smiled.

"I can tell, and ya should be." She leaned back, popping her stiff shoulders. "Ya gotta let her make her own decisions and deal with the world the way it is. Ponies ain't all nice like you and me... but everypony here seems pretty well-behaved, which is all you can ask for in friends."

"Yeah..." Diamond looked over at the collection of young ponies laughing together, her daughter smiling as Applejack joked. "It is."

* * *

Stepping out of Sugar Cube corner, Diamond sighed. She had all Derpy's presents on her back, even the one Pinkie Pie had made tucked away between the quilt and the scarf. Fortunately they weren't too heavy. She looked back as the fillies still with her waved at Mr. and Mrs. Cake and Pinkie.

"Come back any time, now!" shouted Mr. Cake as they disappeared over the hill.

There were three left, Granny Smith, Apple Bloom and Big Mac having gone one way with Fluttershy, while Applejack, Derpy, and Rarity went the other. Rarity didn't live far off from Sugar Cube Corner, so it only made sense she might tag along. It didn't bother either filly and she seemed nice enough.

Applejack and Derpy walked at the front of the group, pep in their step. Rarity walked towards the middle, inadvertently blocking Diamond from rushing towards Derpy if she fell... but that would be okay. After all, Applejack was there. She knew from Granny Smith and everything that had happened already that she could count on Applejack if something went wrong.

Rarity looked back at Diamond and began to slow a bit... Diamond knew she was about to talk to her from the way she kept looking up at her.

"Hey there," Diamond said, keeping her eyes on Derpy. "Have fun at the party?"

"Oh, very much so!" Rarity replied, slowing to the point she and Diamond were almost side by side. Diamond sped up a bit and so did she. "Derpy is a sweetheart. She must take after you."

Diamond grinned.

"I've been told that before."

I know what you want to ask.

A moment of silence passed, Rarity awkwardly looking up at the sun and shielding her eyes before continuing.

"Prior to this I had only seen Derpy in school, but I never talked to her! I'd hardly even seen her face. She has a lovely smile and very unique eyes."

Diamond chuckled.

"She's always had this tendency to blend in. Probably doesn't help that she also likes to keep to herself." She looked down at the filly. "Rarity, if you're curious about her eyes, it's okay. You can just ask."

Rarity shuffled uncomfortably, before giving a slight nod.

"My mother says it's rude to ask such questions, and I must agree, but... I've never seen eyes quite like that. It caught me off guard."

"It's how she was born, but she's still like every other pony... just shy. You were nice to her, and I appreciate that, and-" Diamond paused a moment. "Rather you were nice to everypony, and that's good manners. We all appreciate how good of a guest you were."

Diamond could've stopped to smack her forehead if it weren't for the need to keep up with her daughter.

Smooth, Diamond, really smooth. Mike would be so proud.

Rarity nodded.

"Why, thank you! Say, now that I think about it... perhaps I could give Derpy an old pair of my sunglasses! Then I could recommend some makeup, and that would make her most-"

Diamond had already heard enough.

"No thank you, Rarity."

She realized her words were friendly, but her tone was rather quick.

Rarity blinked twice, coughing a bit.

"Er... um, did- did I just say something wrong? I'm only trying to help."

Diamond smiled at the filly, unaware they had slowed down a bit. Applejack and Derpy were further along, about to round a corner. The two sped up again in an effort to keep up. Rarity was rather quick for a small unicorn.

"I know that," Diamond said. "Derpy's fine just the way she is. We don't want her to hide her eyes, because she doesn't have a reason to. That would only make her feel bad. You don't want to do that to ponies."

Rarity bit her lip, again nodding.

"I understand... but I'm still confused. Why are we going faster now?"

Together they turned the corner and Diamond saw her daughter, not much farther ahead, laughing alongside the smiling farm filly as they continued to joke.

Derpy's usually not this out-going. Even with Applejack.

What they were saying, however, would unfortunately be missed.

"I just want to keep up, Rarity," Diamond said, taking a breath. "Make sure they stay on course."

"Oh..." Rarity looked to the right and began to slow down a bit more. "Well, this is my house. It was a nice party, Miss Diamond. Sorry about the picture... and the question."

The mare smiled as the filly began to turn away.

"Rarity?" The filly turned around again. "It's just Diamond. And it was nice meeting you."

Rarity's smile perked back up. She waved.

"Take care!"

Diamond looked on as the filly walked away, towards a house she passed regularly. It was a large home for this part of town, two-story, with a small river flowing by the side.

If Diamond and Mike were still together and in Ponyville she probably would have a house much like that, maybe bigger. But she lost Mike, with him her job... and the ability to stay in Canterlot.

She looked forward towards Derpy and her home, which was just a speck in the distance. She could see Derpy smiling and let out a sigh.

At least she's happy.

That was true. Derpy was happy and Dinky would be brought up in a place where she wouldn't be looked down on. That's all that mattered.

She continued along a bit, over a couple hills... the running she had done earlier was still catching up to her. She walked quickly to keep up, through the pain that continued in her side. Closer and closer she went, until she and the pair were just a house length away. Home wasn't far off and at this point they'd be fine.

She stopped a moment beside an alley that ran between two houses. The two would still not leave her sight, though she knew what was coming might require taking her eyes off them for a moment. She looked down the alley and saw a trash can not far off. She moved quickly, almost bolting, then lifted the lid and promptly vomited. At least this one was over with quickly.

Darn morning sickness, she thought, before turning back to the road. I'm already feeling better at least.

Though it wasn't morning anymore and she knew it, with both Derpy and Dinky she had been sick this late. It was typical.

3, 1 -- "Exposure"

3, 1
"Exposure"

It wasn't quite dark, but Derpy still couldn't see. If anything, she was happy just as she was. Every so often Derpy felt a bit of cold waft over her, but it wasn't as bad as other places she'd been. At worst it reminded her of a particular stallion she didn't want to have anything to do with... but images of his home went away as quickly as they came.

When exactly everything had faded away she couldn't say, but it came back in waves. Derpy felt the cold and could sense the moonlight, much like she would the sun sometimes before she got up in the morning. She opened her eyes once or twice to look around only to find herself sitting in an empty field in the dark. She was okay with that. She was content to just relax... deeper and deeper. Maybe everything would go away again, at least for a little while.

For what felt like a few seconds she felt pressure on her chest, then weightlessness... though that wasn't exactly true, as she hung loosely. The air around her made her think she was flying.

A voice rang out, with some quaver and authority to it, "Careful, now. Don't want to hurt her none."

A deeper voice followed. "Ee-yup."

Derpy thought about the pony she'd come to see, only for a moment. She could rest if she just knew for sure.

"APPLEJACK!"

She found herself relaxing again, as if nestled along some narrow, warm bed. It shifted naturally, rocking and soothing as she drifted further and further away. Something was telling the mare that it was okay to let go. She was safe.

"Applejack."

All was quiet for what seemed like a long time. This was fine by Derpy.

"Go on, Apple Bloom," said the Southern accent, with quaver. "If you wanna help, go get her fer us. Trust me, ya don't wanna see this."

"O- ... okay."

She heard a slow patter of hooves, tiny ones. A bit of a crescendo with no definite beginning, fading away into the distance. The entire earth seemed to rock as the mare heard a warm sigh, basking in the warmth of wherever she was.

Derpy suddenly felt herself sliding, or maybe it was gravity pulling her down. She couldn't be sure from the state she was in, not that she was able to be sure of anything to begin with.

Suddenly there was a hard impact on her body, followed by pain, then cold covering her face and side. If anything she felt jostled, but by heading deeper into that warm place she would be okay. The mare was only slightly aware she had let out a breath, along with a moan... but only because it made her feel better.

"Hey! What'd I just say?"

"Granny, she just-"

There was a second sigh, echoing loudly... almost right above Derpy. The voice spoke again, "Ah know, Ah know... Ah see it. Think the poor thing's drunker than she's ever been."

"Applejack..." The voice wasn't right for the farm pony, but the rhythm and dialect took her to someplace she knew she wanted to be. At the very least it felt familiar. Derpy struggled to open her eyes and see clearly, but saw only dirt. "Applejack...," she said again, this time much clearer. She felt herself rising and barely saw the silhouette of the pony speaking to her, stroking her mane.

"Don't you worry none," the voice echoed. "You'll be fine. We're gunna get Applejack for ya and clean ya up."

Derpy trusted this voice to be right, because why shouldn't she? She always trusted things that were familiar.

Derpy found herself feeling weightless again, being snuggled back again into this warm, fuzzy snake-like bed. She knew she couldn't trust this happy place, though, not again, and it proved her right as she felt the harsh cold, only much more deeply this time. So much for trusting the familiar... she let it know exactly how angry she was with it for doing that, though she couldn't exactly say in what way. She thought about everything that had made her angry, too, and could have sworn she was just shouting it all away, but she wasn't sure and found herself fading away again, this time fast. She was fine with that, but... what was in her head and what was actually being said?

At least she didn't hurt anymore. That made it all worthwhile.

* * *

Each day Derpy woke up it always took her a moment to figure out exactly where she was. It was warm and bright, and everything smelled comforting. She attempted to rock to one side before opening her eyes, but found for some reason she couldn't.

Derpy opened her eyes to find she was on her back, heavy covers piled on her body. The room felt warm and was dimly lit, as her eyes focused she noticed a darker ceiling than she was used to. If it wasn't for the green and golden hue, she would've thought she was in her own bed, with the winter quilt she'd gotten in foalhood. It was too hot for that, though, and quickly she realized this wasn't even her own house. Derpy realized she was in Sweet Apple Acres. It took her a moment to remember why, and, not helping matters, she still felt a bit light and dizzy laying there.

The pegasus stretched, attempting to push the covers from her body and immediately two things happened. First, she realized that her head was aching and stuffed up worse than she could remember, like somepony tried to relieve her symptoms by sticking a lit firecracker up her nose. As long as she didn't move she felt okay. The second thing she heard (and felt) were her diapers... they crinkled loudly under the covers, and Derpy could tell they were not only sweaty but no longer clean.

Still, looking around she pulled herself up so she was on her rump. Derpy felt weak, her hooves strangely uncoordinated. She couldn't exactly say why, but it made sense she would feel better if she wasn't held down by blankets. She was right.

By the time her body was uncovered she had figured out she was in the Apple's guestroom. Above it all and a bit cold, she noticed for some reason she felt best with her forehooves close to her body... she couldn't help them making little circles back and forth, grinding against each other. Then the head pain came back, full force, and she felt dizzy. Then Derpy felt a deep, sharp pain in her gut, rising fast.

She was closest to the right side of the bed, so that's where her head went. She barely saw the small wastepaper basket set right beside her as she vomited up mostly liquid, which tasted pretty acidic coming up. She grabbed the can as it came out in force, her gut contracting and her body slumping forward. She would've cried, but the retching overpowered her. At least once it finally stopped she felt better... sort of.

Derpy looked down between her legs and momentarily grimaced. She knew she was wet and she knew she felt very sticky, but she'd figured that was just sweaty, old diaper pulp. Her eyes contradicted that. She could tell just by looking, even though she'd had this particular problem maybe only one other time in her life, that she'd had the trots while she slept. Quite badly. She still smelled the air to be sure, only to find herself slightly congested... but after a few inhales her nose confirmed what she already knew.

Derpy sat there in silence for a moment, drunk and in a soiled diaper. Her hooves continued to make these little, uncomfortable circles, almost pushing against each other. She sighed, taking her head in her hooves. It hurt to even be sitting upright.

Despite being sick and mostly out of it, there was one thing that puzzled Derpy over everything else... these weren't her diapers. Sure, they had four blue tapes and were mostly white, but aside from that they didn't look anything like hers. If anything, they looked like... foal diapers, a bit too big for her to wear properly. It made no sense. Plus they had no wetness indicator that could tell her their size, and along the zone where the top tapes were perfectly sealed, they were decorated with huge, colorful numbers and letters. In a better frame of mind Derpy would've been weirded out, or at least laughing uncomfortably, but as it was she was just happy to no longer be throwing up and not woken up in a bed full of liquid horse apples.

Ready to lay back down she glanced about the room and saw, sitting by the wardrobe next to the door, a familiar enough-looking white package, torn open. It rested on a chair, with it were two other supplies that also looked familiar: powder and wipes. As much as she wanted to, Derpy knew it wasn't a good idea to go back to sleep without first changing herself. She knew already this wasn't going to be easy.

She flopped to her stomach, preparing to push herself up, getting ready to take a step off the bed... but found she could barely hold herself up. Her face hit the mattress, hard. She gently bounced, twice, her head pounding well after it had stopped. She found herself staring at the wall, and suddenly the floor seemed rather intimidating.

Derpy knew if she tried to stand on the floor she was liable to hit her face against the hard boards. Given her already aching skull, and the potential for missing teeth, that didn't seem like a very good idea. Her hooves, still busy by her sides, drifted upwards towards her head. She took in some air.

It's okay, it's okay, it's okay... She sniffled. "No... It's not okay."

Derpy drifted to her side, taking in another breath. Her eyes felt damp, yet it wasn't just for her situation. The entire day's events flooded in... this usually didn't happen, but every little face ponies had made to her earlier seemed so much more unfriendly than it had before. With no where to go and nothing to do, Derpy couldn't help thinking about that, over and over. She didn't know why she did that when she got upset, that's always what she did. But it was okay... she was at the Acres, a familiar place, and with the Apples, her favorite ponies. Though why was she so dizzy, and why did her hooves want to rub up against each other like they had a mind of their own? She just wanted this all to stop again, even for a little while, so she rocked were she lay. Sometimes that made her feel better... even if it only did for a little bit.

She couldn't help thinking of better times. Better times, at least, how she remembered them... not that that really mattered anymore. She just swayed, staring at the wall, feeling herself fade again... back into that comfortable spot.

3, 2 -- "Little Things"

3, 2
"Little Things"

Derpy sat in the Sweet Apple Acres living room. Staring out the window, watching the rainfall... she was bored. It was Saturday afternoon and normally she'd be off playing with Applejack, but today the orange filly was tied up with chores for at least an hour... even in the rain, she and Big Mac still had to do them.

It wasn't all bad, though. Derpy still had Mommy, Granny Smith and even Amethyst today. They were all off in the kitchen talking, Amethyst giving Dinky and Apple Bloom lunch while the two other grown-ups talked about grown-up things. Dinky was always so quiet when she was eating. Derpy already had lunch, Amethyst brought some home-made muffins, which were currant-flavored. Derpy thought that was kind of a funny name, but everypony liked them... even though she liked Granny Smith's apple spice muffins a little bit more.

"Derpy?"

The voice was familiar, but it still startled her. Jumping, Derpy turned around to see Mommy.

"Uh-huh?"

The mare smiled, clutching her tummy as she sat down on the couch. She chuckled under her breath.

"You look bored, Sweetie."

Derpy found herself shrugging.

"I dunno."

Smiling again, Mommy opened her forelegs. The filly dove into her big belly without hesitation, feeling the warmth of her embrace. Mommy was always so much bigger and stronger than her, it made her feel so comfortable and secure.

"I know you want to go out and play, Sweetie, but-" Mommy pulled a foreleg back, giving Derpy the room to look up. She did so, grinning, "when you're bored, it's usually the best time to try new things." Mommy patted Derpy on the back, then once playfully on the rump. The filly couldn't help giggling. The two hugged, and all was silent for a moment. "Derpy, Mommy's trying to tell you something."

"Um... what?"

She felt her mommy stroking her mane. She looked up again.

"We've all been thinking about it -- me, Granny Smith, even Amethyst. We think it's time you get some chores of your own to do. Like Applejack."

"Um..." Derpy thought for a moment. She was curious about chores and it was fun to help out, especially with Applejack, but she didn't live anywhere near Sweet Apple Acres. Most of the stuff she had done involved feeding farm animals. "Okee."

"Derpy..." Mommy let out a sigh, shaking her head. "I thought you'd be more excited. You're not worried I'm going to send you out in the rain, are you?"

Derpy shook her head, giggling.

"Good, because we don't have your raincoat! Now... why don't we go into the kitchen?"

Derpy nodded rapidly. "Okee!" She backed away and watched Mommy get up slowly. Once up the two cantered toward the kitchen, where everypony sat, either talking or still being fed.

* * *

First thing Derpy saw was Granny Smith smiling at her from the counter.

"So ya want some chores to do, huh?" she asked the moment Derpy stepped in. The older mare flashed a toothy grin. "Did I ever tell ya how glad I am yer Applejack's friend?"

"Um... nope."

The older mare chuckled, motioning Derpy toward the sink.

"Most fillies and colts yer age tend to think chores are just icky, and they can be... but that's only part of it. Sometimes ya get to do things ya like with ponies ya like to do 'em with, and sometimes ya have to do things ya don't like with ponies ya don't like either!"

Derpy grinned, rocking a bit. Granny Smith smiled, nodding her head.

"So! Here's what Ah want ya to do..." She motioned the filly towards the table.

"You sure you're okay with her doing this?" Mommy asked, causing Granny Smith to momentarily freeze. "I can think of other things right here which might be a bit less... well, breakable."

The older mare looked back, giving Mommy a warm smile... much like Mommy would do to Derpy every time she was unsure.

"It won't bother me, none! She's gotta learn if'n you want her to take care of herself someday." Granny Smith turned back to Derpy. "Get every dish and peice-a silverware, 'cept the one's Amethyst's usin', and bring 'em here. Take the plates, put 'em under th' dishes... ain't gotta do it all in one trip."

Turning to the table Derpy saw Mommy looking towards her from the side.

"It's okay, Sweetie."

For some reason the way Mommy stared at her was making her feel funny. It was like something was wrong, but Derpy didn't know what. She couldn't help looking back, staring there a moment, waiting for Mommy to say something... anything.

"Focus on what yer doin'," Granny Smith said. "Yer mom's just watchin'. It's natural!"

Derpy looked back, then at the dishes... focusing on the closest one. It was hard for her to focus her vision, as on her right side everything usually looked blurry, but she adjusted herself and walked up slowly, picking up a plate. This was the first time she ever picked up more than her own food stuffs, Mommy and Amethyst always took out everything and cleaned it up. Derpy couldn't help smiling as she turned around and walked away from the table all by herself.

She set the plate on the counter, where Granny Smith gently patted.

"Get another."

Derpy turned and picked up a glass, setting it on the counter.

"Good," said Amethyst Star.

Lunch had been fifteen minutes ago. There were still places set for everypony and quite a few dishes out. Derpy approached, picked up a plate, placing a dish on it. A teacup, that made a neat tingling noise as it slid. Turning towards Granny Smith with it held up high Derpy heard that little tingle again:

Slllippp- chinggkk!

The filly looked down to see the teacup on the floor across the kitchen, it's decorative little grip (for species other than pony) shattered. She looked up at Granny Smith. The older mare nodded.

"Careful now," she said, picking up the broken pieces and setting them to the side. "It happens. Fortunately that particular set's just somethin' Ah picked up at a yard sale a few years back. The plates do have sentimental value, though!"

"One at a time, kid," Amethyst said. "Take as long as you need."

"But please be careful!" Mommy added. "You wouldn't want to make Granny Smith sad."

"Oh, don't say such things like that, Diamond!" Granny Smith smiled. "It's okay to tell her to be careful, but in this kitchen we gotta trust her to do the best she can! She's gotta learn, for everypony, right? Ya came to me sayin' that."

For some reason Derpy found herself smiling. She couldn't exactly say why, but she felt happy hearing this.

One-by-one, sometimes two with one in each hoof, Derpy brought the dishes to the sink. When she was getting to the last few, Granny Smith started filling the sink with steamy water. Derpy found this all relaxing... getting one dish after the other, going a little bit faster each time. Maybe even faster if it wasn't for Mommy:

"Slow down, sweetie."

It made her frustrated, but that was okay, because soon Derpy had all of them at the sink.

* * *

"One by one we take 'em," Granny Smith said, pouring a bit of soap from a squeeze bottle into the water. "And with just a dollop of soap, we wash 'em." The older mare took a sponge, putting the plate under water, bringing it up while wiping it off in a circular motion, then doing the process again a few more times. "After ya dun see no more food, wipe it off again to be sure, then," suddenly the water was on," quick rinse..." She grabbed a towel from her right, "dry, then set 'em up in the drainer and move on!"

The filly looked on as the older mare stepped aside, going under the sink to get a step stool.

"Go ahead... you do it, and Ah'll just see the first couple."

Derpy looked up at her, then down at the warm, sudsy water.

"Okee."

She stepped up, grabbing a teacup.

It made sense to Derpy to clean it inside to out. She looked at Granny Smith for some sort of cue. The older mare looked back, nodding her head.

"Go on."

Derpy started by submerging the dish (and her hooves) in what she soon found to be very hot water. She reflexively yanked them out, leaving the dish... then looked to her right, to be greeted by yet another soft grin and a nod. She heard a chair pull back.

"Stay where ya are, Diamond," Granny Smith said, firmly. "She ain't gunna get hurt."

"It's hot," Derpy said, under her breath.

"Well, it's gotta be..." the older Mare gestured towards the steam. "Gets 'em clean! Your hooves will get used to it 'fore ya know it. Now reach in there and grab the cup ya dropped. Do it fast if ya gotta. Nothin' bad'll happen to ya, but it might smart a bit."

Derpy stuck her hoof into the water again, slowly, pulling it back and looking up at Granny Smith... who nodded again at the water.

"Quick."

Derpy stuck her hooves in lightening fast, grabbing the cup, feeling that the heat of the water got more intense the deeper she went... but she held on and pulled up. Granny Smith gave her a sponge, and... immediately she began shoving it inside, trying to make it spin in a circle. When Mommy did this it looked much easier. Derpy still tried.

"Yer gettin' it," Granny Smith said, leaning back. "Now pull it out, give the outside a wipe down, and I'd say do it... two more times."

Derpy pulled the sponge out and gave the outside a "wipe down" as Granny Smith had called it... going so far as to work the sponge inside its tiny intact grip. She then put it under the sudsy water and wiped it down again. This time went by much quicker, with Granny Smith nodding and praising Derpy for her second time through, all the while watching. Making the old food stuffs go away made Derpy feel kind of good, almost excited, plus it made the dish clean.

The filly held the dish out and Granny Smith briefly turned on the water. Soon the dish shined, suds free. When that happened, the older mare placed it upside down on the rack right beside the sink.

"Ah'll show ya how to do that with each type-a dish, but after that yer on yer own."

Derpy looked up, grinning. She couldn't help it. She looked at Mommy again, who looked back at her, sitting up tall. She looked over at Amethyst, who was just finishing up feeding the foals, but she still looked up at her... smiling.

"I'm doing it," the filly said, with a wide smile.

"Yes, you are," replied Mommy.

"Good job, kid."

Granny Smith patted her on the back as she turned to clean yet another dish.

* * *

Soon enough all the dishes were clean and in the drainer. Derpy had put most of them there herself. She turned to Granny Smith when done, the older mare already having something else in mind for her to do. The kitchen had fallen silent, and, strangely... Derpy was okay with not being told she'd done a good job again. If anything, she felt hyper.

Granny Smith entered the pantry, all the while speaking to Derpy:

"Yer new job, should you choose to accept it, is to make all the dirt on the floor disappear. Ah think you can do that...." She poked her head out for a second, grinning. "Well, what'd you think, Diamond?" Before Mommy could answer the older mare went back inside and emerged with two tools -- an old broom and dustpan. She held them towards the filly. "Hmm?"

Taking the tools, Derpy smiled. She didn't realize it, but Granny Smith was treating her like a big pony -- she even had a choice. She could say no, but this was quickly becoming kind of neat.

The older mare stepped toward Derpy and stood a little too close while giving instructions, but she still listened. The filly didn't look up, but she heard everything, nodding and watching. The instructions barely took a minute, though unlike the dishes there was nothing to break and no heat.

As Granny Smith stood in close ponies began to move. Mommy and Amethyst picked up Dinky and Apple Bloom, heading into the den right beside the living room. Granny Smith overturned a few chairs, Mommy joining her just in time to get the last one.

"All the dust, now. Even under the table," Granny Smith said.

"Be careful not to knock the chairs on your back," Mommy added. "We'll be right outside. I'll be watching you carefully, Sweetie. I- I'd like to see you do good!"

"She'll be fine," Granny Smith said, motioning towards the doorway. "Come on. We can hear if something goes wrong, we ain't gotta watch."

Just like that they were all gone.

* * *

Derpy stood a moment, grinning... left alone to do a job. "Neat." She then turned to start in.

Sweeping wasn't so hard... if anything, it was easier than the dishes. Sort of. It took more than a few tries to actually move the dust and not have it fly everywhere. Granny Smith suggested "keepin' the broom upright unless ya haveta to go down low", so that's what Derpy tried. Soon enough it made sense. Sometimes things worked that way... what Derpy didn't understand at first she would after a few tries if left alone, especially if she could use her hooves and not just have to listen.

Like the dishes, Derpy found this relaxing to do by herself. When she looked outside of the room she could see Mommy had turned her chair so it was facing the doorway, like she said she would. That was okay, though... Derpy could hear Granny Smith talking, more than she could hear Mommy.

Derpy had no idea how long she had been doing this. Just sweeping and cleaning the dishes... whenever she had a full dustpan, into the dustbin it went... though the first time she had to sweep it up twice because she spilled it on the way. This wasn't easy because it was right against the counter, but she did it and moved on, just like she was told to. Eventually she heard slow steps approaching the doorway.

"Ah think yer done," said Granny Smith, quietly. "And Ah'm proud-a ya!"

"We all are!" said Amethyst, from the other room.

"Very much Sweetie," Mommy said, leaning right behind the door so Derpy could only kind of see her.

Derpy looked at the broom, then her hooves, and up at Granny Smith.

"Ya all right?"

The filly nodded.

"One more place ya can clean... would you like that?"

Derpy found herself smiling.

"Uh-huh."

"Well, come on then!"

There was just one more place to clean and Granny Smith took Derpy there. Derpy could appreciate going slowly, which they did...Granny Smith wasn't like a filly or colt, who usually ran too fast. This place was past the living room and den, in a narrow spot well out of the way, though Derpy walked through it almost every time she came to Sweet Apple Acres. She was left wondering at first, passing both Mommy and Amethyst along the way, eventually figuring out where she was headed to the main entrance of the farmhouse.

* * *

It was cold there, but not too cold. Maybe a tad dusty.

"Been 'bout a week since Ah last swept it up," Granny Smith said. "Soon we'll have hot coco for y'all to enjoy... not too cold out here, are ya?"

Derpy shook her head.

"Nope."

"Good, good. Should take ya a few... after that come on back!"

Just like that Granny Smith was gone again, but Derpy didn't really mind.

Derpy looked at the dusty walkway, bits of water right by the door, soaking the welcome mat. First thing she did was walk towards the mat, putting a hoof on it.

Wet and dirty.

"Derpy?" The voice came from behind her.

The filly jumped, even though she knew who it was. She turned around quickly.

"Mommy?"

She saw her mommy smiling, leaning against the wall by the screen.

"I think what you're doing is really wonderful, Sweetie! I'm so proud of you."

"Um..." Derpy looked at her hooves. "Thanks!"

The mare's smile grew.

"Sorry we didn't get to try this sooner. I really wanted to." Mommy chuckled. "I guess grown-ups can be pretty silly sometimes, huh?"

Derpy paused for a moment... blinking.

"Um... okay."

Mommy shook her head.

"Sorry, that's just more grown-up talk." She turned around. "Mommy's being silly again, Sweetie. Don't worry! She's happy for you. Always."

"Okee."

With a smile Mommy went away and Derpy turned right back to the doormat, picking up... her mission: to make all the dirt and dust go away. There was a tall narrow trashcan just to the left of her by the door. Any dust could go in there, Granny Smith didn't need to explain that. All was set. She was also kind of happy to see there wasn't a whole lot of dust under the mat when she picked it up off the floor, just a little soupy mud which Derpy managed to sweep under the porch door where the rain took it away. Even though she was new at this, Derpy could already tell this wasn't going to take very long. She put the mat back, grinning.

* * *

The filly could smell hot coco all the way from the other end of the farmhouse. She looked forward to it, and she was just about done when she heard a sound.

Thunk, thunk... thunk!

It was loud and right outside. As she looked up, the door swung open. Standing there, in his green raincoat, was Big Macintosh. He smiled when he saw Derpy standing at the opposite end of their porch, in the warm way he always did that she thought was kind of neat. Derpy couldn't help nodding, as she didn't know what else to do. Wiping his hooves he breezed passed, glancing at the broom in her hooves, and Applejack stopped just after the doorway, stripping off her yellow raincoat, wiping her hooves and blinking.

"Derpy... are you sweepin' up our porch?"

"Yup, yup!" The filly set the broom down. "Granny Smith gave me some chores to do!"

"And you're excited...? Well, how 'bout that. Doesn't surprise me, though." Applejack shook her head, chuckling while sniffing the air. "Say, I know what that is! Smells like it might hit the spot 'bout now."

Derpy giggled.

"Uh-huh."

"Well, what'd ya say we all go enjoy it then? We've worked hard today, huh?"

"Okee."

As Applejack approached, her raincoat over her back, Derpy turned with the broom and dustpan. They walked together into the house, setting their stuff aside by the walkway while heading into the den with the rest of their families. The two Apple children were outside twenty minutes longer than expected on account of the thick mud, but Derpy didn't even notice. She was too busy with her own stuff, cleaning spots well past the point of actually being cleaned... it kept her occupied, plus it made her feel good and taught her a skill she could take home and always use.

Mommy was proud. Granny Smith and Amethyst were proud, too. Sitting down to tell the two Apple children over coco what she'd done for the past hour, they seemed quite proud. Most importantly Derpy couldn't have been happier, though that was easy to tell just by looking at her. It was a feeling she would appreciate even more when she was older.

3, 3 "Perspective"

"Perspective"
3, 3

Applejack peered out into the darkness, stars dotting the sky. Leaning back on a comfortable mattress, she took a deep breath and sighed, content to be in such a warm place. She'd taken her hat off... she meant to stay the night.

She looked to her left and was met by two cyan eyes. Rainbow Dash cuddled into her side. Though it was hard to tell, given all that could be seen over the farm pony's barrel were eyes and a rainbow mane, Applejack knew Dash was smiling. She smiled back and the pegasus moved in closer... rubbing the side of her face into the farm pony's chest and neck fluff. Applejack couldn't help letting out a whinny, returning the affection, following it up with a gentle kiss to the cheek.

As Rainbow snuggled in and closed her eyes Applejack peered to her right. Laying there, just as cuddly as Rainbow, was Pinkie Pie. With a playful flick of the farm pony's head, Pinkie pulled herself in and snuggled up, also burying her face deep into the nape of Applejack's neck. In response the farm pony smooched Pinkie's forehead and the pink earth pony giggled, shutting her eyes.

Applejack's gaze drifted upwards as she let out another breath.

Alongside her hat on the dresser she spotted Gummy. He looked down at the three, almost questioningly. She chuckled as he slowly blinked one eye, followed by the other. She never could fully comprehend why Rainbow found him creepy... he always looked so lost to her, which was kind of adorable.

She turned her attention back to the bed, snuggling both mares and pulling them close. She put a hoof to Pinkie's rump. Crinkle. She gave it a gentle pat-pat for reassurance. Crinkle-crinkle! Crinkle!

Beneath her gal pal's pacifier escaped a tiny giggle. The rubber object fell to the side as she kissed the edge of Applejack's face. The farm pony snuggled back and Pinkie happily purred, settling yet again right into the nape of Applejack's neck.

Applejack then turned to her left and planted a hoof on Rainbow's bottom. Crinkle. She reeled her in tight, rubbing the rainbow-maned mare's diapered rump thoroughly. Crunchy-crinkle... CRINKLE! Rainbow at first blushed and looked away, then giggled... kissing the farm pony's neck and lips, snuggling her tightly. As the three ponies kissed and cuddled, Applejack found herself relaxing deeper and deeper into this state of warm bliss.

The farm pony had diapered the mares well before the trio had even watched the sunset. For over a month they had been trying to do this about once a week. They'd eaten a late dinner, Applejack cooked herself per usual, along with some cupcakes Pinkie had made for dessert. Dash had said something about not eating earlier in the day... which, of course, meant another stressful day for the two of them. Applejack was glad to take her away from that, even if for a little bit.

With dinner gone and the night lights by Pinkie's bed glowing dim, there was nothing left to do except sleep, sharing the perfect end to an otherwise hectic day. They were together, feeling each other's warmth and smelling each other's smell. No pony could've asked for anything more. There was only one small problem, though.

Applejack suddenly felt one of the two warm bodies pull away. She turned, feeling the mare on her right throw off the covers and get out of bed. She crinkled loudly in the darkness.

"What gives, Pinkie?" Dash asked, the slight tone of irritation in her voice.

"Um... I forgot to brush!" the pink mare responded, gleefully.

The farm pony felt Rainbow's body tense up.

"So?" the pegasus muttered, burying her face into the pillow. "Neither of us did! You're not going to get a cavity from one night, Pinkie Pie."

"It's okay, Rainbow. "Applejack chuckled, kissing her Special Somepony on the forehead. "Ah know ya wanna sleep now... besides, after what we did earlier before the lights went out yer the one who should be brushing her teeth." She turned back to Pinkie Pie. "It ain't gonna take long. Right Pinkie?"

"Of course not!"

Applejack felt Dash squeeze her barrel. "Then get to it!"

With that the pink mare giggled, then bounced away, leaving the two in silence for a moment. Applejack couldn't help grinning in as the light came on in the other room, then again in the bathroom. She looked at Rainbow, who was squinting.

"Well, at least she ain't gonna take long."

In response Rainbow grumbled, then hugged Applejack tight, hiding her face in the farm pony's chest.

"There, there," Applejack said playfully, as Rainbow headbutted her in the barrel. "Ooof! Think Ah might've deserved that."

"You did," Rainbow Dash said, matter-of-factly.

Applejack chuckled, swatting her Special Somepony's keister, before nuzzling her mane and shutting her eyes, too.

"Let's just sleep, Rainbow Dash... let Pinkie be Pinkie. You and me are just gunna be ourselves."

* * *

Suddenly there was a creak downstairs. Applejack turned to see another light come on, then she heard a familiar, high-pitched voice coming from the floor below:

"Applejack?"

Rainbow's eyes bolted open. A moment of silence passed, and both ponies looked at each other... of all the times for Apple Bloom to show up, this was probably the most awkward.

"Apple Bloom?" Applejack said to be sure, as Rainbow worked quickly to pull the covers on top of herself. "Stay where ya are, a'right?"

Another moment, and it sounded like Apple Bloom was about to take a step... but in actuality she just clicked a hoof against the floor boards.

"Okay," the little voice said.

Somethin's the matter. She ain't normally this shy.

The farm pony sighed.

"Tell me what's going on. I'll be right there."

"Uh..." Both ponies heard Apple Bloom sniff the air. "It kinda smells like a foal's room up there..."

Applejack looked down at Rainbow who, despite being covered up, looked like she wanted to hide under the bed.

"Focus, Apple Bloom." Applejack began stuffing things in her bag. "Why're ya out at this hour, in the middle of town, of all places? You should be in bed."

With everything away and Rainbow Dash mostly presentable, Applejack ran to the stairs. She looked down at her little sister, who had Mrs. Cake right behind her.

"Um..."

The farm pony felt her heart skip a beat.

"Did somethin' happen to Granny Smith?"

The filly took a breath. "No... she sent me to get ya."

A million questions ran through Applejack's mind, but she settled on asking the most open-ended one. "Well, what is it?"

"It's Derpy." Apple Bloom looked up, biting her lip. "She was calling for ya... well, more like hollarin' when we found her. She's like... asleep, but hollarin' one moment, mumblin' the next. Granny says she's drunk. Real drunk."

"Drunk?" Applejack blinked. "Don't be silly, Apple Bloom! Derpy doesn't drink. She practically hates the stuff!"

"Applejack..." Mrs. Cake finally spoke up. "Your sister's just the messenger. If your grandmother says Derpy needs you, enough to send your little sister out after dark to get you, maybe you should think about heading home. Pinkie'll understand. If not, I'll talk to her."

Applejack looked at the two ponies. In the faint light the pair bit their lips. Mrs. Cake had a sympathetic air to her, whereas Apple Bloom actually look upset... maybe even scared. The farm pony lowered her head.

"I'm sorry, Apple Bloom," she said. "Wait in the lobby... I'll be down in a minute. Have some cocoa or a milk shake on me."

Mrs. Cake nodded approvingly, before she and Apple Bloom trotted off.

Applejack looked over at Rainbow, whose eyes looked confused... if not a bit torn.

"Ah gotta go, Rainbow," she said, flatly. "I... probably won't be back, but I'll try. Promise! If ya wanna fool around some more without me that's fine."

Dash took a deep breath. She had that familiar scowl her Special Somepony knew too well... the one that wasn't quite irritated, but still said clearly she wasn't going to take any guff.

"Okay," Rainbow said, removing the covers and slipping out of the diaper like it was a pair of panties. "But if that's the case, then I'm coming with you!"

"Rainbow, Ah really don't know what's goin-"

Dash quickly trotted up to Applejack. The two found themselves muzzle-to-muzzle.

"All the more reason you're gunna want some support." She smiled. "You know I'm not about to take no for an answer, AJ. Right?"

The farm pony nodded.

"Yeah... Ah know."

"Besides, something's going on. Derpy looked sick today, she totally shouldn't be out drinking! I need to get to the bottom of this."

Nodding, Applejack put a hoof to the back of her head, dreading what her Special Somepony was going to say next.

"Sick, huh?" The farm pony took a sudden interest in the floor boards. "Well, just don't go firing her... this is, like, maybe the first job she's had she's actually been able to do."

"Hey... AJ?" The farm pony looked up. "I'm sooo not going to do anything like that. Just ask her what's up, okay?"

Applejack nodded again. "Alright."

Rainbow smirked, letting out a breath through her nose.

"I knew you'd see it my way. Let's get going then!"

Applejack glanced off into the direction she knew Pinkie Pie had gone. If they went downstairs with Pinkie still in her private bathroom... there's a chance she might feel they abandoned her.

"Just a minute, Rainbow. Okay?"

The pegasus turned back to the bed, picking up their things and a few used paper plates.

"Fine. It's going to take me a few minutes anyway."

Looking at Rainbow from behind, Applejack couldn't help but shake her head. On Rainbow's rump was not only the clear outline of diaper elastics, but a good dusting of foal powder.

"Um... okay." She shook her head. "A few minutes might be a good idea."

Rainbow Dash continued, packing and making the bed, completely unaware of what her Special Somepony had just seen. Applejack simply collected her hat, jumping as she heard Gummy's soft hiss. The gator had been along side it well before Pinkie had left. Little did she know she'd startled him first. She quickly walked off, with one goal in mind.

Pinkie's upstairs room may have been a little cozy, but her living area was the size of a small house. That made sense, since she had a lot of contraptions and toys she liked to play with, plus there was a room off to the side big enough for at least ten ponies to have a party. Pinkie was the Cake's ward... they took great care of her, and seeing all this on the way to Pinkie's bathroom made Applejack smile.

She knocked on the door.

"Just a second!" Pinkie chirped. A moment passed and she heard the water die down.

"It's just me, Pinkie," Applejack said. "We gotta go."

"What!?" Pinkie opened the door a hoof's width. "Why? Did something happen?"

Applejack nodded, pulling on her hat.

"Yeah... from what AB's tellin' me, sounds like something happened with Derpy. We might be back, we might not... well, probably not."

"Oh..." Pinkie looked down, nodding her head. "Okay. I understand."

Applejack checked to make sure Pinkie's mane was still curly. It hadn't lost a bit of its frizz.

"You're not sad, are ya?"

Pinkie looked up, softly smiling.

"A lil disappointed, maybe... but these things happen, right?"

"They do." Applejack found herself smiling. "How 'bout we do this next week?"

Pinkie beamed a huge grin.

"Okee-dokie-lokie!"

* * *

Applejack had seen to Rainbow before going downstairs. The marks from the disposable diaper seemed to have already faded, but the powder was still pretty evident. Her back was to the farm pony, just finishing loading up the saddlebag, exactly as Applejack liked them... otherwise, knowing Rainbow, it would have been done in a flash.

"H-hey!" the pegasus's back stiffened, as Applejack gently brushed her bottom clean. "What's the big idea?"

"Trust me, Rainbow," Applejack picked up the bag and slipped it on. "You'll thank me... you had a pretty powdery behind." She motioned with her head towards the stairs as Dash blushed. "Let's go."

Rainbow went first, Applejack looking over her backside... she was fine, of course (she always was), but she was also powder-free. It didn't take long for the two to locate Apple Bloom. She was sitting by the entrance, nursing a strawberry milkshake. Mrs. Cake looked on from behind the counter.

"Let's go," the farm pony said. "I'll walk ya home... Ah want ya brushing yer teeth the moment we get in."

Apple Bloom looked over at Rainbow as she got up and nodded, then turned towards the exit. Dash went with her.

"Put this on ma tab, Mrs. Cake." She smiled uncomfortably, rifling through her bag. "Naw, that ain't right. Don't waste your time for just a bit."

"It's on the house, Applejack," Mrs. Cake stepped out from behind the counter. "Just one thing I'd like to ask you before you leave."

"Yeah?"

The aging baker walked up to the table and removed the glass. She smiled.

"You're not going to hurt Pinkie Pie, are you?"

Applejack gulped, blinking twice.

"Um... W-what'd ya mean?"

"Me and Mr. Cake... well, we respect Pinkie's privacy, but we hear things. We both know what a certain type of spring squeaking means. When you two leave she's suddenly a lot brighter, and, well, I think we can put two and two together. Honestly, it's a bit odd for her to have two mare friends, but it's Pinkie Pie and I'm happy it's you: the Elements of Honesty and Loyalty. Just please be nice to her, okay? She's a grown mare, but she's still like a filly." Applejack took a sudden interest in her hooves. "Applejack, I hope I haven't upset you with what I've had to sa-"

"Mrs. Cake," Applejack interjected, looking into the baker's eyes. "Ah know she what is... I see it. Ah ain't gunna hurt her, and I'd kick anypony's flank from here to Canterlot if'n they ever did. Even Rainbow's. You know me."

Mrs. Cake smiled brightly.

"That's wonderful Applejack. I knew we could always trust you."

"Yeah." Applejack nodded her head and waved. The older mare waved back, then Applejack pushed open the door and left to find Rainbow and Apple Bloom waiting for her. She smiled at the pair as the door closed. "Well, what're we waitin' for?"

"Just you, Applejack," Rainbow Dash said, playfully.

The farm pony sighed. "Let's just go already."

With that the three set off, the near full moon guiding them through town. It would take a bit to get to the Acres, but the three trotted at a brisk pace. They were silent, which seemed strange to Rainbow... but it made sense. Applejack was in a hurry to see Apple Boom off to bed and find out what was going on. So was she, but she was just there mostly for support, should Applejack need anything... she wasn't at all angry or confused that she gave Derpy a couple days off to rest up and it seemed like she was out having a party. That totally wouldn't make any sense.

* * *

The Acres were in sight, Applejack could see that as she crossed above the final hill before the planes that housed her farm. The light of the farmhouse twinkled off in the distance as the other two followed, knowing what they were going to see before it even came into view. Applejack turned back to look at her little sister. The filly yawned.

"You've had a rough couple of hours. Get on up there and brush! Don't worry about Derpy. Everything's under control and will be fine in the morning. Promise."

Apple Bloom smiled as she picked up the pace, passing in front of the rainbow-maned pegasus. She cantered quickly towards the house as the two ponies followed, also picking up speed.

"You're good at that, Applejack," Rainbow Dash commented. "You don't even know what's going on, you told me as much!"

"Shhhh! She don't need to know that, and it don't matter." Applejack watched as her sister continued up to the farmhouse doors, opening them and stepping inside. "She didn't hear ya." The farm pony looked back. "Of course Ah'm worried, but thinking about it Ah'd be even more worried if Ah put this off 'til morning. Ma first guess is maybe she and Thunderlane're fighting."

"That would explain a lot. Believe me, AJ. He can be really hard to get along with. He's so... gosh darn arrogant. It drives me nuts!"

"But... there is something Derpy likes about him. That's all that matters, right? Ya ain't gunna like everypony ya come across, even if ya are the Element of Loyalty."

The pegasus nodded, pondering what she had just been told.

"You know, AJ... I've never really seen them together much. Outside of work, I mean. He helps her sometimes doing stuff... maybe that is a sign he's got a nice side, but I don't know. I thought he was faking today."

The farm pony slowed down a bit, looking back at her Special Somepony. She laughed.

"Rainbow, ya really shouldn't be listening in on those two together. It's kinda perv-"

"Applejack, that's not what I mean." Rainbow sighed. "Look, I'm not supposed to talk about this, but... Thunderlane's supposedly sick. Like, contagious or something. I let Derpy stay home because she looked really bad. So, I guess... hey, maybe they made each other sick or something, and they're really mad about it?"

They were now close enough to the house that Applejack could make out Apple Bloom's silhouette in the bathroom window. She was brushing her teeth, just as she was told.

"Ah don't know, Rainbow. This whole thing is... really weird."

"You can say that again."

They were a few steps from the porch.

"Well, Ah don't hear no shouting, so Ah guess Granny and Big Mac were able to calm her down. Y'all don't have to come in with me if ya don't want."

Rainbow narrowed her eyes.

"I need to talk to her, too. Besides, I'm here for support. Remember?"

Applejack nodded, putting a hoof on the door.

"Fair enough."

The farm pony opened the door and the two stepped inside.

* * *

The farm pony's eyes darted around her living room. It was empty, silent... devoid of any activity except for a small light on in the corner.

"Hello?" she called out as Rainbow Dash came up behind her.

"Applejack," Granny Smith responded, stepping into the room. Big Mac was close behind the older mare, wearing his bathrobe and looking like he'd stepped out of the shower not five minutes before. "Glad yer home."

"Yeah, Granny..." Applejack's eyes drifted between the two ponies. "Everything alright? Apple Bloom said Derpy was here, shoutin' for me... but Ah don't hear her. Or see her, for that matter."

"Ah've put her to bed in the guest room..." Big Mac nodded as she said this. "She was asleep when we found her, and wasn't awake for very long. She was hollarin' fer you, among other things. Reckon she's drunk from her state and the smell. That and the half bottle of Faux-Jacks cider we found next to her."

"Is she alright?" Applejack looked back at Rainbow Dash, who looked back, poised and alert for somepony who less than forty five minutes before was diapered and half asleep.

"She wants you," Granny Smith replied. "She's prolly asleep, though. I'd go to her, since she's made her problems known."

"What'd you mean?"

"She didn't exactly say she and her Special Somepony were kaput, but I'd say the outlook for the two still bein' together ain't so good. Somethin' about two other ponies being there with him at his home..." Granny Smith turned to her Grandson. "What'd she say their names were again?"

The large stallion shrugged as the older mare laughed.

"Can't remember either?"

"Eey-nope."

"Funny, you'd think one of us'd remember... think we were more focused on not startlin' Apple Bloom. It was well after she was gone, too! Was it, oh... somethin' like Spring Trap?"

"Um, were the names maybe Lilac Sky and Spring Step?" Rainbow Dash asked.

All three ponies turned to the pegasus.

"That sounds about right."

"Ee-yup."

"Applejack..." Rainbow Dash's voice a had certain pitch to it, one the farm pony knew as a mixture of confusion and apprehension. She turned to see Dash's eyes confirm this. "I really need to go see what's going on," she said. "I couldn't find those two today, that's pretty much why I didn't have time to eat anything earlier."

Applejack nodded, taking all this in.

"Okay," she said, calmly. "I can understand that... anything Ah can do to help before you're off?"

"Not really."

"Ya can come back afterwards, ya know."

"Yer always welcome here," Granny Smith piped in. "You're like family!"

Rainbow bit her lip, turning towards the door and placing a hoof on the knob.

"I-I might come back," she replied. "Just... let me go talk to Thunderlane first, 'kay? Sounds like I'm more likely to get... answers that make sense out of him."

"Okay."

Rainbow took a sudden interest in her hooves, then opened the door wide.

"I really don't want to go."

"Ah know..." Applejack smiled, nodding. "Duty calls, Ah guess."

"Yeah."

Rainbow stepped through the door, closing it. All was silent for a moment as they heard the pegasus take off.

Granny Smith shook her head as Big Mac passed them by, slowly and stiffly. "Wait a minute, you. Take off that robe, show Applejack what happened to yer back."

He looked at his granny for a moment, biting his lip, then conceded... pulling down the robe a bit, showing close to half a dozen hoof-shaped bruises. They were too small for a stallion's work, but they'd clearly hit as hard as one.

"Like Ah said, Derpy was in and out. We tried carrying her on Big Mac's back... but she woke up. Ended up dropping her more than once. Had to carry her real gentle-like... happy the guest bedroom is on the first-floor, at least."

Applejack's eyes went wide.

"Derpy did all that?" she asked, already knowing the answer.

"Ee-yup." The stallion pulled his robe back up, not looking back. "G'night Applejack, g'night Granny."

As Big Mac entered the hall, Applejack heard the bathroom door swing open and heard the quick cantering of her little sister right by her brother. From the sound the two almost collided.

"It's just us now," Granny Smith said, motioning for Applejack to follow her down the hall as well. "I'll wait up if Derpy's asleep if I gotta."

"Granny, that won't be necessary."

Applejack and Granny Smith approached the hall.

"She's gunna be fine 'til morning, but something tells me she's gunna be a might confused if she wakes up in the middle of the night in a strange bed."

"Ee-yup." Applejack agreed.

They descended the hall towards the end to the door by Big Mac's room. His light was already out and Apple Bloom's was just turning it off across the hallway.

"We're all tired Applejack, but... Derpy's ain't hardly got nobody."

"Ah know that, Granny."

"Amethyst's off half the time in Canterlot, Dinky comes and goes with her. Gettin' tutored out there... it's a might impressive, but that's for her. Derpy is, well... she's Derpy. S'only right she have somebody here." Applejack nodded. "You've got a full life... don't stretch yerself too thin now, but realize when something's important. This feels important, don't it?"

Again, Applejack nodded. "Yeah, Granny. It does."

Granny Smith sighed.

"Ah'm gunna be in the living room... if she's awake, just say hello. If not, I'll be up." She sighed again. "There's something ya gotta know first, though."

Applejack perked an ear, staring at the door.

"What's that?"

"There's a reason Big Mac dropped her twice."

"Reckon she tore into 'em twice. If she's drunk, maybe she doesn't know quite what she's doing. Cider can do that to a pony."

"Not quite this time. She's drunk but she wasn't violent. In and out, and confused is more how Ah'd describe it."

The farm pony looked over at her Grandmother.

"What are you tryin' to tell me, Granny?"

"Applejack, it was the second time Big Mac dropped her that she tore into him, and there was a good reason for it... because he'd dropped her the first time. Apple Bloom wasn't around for either. Derpy... as Big Mac was hoisting her up, she unexpectedly lost control o' her bodily functions right on his back. It happens... he dropped her and she bumped her head. She's fine, though. That's why he took a shower. That and to ease the sting of all the welts on his back from when he tried to pick her up the second time."

"If'in it were any other pony I'd say that's gratitude for ya... but that's not like Derpy at all."

Granny Smith shook her head.

"Ah wish that were all Ah had to tell ya."

Applejack sighed.

"What else is wrong?"

"Nothin' is 'wrong' persay, Applejack... it's more what Ah had to do to make sure everything stays clean."

The farm pony took a breath.

"What'd ya mean, Granny?

"Applejack... Ah don't like to pry, but Ah know you've got some adult-sized whoozie-whatsies. Came across 'em in yer closet last month while cleaning. You know what whoosie-whatzies Ah mean, right? Don't gotta spell it out fer ya."

Applejack nodded.

"Yer business is yer business. You're a full-grown mare, though if there's something medical goin' on Doctor Stable might be able to help." Those words hovered in the air as Granny Smith looked over at her Grandchild, who she could see was blushing and doing everything to keep a straight face. Any other pony would have been convinced Applejack had Equestria's greatest poker face. "Applejack, these particular whoosie-whatzies are a bit more... let's just say 'festive' than the ones Ah found by accident. What I'm trying to say is, Applejack, Ah borrowed the pack and Derpy's wearin' one. She probably doesn't even know it... slept right through the change. Boy, does that sound a bit odd. Though she's young enough to be my grandkid, it felt more than a bit awkward. Ain't like diaperin' a foal one bit."

"Does anypony else know?"

Granny Smith shook her head.

"Big Mac was showerin' and Apple Bloom was out gettin ya."

Applejack heaved a sigh of relief.

"They ain't mine, Granny," she said, flatly. "Or that is to say I don't wear 'em. I'm kinda, like... holdin' em for a friend, really. Don't wanna talk about it."

Granny Smith nodded.

"Okay, Applejack... but if ya are havin' night-time worries, we can-"

"I'm fine, Granny. Really!"

"Okay." Granny Smith turned her back. "Like Ah said, Ah'll be out in the livin' room."

Applejack turned back to the door.

"Okay." She took another deep breath, and sighed. "This has been one real strange day."

The farm pony knocked, placing her ear against the hardwood by the handle. She listened for something, anything to indicate Derpy was awake. She stood there for a moment, waiting. Applejack wanted Derpy to be awake just a little more than she wanted her to be asleep. Part of the farm pony knew it wouldn't be a good idea to let something like this sit all night, especially if something bad did happen and if Derpy was as in as bad shape as Granny Smith had said. There was also another reason she'd rather talk to Derpy first, but she knew it would be better to set her pride aside and focus on her friend, whose state... she would just have to see for herself.

Applejack heard the tiniest of stirs in the room -- a shuffle and the sound of springs squeaking. She sighed. She knew what that probably meant.

"Oh, the things you'll do for a friend."

She turned the knob, slowly. It was quiet, at first. All that would change pretty fast, by her prediction.

* * *

Applejack pressed on the door. It opened slowly, without so much as a creak.

First thing she noticed was the table side light was turned on. She guessed that was to make it easier for Granny Smith, should Derpy start calling out in the middle of the night. It was a three-way bulb on its dimmest setting, shade turned away from the bed. Applejack couldn't help smiling. For a pony her age Granny Smith was certainly on it.

"Um... Hello?" she said, clearly. "Derpy, are you awake?"

Suddenly there was a sound of twisting and turning on the mattress. The farm pony froze. Standing for a moment, she took a breath through her nose as the springs settled... then winced, fighting the urge to cough. In that one wiff she smelled sick, along with a few other things. Foal powder was in the mixture, but it certainly wasn't the most prominent.

Oh, wow.

"Um, hey Applejack," Derpy muttered, softly. "I'm up."

Turning to shut the door the farm pony paused a tick as she noticed a pack of diapers from her own personal stash out by the wardrobe. They sat out in plain sight, with nothing covering them. As the door clicked closed she turned to look at Derpy.

Aside from being wrapped up haphazardly in a brown blanket, resembling something of a cock-eyed mummy, Derpy's eyes were noticeably sunken. She shook a bit, despite laying back. The motion was barely noticeable, almost making little circles, as if dizzy. She still smiled, and Applejack smiled right back... watching the pegasus's body jerk forward as she burped quietly. She would've been too far away to stop any vomit from getting on the bed and blanket had it come that suddenly.

Siding on the air of caution, Applejack put her hooves up and approached the bed slowly... glancing at the waist paper basket by its side. Once close enough she studied Derpy's lips, seeing the remnants of crusty, translucent barf.

"Hey, Derpy?" Applejack grinned, speaking slowly. "Don't take this the wrong way, now... ya really don't look that great."

She could see that little crack had brought a smile to Derpy's face... not that it was really meant as a joke.

That's a good sign.

"Um, I really don't feel that great," Derpy replied, as the farm pony leaned up against the bed. "I'm kinda sick. Rainbow Dash said I would be. I'll be okay in a few days, I'm sure."

Applejack shook her head. She could tell from the way Derpy glanced at the mattress the pegasus could feel it through the bed. Letting out a sigh she stepped back.

"Ya know, Apple Bloom came all the way to Sugar Cube Corner just to find me, so Ah could come back here proper and talk to you. Derpy, I'd wager ya might be a lil sick, but from what we're seein' here and what Granny Smith told me... yer probably jus' drunk. Least as far back as Ah can remember you've never done anything like this. Guessin' something really bad must've happened."

Derpy swallowed, turning to face the other direction. She nodded slowly. "Uh-huh."

Applejack smiled, trying to take the friendliest tone she could. From years with the pegasus she knew what it meant when she couldn't look her in the eye... not that she wasn't being truthful, but that she might be overwhelmed. Keep it light.

"Well, maybe..." She paused for a moment, swallowing. "Now, this is just a guess. You and Thunderlane got into a fight?"

There was a moment of silence. Derpy nodded again, this time a little more slowly, taking a breath. "Yup."

"This would probably be your first fight with him then, huh?"

"Mmm-hm."

We're gettin' somewhere.

"You know..." Applejack chuckled, trying to hide the sigh she was letting out. "You're usually so smiley whenever we talk about him, whenever Ah see ya passing in town. Yer goin' here or there with him, or he's takin' ya out to eat at Ponyville's finest restaurant. My guess is he maybe got angry and said something... Ah don't know, a lil mean or hurtful when he got all worked up?"

Derpy nodded again. "Uh-huh."

Applejack couldn't help smiling. She was sure she knew exactly what to say at this point. This was turning out easy, she could relax. Derpy just lacked experience in these matters.

"Shucks, Derpy, ya ain't got nothin' to worry about! Promise he just needs a lil time, and everything'll be fine. Believe me, Ah've said some real horrible, nasty things to RD when we get hot, but we always make up a day or two later and everything's perfectly dandy-"

The farm pony's eyes were squarely focused on her friend, but she wasn't actually seeing her. Applejack knew what to say, it was already playing out exactly as she thought it would. Derpy's body even seemed to be relaxing some, pressing slowly into the mattress... kind of hard, but then again she was drunk. Applejack wasn't about to admit it, but part of her wanted to be back with Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie. Unwinding in the warm, upstairs of the Cake's house, cuddling... crinkling their padded bottoms, instead of being back here, dealing with this. Part of her was still back there, actually... and it was a little bigger than she was ready to admit. This was her time to relax, after all.

The pegasus turned towards Applejack, and Applejack immediately recoiled seeing the look in her face. Though Derpy seldom got angry, it was a familiar enough of a look... one the farm pony never liked seeing.

"Applejack, he-" Derpy took a breath, tears welling up in her eyes. " I- ... No!"

Derpy lowered her head and held back the vocalizations, but they still came out as whimpers. Applejack heard the bile rising in her gut and could see the tears falling. Accompanying her crying was hard, staccato-like breathing.

The farm pony took one look at this and bit her lip, reaching out with a hoof, only to see Derpy neither look up or react.

"Oh, no..."

Applejack felt tiny for a moment, cold... but then came back strong, turning to sit alongside her friend. Nevermind the creaky mattress or any other distractions. She could tell from the deep, guttural way Derpy cried this wasn't just some ordinary fight blown out of proportion. Something had actually happened, and Derpy walked here, possibly drunk, because she didn't know what to do. Being Derpy's friend Applejack certainly was going to try to help, but... where to even begin? All she could do was take a deep breath and try to be patient. Her relaxation would have to wait... which was fine. She would just listen, or at least try to, and hope for the best. Derpy was her oldest friend, after all.

3, 4 -- "Like Solitude"

3, 4
"Like Solitude"

Derpy was up high, looking down on Sweet Apple Acres. This was her first time being above so high and her first time doing it alone. She wasn't flying, but she felt just as nice as other pegasus must've felt when they took flight and were able to look down on their favorite parts of Equestria.

The tree house was always there, just old and filled with cracked boards. It took time to repair and "make it safe", as Derpy had once heard Mommy say to Granny Smith. All it took was three days of work for Big Mac and Applejack, a few planks of wood and new nails. That was enough. It just took time... which it seemed like there was plenty, but for some reason Big Mac was always busy and Granny Smith wanted the two to work together "just in case something happens". This was special, though, and even though he was probably busy like all the other days, he took time to help make it perfect. After that the young stallion went back to harvesting his apples, and all he said to her many thank-yous, after going up high for the first time this morning, was "ee-yup". Derpy couldn't say why, but she was okay with this.

Months had gone by since the little pegasus had started doing chores. The weather started to become warm again, and that drew all three ponies outside to enjoy it. Derpy still helped sometimes with Applejack's chores, but she was happy to let Applejack do all her stuff while she did her own on other days. She didn't realize what had changed, but something had. With responsibility, it just made sense to give other ponies their space to take care of their own stuff, just like with Big Mac. What was neat was how Derpy could make everything go away for a little while -- Amethyst, Mommy, Dinky, even Granny Smith; put into a little box. Doing chores was a break from it all where she was still doing stuff while in her own little quiet space, and that felt pretty good.

Derpy looked down again at Applejack and Big Mac doing their chores, knowing soon that her favorite farm filly would be ready for fun. For right then, though... at that moment Derpy felt like she had somewhere to be, but was okay with waiting, and watching up high. It was nice.

* * *

It was a few months earlier and Derpy had noticed Mommy starting to look fat. It was kind of funny, but Derpy was happy to wrap her forelegs around her big tummy each night before they went to sleep. Sometimes she felt pressure inside Mommy's tummy, even when they were both still. Mommy always said "that's natural, Sweetie," which confused Derpy... but Mommy had said it, so it had to be true for grown-ups her age that are fat. It just made sense.

Amethyst started spending a lot more time with Dinky. Sometimes she'd even have a sleepover on the couch with Dinky asleep in the playpen, just a few hoof steps away. That made Derpy happy, because it meant more time alone with Mommy without Dinky crying. Dinky was always quiet with Amethyst, so it was like Derpy and Mommy were alone again every night.

Mommy didn't always want to hug, though... especially in the morning. She'd run away to the bathroom sometimes, then come back a little while later and tell Derpy it was time to change and get up. Derpy always felt disappointed after that, and sometimes she heard sounds coming from the bathroom like Mommy might've had a bug... Mommy coughed and sounded once like she was throwing up, but Mommy never said she was sick and she had also said firmly "you won't catch it" when Derpy pulled away when talking about it the night after making all those funny noises in the bathroom. Derpy just started to think that she maybe just didn't understand what was going on.

After school each day Derpy did the dishes. There were always only a couple, but Mommy and Amethyst said she was being a big help. She also swept the kitchen floor, though only after dinner... Amethyst would say she "could be in the way" if she did it in the afternoon or earlier on the weekends. It was funny, because even when the kitchen was empty, that's what she said. That, and "wait until everything winds down. It won't always stay empty, 'kay?" Instead, when it wasn't raining or really cold out, Derpy swept the stepping stones every Friday before the sun went down. Sometimes Amethyst would be out mowing the grass, doing chores alongside her, with Dinky and Granny Smith inside, playing neat games with a string Derpy never could understand how to do. It was fun, though, and afterwards she'd spend time in her swing as the lights from town started to shine and Mommy came home.

One Saturday afternoon, in the dark as the power had gone out, when Applejack was off with family, and freezing rain was pouring down, and they had finished all of Derpy's homework assignments (which Derpy had to admit she would not have done yet if it wasn't for Amethyst's help)... Amethyst came to Derpy.

"I've got an idea, kid," said the young mare, with a grin, "and I think you might like it."

Derpy got up from her relaxed position. She almost never got bored, but this... this didn't sound as boring as what she had been doing, which was waiting for the storm to go away.

"Um... what's going on?" Derpy asked, stretching.

"Come on," Amethyst said, with a wave of her hoof. "Down the hall, to your room..."

Derpy did as she was told, cantering into her room with Amethyst.

"Your mom might kill me for this, but look around... don't go poking through your mom's things, but-" she picked up Derpy's old teddy bear from under the bed, brushing off the dust. "Pick up stuff. Make it look nice. You don't want your mommy stepping on one of your toys, falling and breaking something, right?"

Derpy shook her head.

"Nope."

"Then ya gotta clean things up a bit. It's a way of bein' nice and showing her how much ya lov-... err, how much you wanna help her out. Okay?"

Derpy rubbed her eyes, still adjusting to the dark. In the momentary silence Amethyst drew back the shades on the window and suddenly the purple room was bathed in dark grey. At least Derpy could see better in this.

"Okee," she said, finally.

"I'll be back in three-quarters of an hour," Amethyst responded as she moved towards the door, smiling. The darker striations of light on her face made her look sad, even though Derpy could tell from her voice she wasn't. "You need anything I'll be down the hall, feeding Dinky lunch, then making some grub for dinner."

With that Amethyst left, and the little pegasus quickly lost track of time. Even when she got older she never was any good with it, but that didn't bother her.

Picking up started with what Derpy knew was hers -- a few toys... a block here, a plastic figure and coloring book there. They ended up on top of the dresser, blocks and books in nice separate stacks, the others just kind of looking nice up there. Soon Derpy found herself straightening the night stand, while picking things up, pushing in bureau drawers that were slightly askew and seeing the dust everywhere when up close. She walked out and down the hall, just for a second, coming back with some toilet paper. Not the best thing to clean with, she'd later find out, but it made all the dust and film go away. Especially with spit. She picked up a few of Mommy's books from the bed and stood them up on the nightstand from big to small, leaving the one out from the pile she thought Mommy was reading. Beside them she stacked a few small plastic packages with different colored rubber circles inside of them, she found on the bottom of Mommy's side of the bed. It didn't take very long for Derpy to have everything picked up, but then she found herself wiping the headboard, windows and window sill clean, only to get a few more pieces of toilet paper. She couldn't get up very high for the door frame or windowsill, but it still looked better... by the end she was polishing the inside and outside door knobs.

"What'cha doin' there?" Amethyst asked from across the hall as she watched Derpy work a piece of toilet paper around and around.

"Making things look nice," Derpy replied, quietly.

"What's that? Couldn't hear ya." The filly heard Amethyst approach. "Polishing things is not quite what I had in mind, kid..." She looked into the room. "Woah."

Derpy stopped, looking up at the babysitter.

"Um... you're not mad, are you?"

Amethyst looked down at her.

"Get up," she said, plainly. Derpy did as she was told. "Turn around, and see what you did. Look at how different the room looks now."

Derpy turned to look.

She looked around the room, slowly... she could remember putting everything where she had, she just couldn't remember where it was before.

The filly took a sudden interest in her hooves. All was silent for a moment.

"Hey, hey!" Amethyst said, sharply. "Look at me! Up here." Derpy looked up and saw Amethyst's face. She wasn't sure what was going to happen, but even in the gray she saw Amethyst was smiling. "All those little things you moved around in here made a big difference. It looks great! I'm proud-a you, kid. I was wrong bein' too quick to judge."

Derpy blinked twice.

"Really?"

Amethyst nodded.

"Really. You got everything stacked up neat, your blocks are outta the way and together by size and shape. No pony's gunna trip on anything now that you've got- ooof!"

Then and there Derpy did something that felt quite natural to her. She hugged the teenage unicorn.

"Woah, hey, hey!" Derpy looked up. "Um, wow... guess I didn't expect that. Um, thanks. You're a good kid, Derpy."

Amethyst ruffled the filly's mane before pulling away.

"Well, I gotta get back... Think ya earned yourself a couple brown sugar muffins for dessert." She turned towards the door, walking out of the room, but peeked in one final time. "If you decide to play with your old toys today, just put 'em back up about where they are. Whatever looks best. Okay?"

"Okee."

Amethyst smiled before again disappearing.

After that the afternoon progressed mostly as normal... mostly. Derpy played with her blocks a bit before it finally stopped raining, just as it was getting dark. She put them right back up in about the same place before going outside to spend a little time on her swing before dinner. The lights from the surrounding Ponyville and all the stars coming out from the clouds always helped keep Derpy from getting scared. That and Mommy would be home soon... though tonight she was at work later than usual. When Amethyst finally did call dinner Derpy still looked out for a few to the left down the road to see if Mommy was coming yet. Not yet.

* * *

When Mommy came home later that night, dinner was all eaten and Amethyst didn't tell her anything about what had happened early in the afternoon. She whispered to Derpy "just keep quiet, and it'll be appreciated even more. Promise." Derpy trusted Amethyst and did just that. When Mommy went into the bedroom, she came right out afterwards into the living room where everypony sat. Derpy looked at Amethyst, who just smiled.

"Did you straighten up my room?" Mommy asked Amethyst directly. "I appreciate it, just... ask before, okay?"

Amethyst smiled.

"Will do, Diamond. Just this time... it was Derpy," said Amethyst, putting a hoof to the little filly's chest, making her nervous. "Sent her on a lil mission earlier. If you're mad we can talk about it... Derpy had nothing to do with my idea, I just noticed she looked a lil under-stimulated and thought ' why not?'."

Instead of answering, Mommy looked over at Derpy, then walked up to the her side of the couch. Sighting, she sat beside the filly, sandwiching her tight between herself and Amethyst. Derpy pulled away a little bit as Amethyst angled herself inwards, giving the filly a little more room... only for Mommy to respond by unexpectedly hugging Derpy.

"Good job," she said, quietly. "Just don't put anything away that isn't yours, okay? ... it's organized chaos in there, and I really need it that way."

Derpy looked up at Mommy, hugging her back.

"Okay Mommy."

Mommy then looked up at Amethyst, and so did Derpy, as she let go.

"I'm not mad, Amethyst, because I know my daughter... and I know you. I was worried you might've thrown something out, but... you did what you thought was right for me and Derpy, and it helped. Now I'm left with two wonderful daughters to come home to, good friends and apparently a great babysitter to contend with. Imagine that... I just wish I could pay you more."

"Don't worry about it," said Amethyst, with a grin. "Helping you and your two 'wonderful daughters' as you put it has been great, and helped me better understand my passion in life. That's worth more bits than I'll make in years. Trust me, Diamond."

Derpy felt Mommy's eyes on her again. She was wrapped up once more, even tighter.

"Derpy, the littlest things can help so much, kiddo. It was very nice to come home to find that."

"Dinner's still warm, too," Amethyst said. "And you can eat it with Derpy, while she enjoys a couple muffins I made in a small batch just for the occasion." Amethyst got up and reached in to the playpen to grab Dinky. "Hope you don't mind me telling Derpy something before I give Dinky her nighttime bottle."

Derpy looked up at Mommy.

"What's that?" Mommy asked.

Amethyst chuckled.

"Kid," she said, focusing on Derpy. "How to I say this? I've kinda had this on my mind for a while. I know certain stuff is... let's just say harder for you than it is for most ponies your age. That's just kinda how it is, and it might not ever change, but I want you to know that we all love you, and we're watching you grow each and every day, to be so amazed to see it happening. Love of ponies that care about you is all you're ever really gunna need in life. Ya just gotta find 'em." She looked up at Mommy and smiled. "I've got more, if that's okay... it just involves you."

"Please, Amethyst," Mommy said. "I would love to hear it. I'll tell you if you're wrong, though."

"Derpy... The more you do for your mom, the less stressed she's going to be when she gets home. I don't know much about being an adult yet, even though I might look a lot like one to you, but almost every day I'm here helpin' out, I get a fraction of the stress your mom would feel if I wasn't here. The less stressed she gets, Derpy... well, the more energy she's gunna have to spend with you and Dinky, and to help you make new friends and keep you... well, happy down the road. It's a good thing to help out as it gives her more chances to show you how much she loves you. You and me both know she does, more than I can possibly express here. You know it in your heart more than anything."

Derpy found herself looking up at Mommy, noticing she was smiling... her bottom lip quivering in a funny way.

"While a little intense, I appreciate that, Amethyst," Mommy said, looking down at her gray filly. "I really wish I had more time, Derpy... but we live in a place where we can be happy, because we have each other and I'll always have some time to come home and give to you. That means more to me than anything in all of Equestria... even more than the Princess."

"Don't say that too loudly now, Diamond," Amethyst said, chuckling. "Though I'm sure she'd understand."

"Probably," Mommy said, grinning and rubbing her eyes. "Now, how 'bout we all eat?"

"Okee," Derpy said, feeling Mommy start to gently direct her off the couch.

They would soon eat. Derpy and Mommy would spend time together at the table, even though she came home a bit later than expected. That started... happening sometimes. Derpy didn't like it, but she understood it was part of being a grown-up.

Because it was the weekend, though, after dinner Mommy passed Derpy the dishes and she washed them before bed. Together the two didn't have to say anything... Derpy was fine with being quiet and showing her mommy how good she was getting at the dishes. Mommy stayed back, leaning on the counter, watching, and soon enough they were done.

Once a week after that Derpy had a "mission" that Amethyst would send her on. It was always fun. The only places Derpy wasn't allowed to have her missions yet were the laundry room and the kitchen... "too many dangerous things in there," Mommy said. But that would change in time as she grew.

3, 5 -- "Good Friends"

"Good Friends"
3, 5

Despite not having much in the way of strength or coordination, Derpy found her way into Applejack's forelegs. The farm pony kept a tight grip... security for her friend, among other things.

Derpy continued to shake, her coverings beginning to droop, but Applejack said nothing. She simply picked them up. Nearly uncovered as Derpy was the entire room smelt even stronger of sick and waste than it had before, yet outside of her initial gag the farm pony kept up her poker face. She remained squarely focused on Derpy, which she hoped the mare would find comforting. In any other state, however, Derpy probably would've felt much less clingy.

"Sugarcube, you know Ah can't help you if you don't tell me what's going on. Ah really don't want this to be as bad as I'm startin' ta think it is, but Ah'm here for ya either way. Promise."

Pulling herself up so the two were eye-to-eye, Derpy took a deep breath in preparation to speak, but both ponies knew right away that was a mistake. Applejack quickly manipulated Derpy's back legs so she was facing the trashcan. She picked up the can just in time for Derpy heave up a good two seconds of green bile. By the end she was clutching her gut and Applejack could tell from the labored, shallow breaths that she was in pain. To top it off the blanket had almost completely fallen off and Applejack could see everything... but that wasn't important. The only thing that mattered was making sure Derpy was okay.

"You're okay, you're okay...," Applejack said, quietly, as she took the mare by the shoulders and gently rocked her. For some reason that could help her feel better sometimes, but given how sick she was there was a chance it could just make it worse. Fortunately that didn't seem to be the case.

The pegasus responded by groaning, resting up against Applejack's barrel for a moment. The farm pony gently patted her shoulder.

Come on... yer gonna be alright...

Derpy sat shaking as Applejack picked up the blanket, gently placing it around her shoulders. She then looked down at her exposed, soiled garment then back up at Applejack.

"Just lay down, sugarcube," Applejack said, calmly. Derpy looked at her, body stiffening. "Now Ah don't give a you-know-what about what yer wearin', or what condition it's in. Ah just want you feelin' better." She chuckled. "You know, Ah hate seein' a grown mare cry... Makes me wanna do the same. Jus' lay back, catch yer breath... you're with friends now. Dun think about nothin' else."

Slowly Derpy did as she was told. Applejack heard a sigh, then saw a slight smile. The farm pony then assessed her friend's condition, taking off her hat and throwing it to the side table. She knew she wasn't going anywhere... not for a while at least.

"I'm really cold, Applejack," Derpy said, flatly. The farm pony reached for a loose blanket, but Derpy shook her head. She stopped with it still in grasp. "I've been hot for so long it feels kinda nice."

"Well, you're probably worn out from pukin' yer guts up," Applejack said, setting the blanket aside while letting out a sharp laugh, along with a wince. "Truthfully, ya look a tiny bit better since ya puked." Looking over her friend a second time, Applejack stopped at the diaper. Get it outta yer mind... She attempted to pull a bit of loose covering over the garment, but Derpy reached out and gently touched her hoof. She retracted it quickly, biting her lip.

"It’s okay, Applejack. Really! I don't mind... I like the cool air."

The farm pony sighed.

"Not to, ya know... contradict m'self jus' now, but you know it's in pretty bad shape, right?"

Derpy nodded.

"I know. I don't know where it came from, but I know."

"While you were asleep, ya kinda lost control of, well, everything, so... Granny put it on ya, just as a precautionary sort of thing. It's kinda part of, well... a costume, Ah guess. They work, as you might've guessed."

Derpy let out a small chuckle. It seemed laying down was actually helping her feel a bit better. Applejack couldn't help smiling back.

"Like a Nightmare Night costume?"

"Somethin' like that." The farm pony put a hoof behind her head. "Let's try not to focus too much on where they came from. Ah just wanna cover you up outta respec-"

Again, Derpy let out a chuckle... beginning to relax.

"They're really big. Were they Big Mac's?"

"No! Um..." The orange pony thought a moment. "Let's just say it's a private matter. Look, Ah promised not to tell any pony about 'em and I won't."

"Oh." Derpy shifted, looking uncomfortably up at her friend. "Um, okay... I'd feel pretty bad if somepony was talking about mine. I understand."

Applejack smiled.

"What's important is we're gunna give you whatever you need. And Ah mean that."

Derpy smiled. Applejack found herself rubbing her friend's hind leg for reassurance, but quickly stopped when she realized it was going a little too far inside and a little too high up.

"A-hem..." The farm pony pushed herself upright. "Look, I'm gunna go get you some water. If yer up to it, we can talk about what happened..." Applejack approached the wardrobe, grabbing the package of wipes, diaper, and powder. She set them on the edge of the bed. "While I'm out... how 'bout ya clean yerself up?"

"Um... okay." Derpy slowly pushed herself up, still a bit wobbly. "I think I can do that."

Applejack turned towards the door, putting a hoof on the knob. She glanced back.

"You gunna be alright?"

Derpy forced a smile... Applejack knew what that looked like.

"I've done this before... well, sort of."

The farm pony stopped in her tracks as the door creaked open.

"Uh... what'd ya mean by 'sort of'?"

"I wear things that are a lot like these to bed, because... well, I- I have nighttime accidents. It's just something I've had to do since foalhood."

Applejack looked off as an image flashed through her mind. She could vaguely recall seeing Derpy, maybe ten years before, wearing a diaper. She took a breath in preparation to say something.

Derpy shifted uncomfortably.

"I don't like talking about it, either."

It was Applejack's turn to force a smile... she watched her friend swallow, then look to the ground.

"Derpy, it's nothin' to be ashamed of! Ah just kinda have the... vaguest recollection. It's like a distant dream." Applejack shook her head. "Ah don't think any differently of you. It's just how it is, and nothin' else."

Derpy smiled. Applejack knew what her more sincere smiles looked like. She smiled back.

"I'll be okay," Derpy said, sitting with her back against the wall. "Promise."

"Ah know you will. Knock in about six minutes?"

"Okee."

Applejack turned the knob and pulled the door open. She step outside and shut it behind herself, letting out a sigh.

That went better than Ah thought it would.

* * *

The farm pony found herself drinking down a tall glass of water in the kitchen. Afterwards she stood for a moment, silently. Granny Smith sat and watched from the living room, gently rocking back and forth.

"Everything alright in there?"

Applejack swallowed.

"Yup. Everything's just hunky-dory."

She filled a second tall glass, after rinsing out her own, and took it into the living room. She stopped in front of her grandmother.

"Ah don't know if Derpy's up to talking about what happened yet-" she began.

"Maybe, maybe not," Granny Smith responded, "but it's good yer there for her."

Applejack nodded, gritting her teeth.

"Ah'm gunna be up maybe a teensy bit longer. Derpy doesn't normally come 'round here drunk looking for me. Say, if Ah dare ask... how much cider did she have?"

"A bit over half. Enough to give Mac a pretty good buzz, that's for sure."

Applejack shook her head, thinking a moment.

"Okay." She let out a sigh. "Granny, to tell the truth... she's been vomiting pretty bad, and she's in there cleaning herself up 'cause that diaper, well... ya prolly know what happened there."

Granny Smith nodded, yawning.

"You let me know if you or she needs any help cleaning up..."

Applejack let out a bit of a chuckle.

"She'd prolly find that real embarassin', Granny. Ah know Ah would."

"Ah mean if there's any barf on the bed or floor, but'cha know perfectly well Ah mean that, too."

"Yeah, Ah know..." Applejack stared down the hall at the door, sighing again. "Say, Granny?"

"What is it?"

"When Derpy was younger..." The farm pony paused a tick. "She, uh... wore diapers at night, didn't she?"

Granny Smith let out a small chuckle.

"We all did!" she exclaimed, as Applejack scowled. "Now, now... Ah know what ya mean. Her mother told me she's been wearin' 'em to bed since foalhood. She didn't call 'em that, though. All-in-Ones, or somethin'... or was it 'Briefs'. Can't remember. Saw her in 'em back when Ah used to babysit overnight, but it's been a long while since, and Derpy doesn't quite like to talk about what's goin' on with her like Diamond did. That's a given, though, seein' how personal this is. She's one of just a few ponies Ah've know who's completely happy keepin' to herself. Besides, she's been doin' jus' fine, and seems content, so why stir things up?"

"Come to think of it she has been doin' pretty well... or at least Ah thought she was."

Granny Smith yawned, sitting back.

"Ponies go through their ups and downs, now. She jus' needs a good friend to talk to. S'why she's here. She values you, Applejack... even if there isn't much ya can actually do for her, jus' knowin' ya care is enough."

"Can't argue with that..." The farm pony let out a sign, then began towards the doorway to the hall. "Thanks Granny. Ah'm gunna go see how she is."

"Ah'll be up a while longer, "Granny Smith replied. "Seems Ah can finally relax a bit."

"Ee-yup." Applejack yawned.

* * *

The farm pony cantered quietly down the hall towards the guest bedroom. She approached and knocked, waiting for a moment. When there was no answer she knocked again, a bit louder this time. Again, there was no reply. She then slowly turned the knob, opening the door just a crack.

"Um... hello? Derpy?"

She heard faint rustling and waited a moment to hear springs settle.

"Applejack... I um-" The pegasus burped loudly. "I need..."

The door swung open and Applejack saw Derpy sitting up right, everything in front of her almost untouched... still wearing the soiled diaper. The pegasus began retching again, slouching forward.

"Don't puke yet! Don't puke yet!!" Applejack found herself whisper-shouting, despite it not making much difference (and probably being counter-productive, as it would just make Derpy tense). She quickly set the glass on the table and dashed to the bed.

As Applejack reached the bed, all that came from her friend were loud, guttural belches. They finally settled down as Derpy began to quake. Again, Applejack just patted her and rocked back and forth. The farm pony then gently put Derpy on her back, so she was laying peacefully.

"Here..." Applejack spun around to get the water, turning back. "Drink it down, slowly..."

She held the glass to Derpy's lips, and Derpy put both hooves on in. It was a big glass, but not too heavy... Applejack could feel a little pressure behind her friend's hooves, but not a whole lot of strength in terms of keeping it steady. It felt as though the glass could slip, so she kept a tight grip... just in case.

"Yer kinda week," she commented.

Derpy nodded, sucking in water fast.

"Hey, hey, now." Applejack pulled the glass away. "Ah know you're thirsty, but yer just gunna throw it right back up unless ya pace yerself."

Derpy looked up at her, hooves together, making those small circles as if she were bored and twiddling her hooves... but Applejack knew better. This didn't look right. It was too uncoordinated and unnatural.

"Ya alright?"

Derpy just breathed in and out... gradually getting slower, her hooves not settling down.

"Nervous?"

"I-..." Derpy took a deep breath. "I can't sit up. I mean, I can, but then I don't feel well after a little while."

Applejack sighed, and began to turn around.

"I'll go get Granny."

"Applejack," Derpy said, quietly. "I don't want Granny Smith taking care of me... like that. Thinking about it makes me feel funny."

The farm pony turned around, looking her friend square in the eye.

"Well, she did it to ya earlier... but you were asleep. Sorta. Uh, thinkin' you can do it yerself?"

"I think so..." Derpy began to sit up. "I just maybe need a little while to feel better."

Applejack watched Derpy's forelegs give out as she reached the top, the pegasus ending up on her back, staring at the ceiling.

"Ya can barely sit up without using the wall," she said, flatly. "Derpy, ya can't sleep dressed like this. You know that."

"Maybe... just a little while longer."

"Derpy," Applejack sighed. "You're drunk, dizzy, and prolly a lil bit hung over... that's likely gunna get worse in the morning. It's prolly gunna take all the way 'til tomorrow afternoon for you to start feelin' yourself again, and even then yer just gunna wanna sleep."

"Really?"

"Ya might be able to get up before then, but for right now we're prolly lookin' at at least a couple more hours in bed. Y'all should be restin' soon, not worrying about all this stuff that's long past. Can't do nothing for it now."

Derpy shut her eyes.

"But I wanna talk to you."

"And Ah'm here to do it... it's just that you need to get changed, and if ya can't do that yourself, Granny's gunna have to do it for you."

The pegasus opened her eyes, looking up at her friend.

"... okee."

"Okay, what?"

"You can go get Granny Smith. I'll be okay."

"Alright."

Applejack nodded, then left the room. She went down the hall into the living room, opening her mouth in preparation to speak.

She saw Granny Smith was asleep in her rocking chair, which was still lightly rocking. She wasn't asleep like she normally slept. Her posture was significantly more relaxed, collapsed inward, her head off to the side, her mouth agape and tongue out. For an older mare Granny Smith's falling asleep was usually kinda funny, maybe even a bit cute... here she looked just dog tired.

Applejack bit her lip. Ah can't do this. She approached. "Granny? ... um, Granny?"

The only response Applejack got was Granny Smith's snoring picking up in volume. The older mare was out.

The farm pony sighed, taking a sudden interest in her hooves.

You know what you gotta do, AJ. Gotta take charge. It's right. Make things better... the only reason ya gotta.

Applejack picked her head up and turned around, heading back down the hall.

She entered the room again, finding she'd left the door open. Derpy's eyes were closed until she heard Applejack's approach. The farm pony shut the door behind herself.

"Is Granny Smith coming soon?" the pegasus asked.

"Derpy, Granny Smith is out cold and Ah don't have the heart to wake her," Applejack responded. "You really can't do this yourself?"

Again, Derpy tried to push herself up, forcing a smile through what Applejack could easily read in her face as, at the very least, discomfort. The farm pony saw her shaking again and put a hoof up.

"It's okay, Derpy," she said. "Just... just take it easy. All right?"

"I want to, Applejack... really! I don't know why I can't do it now! I feel sick and really weird."

"Ah know, Ah know," Applejack looked down at the diaper pulled from the package, and put her hoof on it. You can do this, Applejack. She then looked at Derpy, pulling the diaper open and holding it up.

"Um..." Derpy's eyes went wide. "What're you doing?"

Applejack approached, setting the clean diaper beside her friend.

"You know full well what I'm doin'," she replied. "It's either this or Ah go wake up Granny Smith... which you know Ah just can't do. She looks plain exhausted. We all are."

Derpy lowered her head, nodding a tiny bit.

"I, um..." She took in a breath. "I understand."

"Hey," Applejack gently poked the bed. "Look up at me." Slowly Derpy did as she was told. "Ah'm doin' this 'cause it needs to be done. You trust me, right?" Slowly but surely, the pegasus nodded. "'cause of the mess, though... once Ah start cleaning ya up, Ah can't stop. Ah just want to make sure you know that, right?" Again, she nodded. "Okay... Ah'm just gunna do it, then."

Applejack turned back, grabbing the wipes and powder in less than two seconds, then placed both hooves on the front of Derpy's diaper. Derpy immediately looked away as Applejack pulled open her friend's top left tape.

Scriittccchhh!!! That was a familiar sound to both ponies. A bit of the outer shell was ripped from the diaper along with the tape.

This is it... you can do it.

Applejack focused on the right tape, which came a bit easier, then the two bottom tapes, looking up at her friend's face in between pulls. She was looking away, to her left... head down, eyes closed.

"Here we go... ya alright?"

Derpy nodded.

Jus' keep focused on the job.

Applejack slowly pulled open the diaper, and saw the mess before her. This was gunna take some time... and she was already regretting committing herself to it. Anything for a friend, though.

3,7 -- "Perspectives"

"Perspectives"
3, 7

With her eyes closed, things didn't bother Derpy so much. She lay there, trying not to think about anything... which was both easy and hard to do at the same time.

You're okay, you're okay... her head kept echoing, and this was true. She did feel safe.

She knew what Applejack was doing, and didn't want to think about it. She was happy it was happening, though, because it really needed to happen. Her friend was being gentle, but she could tell it was being done quickly, and that helped her think about it even less. Whatever was on her she knew Applejack cleaned off, and she felt okay with that... but mostly because it was gone. It was nice to have a pony just not say anything after what happened with Thunderlane, and especially nice it was Applejack.

"Just 'bout done...," the farm pony said, as Derpy felt her legs being opened slightly. Seconds later soothing, cool powder fell on her thighs.

The pegasus lay perfectly still as she felt Applejack pull the garment up between her legs, taping it in place... bottom tapes first, just like Mom had said a long time ago was the best way to prevent a leak. It was so neat Applejack knew that trick.

"Okay..." Derpy heard some rustling of what she knew to be a plastic bag. "Sit tight... Ah'm gunna get this out of here, empty yer pail. Then, if you're up to it... you and Ah are gunna talk. Ah don't want ya feelin' like ya gotta, if you jus' wanna sleep."

Derpy finally opened up her eyes. It felt nice to have them closed, but also good to look up at her friend. She couldn't help smiling as Applejack hefted the wastepaper basket she had thrown up in.

"Aw, hey..." Applejack grinned slightly. "Ya all ready look much better... just gimme a sec, I'll be back. Promise."

Applejack turned around with the basket and bag in hoof, opening the door with her mouth. She then left Derpy... alone, once again, with the door wide open.

Derpy lay back, listening to Applejack's hoofsteps go further and further down the hall, until she opened the front door to the outside. She then closed her eyes, again in silence. It was quiet for a bit and she liked that.

* * *

There was a soft creak, just enough to get Derpy's attention. She bolted up from her back and looked in the direction of the noise to see Applejack looking back at her, the door nearly closed.

"Sorry, Derpy... ya looked so tired Ah thought you might jus' wanna rest."

Despite feeling like Applejack almost tricked her, Derpy knew her friend just wanted to see her rested and happy. She smiled.

"Um, I still wanna talk," Derpy said, softly. "A lot."

"Hey, we can talk about anything, Derpy," Applejack replied, opening the door a bit. "Anything ya like."

The farm pony stepped inside, closing the door and pushing the wastepaper basket in closer, which was just by the bed.

Derpy shook her head, laying back... the dizziness of being upright already starting to set in. She looked at Applejack.

"I wanna talk about what happened... if it's okay."

Applejack sat on the side of the bed, putting a hoof towards Derpy. She turned away and felt Applejack retracting her hoof, down to her own lap.

"'course it is... talk as much or as little as ya want. Granny Smith always said sharing things'll makes you feel better, and to be honest... well, Ah guess Ah rightly agree. Ya came all the way here for something, after all. Right?"

Derpy rocked a bit on her side, nodding.

"Uh-huh."

"Ah'm guessing he- ..., he must've hurt ya real bad. Ain't like a normal fight... kinda figured that out already. You were right to come looking for your friends. Jus' want you to know that."

Swallowing, Derpy felt moisture on her eyes as images flashed in her head. Images of the angry stallion's mouth twisting in so many mean ways. She squinted, hoping that would help... it didn't, it just made things worse. She still answered:

"Yeah..."

"Derpy... whatever he did, whatever he said, Ah juss want you to know something before ya start. Ya gotta look at me first, up here." Slowly Derpy did as she was told, not entirely able to see, but she could tell Applejack was smiling. "Even if Ah think something ya did was plain wrong, which Ah can't 'cause you haven't told me yet... Ah'm still gonna be here for ya. Promise." Derpy couldn't help grinning. That was what she knew would always happen with Applejack. "Now, there's one thing Ah gotta know off the bat, though... did he hit you or anything like that?"

Going back to resting her head, Derpy found that easy to answer:

"Nope."

She heard Applejack sigh.

"That's good... one more concern pops up now that Ah think about it, though..."

Derpy looked up. Her eyes weren't as moist, she could see Applejack clearly.

"Yeah?"

"Did he make ya do anything, well... ya didn't wanna? Ah hope ya know what Ah mean, Ah... don't wanna have to spell it out." Derpy went back to staring at the wall. "You do... know what Ah mean, right? Derpy?" Swallowing, Derpy slowly nodded. "He did... didn't he?" Breathing for both became heavy. "Derpy, please dun tell me he did something bad to you..."

"He did," Derpy said, looking up. She could feel herself scowling. "But... not like you think. It was later that things weren't so good. I promise nothing bad happened like that."

Applejack heaved yet another heavy sigh.

"Well, that's good...," she said, Derpy felt she was shaking her head. "Very good. Not that things went bad, but that he didn't hurt ya like that. That would've been... well, pretty awful."

"He did hurt me, Applejack. Really!"

Derpy looked up to see Applejack placing both hooves on her head and rubbing circles.

"Okay, please, jus'... tell me what happened, 'fore I get a headache." She chuckled. "This is starting to go in circles, and I'm not likin' that."

Derpy reached out and gently touched Applejack's hind leg with a hoof.

"I'm sorry, Applejack... I don't want to make you mad or give you a headache."

Applejack smiled, patting Derpy's hoof before pulling back a couple inches.

"You're not, Derpy... guess Ah'm jus' confused, is all. Must be nothing compared to what you went through, though."

Derpy pulled her hoof back and rested in a ball, looking up again to see Applejack looking at her with a smile. Derpy took a breath.

"I guess it started a couple days ago... I don't really know, though. I think Thunderlane always hated me. Really."

"That's really... terrible, Derpy." She felt Applejack patting her on the shoulder. "Look, jus' tell me what you think happened. Ah'm a smart mare... Ah can help ya figure it out when you're done, if it'll make you feel better."

"Okay."

The two looked at each other. Derpy trusted Applejack, and could already feel all those words wanting to come out. Even drunk as she was, she wanted to make sure she said them right. She knew it was the only way she'd feel better.

* * *

It was a cool night for the season as Rainbow Dash flew higher and higher towards Thunderlane's house in the clouds. She had one thing on her mind, and that was getting to the bottom of what happened with him and everypony.

"Come on, come on," she hissed, despite already being a blur. If she flew much faster, half of Equestria would hate her for months due to the Sonic Rainboom she'd set off in the middle of the night. She couldn't think about that, though... Thunderlane's home was in sight.

Coming to a screeching halt, Rainbow let out a sigh. She couldn't do it like this.

Okay, Rainbow. It's the middle of the night and you're not going to get anywhere yelling... as much as you might want to. She gritted her teeth. But... you know Thunderlane is there, so just go up and knock already!

She didn't even realize she'd already stopped in front of his steps.

Okay, so... I guess here we go.

Ascending the few steps, she tapped on his door. In her opinion her knocking wasn't that hard, just hard enough to wake him up... it she'd tapped much harder, though, she'd have left a dent. She put an ear to the door.

I am sooo gunna start shouting soon. She paused, taking a breath. No... you're supposed to be the boss, remember? Act professional, like Miss Harshwhinny said.

She tapped again, a few more times and towards the middle of the door... thinking because of the way it was constructed it might resonate better. It anything that muffled it, just slightly.

"Grrr..." Rainbow took in some air, getting ready to yell, when she heard the most gentle of hoofsteps trotting behind the door. That can't be Thunderlane.

The door opened and, before it was even open enough for Dash to see the pony behind it, she heard a familiar voice.

"Derpy, just go home," said Spring Step, softly but firmly. "I know you're probably very sorry for what you did, but he just wants you to go aw-"

The two were looking directly at each other.

"Hi," Rainbow Dash said, feeling lip lip twitch. "Remember me?" Spring Step's eyes were a bit wide, but not enough to suggest that she was scared. She wore a bathrobe, but didn't look wet. Not that Rainbow even noticed. "So, um... where were you?"

As Spring Step took a breath to speak, Rainbow found herself looking beyond the mare to see Thunderlane sitting down the hall, she guessed in a kitchen chair. Lilac Sky was to his left holding what looked like an icepack to the side of his face.

"We're sick, Rainbow," Lilac answered for her friend.

"Yes, sick," Thunderlane said. "Go home, Rainbow Dash... you don't want it, and I'm in no mood for you and your grating voice right now."

Rainbow stood there, looking at Thunderlane down the hall... feeling the door gradually close. She put up a hoof against it.

"H-hey!" She pushed back and the door snapped against the wall, Spring Step backing up.

"You'd better not have just put a hole in my wall," said Thunderlane, shaking his head. "So... I guess you wanna come over here and chat for a bit, huh? Well, then, okay... if it means you'll go away. We can talk."

Rainbow found her hooves taking her inside. She looked over as Spring Step hung back, then at Thunderlane. She felt almost antsy, as much as she didn't want to admit it, but this needed to be figured out.

"Why couldn't I find these two?" she asked Thunderlane, getting up to the table, noticing all the ponies were in their bathrobes.

The stallion smiled.

"Why're you asking me, Rainbow?" He gestured to the two, on both sides of the room. "Ask them. I'm not responsible for what other ponies do."

She looked over at Lilac Sky, as Thunderlane took the icepack from her and held it firmly. Rainbow found herself tapping a hoof.

"Well? I'm waiting."

"We, um... got really sick today. Thunderlane had talked about the three of us getting together last night, and well... I guess we all slept in when you came to the door."

Rainbow couldn't help scowling.

"I heard from him. My question was why didn't I hear from either of you?"

"They were passed out when you came to my door, Rainbow. How was I supposed to know they weren't going to come in? Both were due in four hours after me."

"You could've at least told me they were here with you!"

"Come on, Rainbow...," Thunderlane smiled, looking past Rainbow Dash to Spring Step, then over at Lilac Sky. "I'm not going to do that to these two. We're all in... let's call it a 'quarantine'. At least we were together, not spreading it around."

"I missed lunch because of all of you! Twelve hours in the sky with no food and no extra hooves! That's- ... that's not right!"

Thunderlane nodded, removing the ice pack for a moment.

"I'm really sorry, Rainbow. I never meant for you to go without food. Honest."

Rainbow opened her mouth again in preparation to speak when she saw, between Thunderlane's left eye and ear, a small, horseshoe-shaped bruise.

"Um, wow... somepony clocked you pretty good, there, buddy."

He placed the ice pack back on his face.

"Yeah, I found out Derpy's got a pretty nasty haymaker."

Rainbow swallowed hard.

"Wh- ... what?"

Thunderlane let out a sigh.

"Derpy did this, Rainbow. The same Derpy we all work with." He removed the icepack again to show her the damage. "I broke up with her yesterday, she barged in here despite my telling her to go away, over and over, with a present for me thinking that would magically make everything okay. When I got angry enough to start name-calling, which was completely my fault by the way... she hit me square in the face. I could've easily stopped it, but I didn't think it was going to hurt as much as it did or leave this nasty bruise."

Rainbow stared at the mark on the stallion's face. It wasn't big, but it was prominently visible. It looked like a blow a hoof boxer might've dealt.

"She was harassing me, Rainbow." Thunderlane sighed. "Even you would have told her where to go. I just wanted peace and to get on with business as usual... but she was too dense to take the hint. You know how she can be."

Rainbow didn't realize it, but her face had softened. She was nodding. She forced the scowl back up... this wasn't right.

"This wasn't an accident, Rainbow," said Lilac Sky, standing beside Thunderlane, leaning on his table. "She didn't throw her gift at him, she hit him in the face. Hard. I was asleep, but Springy heard their voices."

Rainbow's eyes drifted toward Spring Step, who nodded, taking a sudden interest in her hooves.

"He said some really... hurtful things to her." She looked at Thunderlane. "You really did. I'm still kind of mad at you for all that, and... I could've helped you, but by the time I wanted to get up you were saying all this bad stuff to her and it was too late. It was stuff I'd probably hit somepony if they said to me, and I don't like hitting." She looked back at Rainbow. "Um... it took him a long time to get that angry, though. He just kept telling her to go home and go away. He wasn't even hinting."

"With Derpy, I wouldn't," Thunderlane added, plainly. "I was quite clear that she was not welcome in my home and that I was sick and didn't want to give it to her."

Spring Step sighed, scowling over at Thunderlane, before rolling her eyes and turning back to Rainbow.

"Okay, so thinking about what I heard Derpy say, maybe he didn't make it super clear they'd broken up when they did, and that does seem kind of cruel, but I don't know. I wasn't there... I just heard stuff through the door, half-asleep after I felt cold when Thunderlane left. I'm not feeling well, Rainbow... none of us are. We were throwing up most of the afternoon and I'd be cranky if Derpy was pestering me like that. I might even say something mean after a while."

Rainbow stood there, in the middle of Thunderlane's kitchen, slack-jawed.

What do I say? What do I say? What do I say...? Suddenly she had, as the griffin expression goes, bigger fish to fry than just a few ponies who didn't show up for work. Thunderlane smiled in his typical way... a way that made Rainbow always want to wipe it off with a hoof. She scowled. Not helping.

Thunderlane removed the ice pack again, looking over at the two mares in his kitchen.

"Tell Rainbow the truth here, Spring... you heard Derpy hit me, right?"

Spring Step turned to Thunderlane again. Dash saw her bearing down on her teeth.

"I heard Derpy yelling and I heard you stumble... shouting that Derpy hit you in the ear, or something. It didn't make a whole lot of sense until I came out and saw you laid out on the floor and the door wide open."

"Did I mention Derpy made a mess Springy just barely got to cleaning up before you arrived?" He smiled at her, Rainbow noted, more tolerably than he usually would. "Thanks, by the way."

"Yeah, sure." She leaned into him lightly, smiling. Lilac sky, leaned over the table towards him as well.

"You know, Thunderlane isn't that bad of a guy if you spend a little time with him," she said, reaching over and rubbing his back. "He can be a pretty arrogant lug, but if you know that and call him out on it when he goes too far... he's a total teddy bear." She kissed the back of his head, Spring Step looking over and smiling, with a blush, at the display.

Rainbow found herself wanting to gag.

"Keep that to yourself," she said, taking a deep breath. "You three want to share a bed, that's fine. But I don't want to know about it! Not even a little."

"Okay, fair enough," said Thunderlane. "How is Applejack doing, by the way? Cider season's a good six months away, I'm sure she has to work a lot lately."

Rainbow took a deep breath, holding it in for a second.

"H- hey, I did not come here to talk about Applejack!" she replied through gritted teeth. "Just don't... don't mention her again, okay?"

Thunderlane put up his hoof.

"Okay, sorry..." he said, plainly. "I just hope you're doing okay, that's all. Cider season's like a regular party. I'm sure you and a few of your friends are looking forward to it. Actually, I could totally go for one right now, but I'm still kind of sick and, I'm sure you know, drinking when you're sick is no good."

Rainbow's eyes went wide. They narrowed on Thunderlane. She wasn't always quickest on the uptake, but she knew when she was being poked and prodded. She got an idea... a very reasonable idea:

"Just prove to me that you're sick," she said, looking at the three. "Any one of you. If you can prove that, I won't bother you again about it. Deal?"

Thunderlane nodded.

"Okay..." Thunderlane looked over at Spring Step, who pulled back from the table then headed down the hall to a room on the side. "Our barf bucket was flushed after I got up. We stopped puking a bit after lunchtime... not that we ate. It's in the bathroom, waiting to be washed out. You can smell it, if you want."

Rainbow shuttered.

"Erf... No, thank you!"

"All of our tissues ended up in the same place, down the toilet..." Rainbow felt Spring Step come up behind her and made way as she crossed in front of Thunderlane, a small glass thermometer in hoof, she was shaking. "We are feeling a lot better, I'd say, but... if it would help for me to show you that I'm sick, we can do that." Thunderlane opened his mouth and Spring Step stuck the thermometer under his tongue. "Can't talk for a minute, you know."

"Something isn't adding up here," Rainbow Dash said. "This doesn't feel right... none of you even look sick."

"Rainbow," said Lilac Sky, looking directly at the mare. Thunderlane looked, too. "We got together last night, we had some grown-up fun, you know what happened. We went to sleep afterwards and all woke up sweaty and sick in the middle of the day. We've been asleep most of today and we're just starting to feel better now. Honest."

"It's true," said Spring Step, leaning on the table. "It would be pretty stupid of us to continue sleeping with a sick stallion if we weren't sick, too."

Rainbow Dash looked at Thunderlane.

"Well, you were pretty sweaty this morning, but... if you're really sick, then it's going to show up. Temperatures always rise at night! Especially for pegasus."

Thunderlane shrugged.

Rainbow stood silently as she heard the clock ticking in Thunderlane's kitchen. All three ponies in front of her exchanged glances, Spring Step looking the most troubled to Rainbow, but Lilac Sky put a hoof on her shoulder and the look melted away. She then reached out to Thunderlane, rubbing his upper barrel, and Spring Step again giggled.

Ick.

Thunderlane pulled out the thermometer and passed it directly to Rainbow Dash.

"I don't even have to look at it. I know it's around 100 degrees. I'm still feeling kind of achy, so if you don't mind, after you eye-ball that I think we've been disturbed enough for tonight. Though I do have one more thing I'd like to talk about... as your underling. We all would, actually, and it shouldn't take very long."

As Thunderlane was talking, Rainbow looked into the thermometer. It took a bit of turning to see the mercury inside (she preferred the digital type, quicker, plus they beeped) but she saw the line plain as day. It was just over 100 degrees, as Thunderlane had said.

"What?" Rainbow said, setting thermometer down on the stallion's table. "What do you want?"

"We were going to talk to you when we went in to work," said Spring Step. "I thought it would be better if we just showed up early."

"But since you're already here...," added Lilac Sky.

"Would you just fill me in already?" Rainbow rubbed her temples. "You're being so... gosh darn cryptic it's driving me nuts. This is the time to just say what's on your mind."

Thunderlane sighed.

"Rainbow, I won't beat around the bush anymore -- Derpy assaulted me." Thunderlane took the icepack down again, reminding her of the bruise. "That's pretty serious. I've got a witness who heard enough, too. I think you know what that means, and I think it's fair for you to tell me what we're going to do about this tonight, because I have a couple of thoughts, and I need to know that things are going to be okay." The stallion coughed, then pushed out a seat with one of his hind legs to where Rainbow was standing. "You can sit if you want." He looked around the table. "I think we all should."

"Can't this wait?" Rainbow asked, looking down at the short stool. "I can just tell her not to come in for a few more days... she looked pretty terrible this morning, so I believe you already. You're all sick, okay?"

"Sit. Please... I'm sick, and it will calm me down."

Rainbow shifted, looking towards the exit behind her, which seemed so far off.. but she could make it there in a dash. Too bad it was closed, it would be too awkward if she couldn't just bolt leaving a rainbow trail.

"Um... I don't want to get sick," she said, continuing to look back. "I'll do something, just don't make me have to decide right now. You're hitting me with a lot at once. It's... it's not right to throw all this at me."

"Rainbow, Derpy assaulted me," Thunderlane repeated, more slowly this time. "If you don't sit I'm going to have to go to down to Ponyville tomorrow morning to talk to a different type of blue pony... one that will do something. I'll repeat what happened -- she forced her way in here, then didn't leave when I told her I was sick and asked her very nicely to go. When I finally got mad enough to start insulting her she hit me. Hard. This does not look good for her... and you're trying to wiggle out of helping isn't going to look good either. It doesn't matter what I said to her, and you know it."

Rainbow felt herself scowling. She shook, grinding her hooves against the stallion's floor. She let out a hard breath.

"Fine!" Sitting down in the stool Dash found herself scowling. "But I'm only doing this because I don't want to see her get in that kind of trouble. She's... well, she's really nice. Maybe even okay. Besides, you're, like, twice her size, anyway."

"I didn't fight back because I'm sick and I didn't want to hurt her." Rainbow looked at Thunderlane. He had that same smile she saw every day she just couldn't stand... smug, arrogant, mean. "This won't take long... I just want to know I'm safe at work. She's probably going to harass me, you know, unless we can all agree on something."

Looking between the stallion and mares, she realized seated on either side of him, Rainbow knew this wasn't going to be good. Even though she didn't want to be involved in all this she'd still try. She didn't exactly like Derpy..., but she didn't hate her, either.

The mare took a breath and sighed, tempted to slam her head into Thunderlane's table all ready.

"Just tell me your ideas, already."

* * *

Applejack took a breath and let it out slowly. Derpy had said a lot, very slowly and deliberately... Applejack had given her ample time, because she knew it would be tough. Derpy had been talking for almost an hour, but she had finally come to a natural stopping point, and it wasn't just because she was tired. While Applejack could understand where Derpy was coming from, she didn't exactly like what she had heard. Though, from the sound of things, Derpy had not done anything malicious. They lay beside each other on the big bed, like they used to on the fields outside as fillies.

She was able to come to a similar conclusion to what everypony in Thunderlane's kitchen had... well, everypony except for Rainbow Dash, who was still listening, and their conversation was wrapping up by this point. Not that Applejack would have known that. It was just herself and her friend... alone. Applejack certainly felt more than an ounce of the alienation Derpy had spent almost two days walking around with. She barely even knew Thunderlane, but if at one time Derpy had said he was okay, and if at worst he had rubbed Rainbow the wrong way, that wasn't cause for alarm... Dash was pretty selective about ponies she liked to keep as friends, anyway, and she could over react sometimes.

"Whew," the farm pony said. "Derpy... it sounds like he did some pretty awful things to ya and, from what yer tellin' me, didn't even say you two weren't together anymore, but... yeah. Ya got mad, real mad. That's pretty normal. Even Ah probably would've done what you did, especially after all that work for him." She took a breath, looking over at her gray friend. "Look... there ain't a whole lot Ah can actually do here, but don't worry about that bottle. Ya told me how much it cost and I'll gladly give ya a few bits to make up for it. It's the least Ah can do after what you've been through. Don't mean to brag, but it ain't nothing to us, really."

Derpy's face twitched and Applejack realized she was smiling. She still looked pale and tired, but was genuinely smiling.

"You're really nice, Applejack," she said.

"Yeah, yeah...," the farm pony replied. "Ah just... don't wanna see ya hurt. Ya gotta move on. There'll be other ponies for you to like, and if they get to know you half as well as Ah do they're just gunna love-... err, they're gunna like ya a lot. Love comes later... ya gotta know a pony a while first. Sometimes it takes years, other times not so long. You can't jump into these things, though."

Derpy blinked.

"But you and Rainbow Dash only knew each other for a month when you first dated."

"That's what Ah meant by 'sometimes'... it's hard to predict these things. Ya jus'... let 'em happen. Gotta have an open heart." Applejack smiled. "Ah believed for a long time Ah'd be too busy to have another pony in ma life. Rainbow's feisty, carefree personality and lifestyle... well, it just meshes with mine so well. You'll find a pony like that. You'll love him like Ah love Rainbow, and he'll love you so much back... Ah promise. You're too wonderful a mare to just pass up."

Derpy looked away, turning so her side was facing Applejack.

"I thought I'd found a pony like that..."

It was Applejack's turn to blink.

"What'd ya mean? ... from what you've told me you're much better off without Thunderlane. Like, a whole lot. Somepony who ain't gunna take you to places you can't afford jus' so he can lord it over ya and act all magnanimous-like. That's what Ah think he was doin'. Honest."

Derpy winced, taking a breath.

"Aww, hey, now... I jus' kinda got angry there and-"

"It's okee." Derpy nodded. "You- ... you're right. I was pretty silly not to see that."

"Derpy..." Applejack tapped her side. "Look at me." Slowly, Derpy did as she was told. "Derpy, you were caught up in the moment... you thought you'd found somepony special and, well... you got misled into a mistake. Life is about makin' those. Ah know it hurts, and I know it hurts even worse thinking that he might've done some of those things on purpose just 'cause he wanted to see how far he could take things... but you're a good mare, a strong one. Ah wish I was more like you, 'cause you can bounce back from anything. Ya just thought he was something he wasn't... it's a lesson, and he was practice for the next who truly deserves ya."

"I really thought he was going to be like Rainbow Dash." Derpy sighed. "He seemed so confident and neat, and I liked that."

"W- what?" Applejack blinked again. "Derpy, from what you just told me he's nothing like Rainbow. If anything... he seems like some sorta brash narcissist."

"But Rainbow Dash is so sure of herself, and not afraid to be tough, or do anything to get stuff done... he's really big and I felt like he could do anything. I- I really liked that about him. Maybe... well, I thought I did. I felt safe, and I know that... and maybe like I could be more like that if I spent time with him." Derpy sighed. "I think maybe it might've made me happy to know I was being like you, Applejack. You and Rainbow always look so nice together, and you always manage to plan a little time for each other, just like I was trying to do for him."

Again, though with one hoof this time, Applejack rubbed circles by her temple.

"Slow down, there, sugarcube..." She sighed. "Ah get what you're sayin', and Ah why you're sayin' it... but..." The farm pony let out a deep breath, reaching over and giving her gray friend a tight hug, before patting her on the bottom and hearing her diapers crinkle. She pulled away, looking Derpy directly in the eyes. "Okay... here's the thing. What's done is done, all right? Ya learned somethin' from this, and that's what's important. Now I'm gunna get up in a minute, 'cause I think we're both talked out, but Ah want you to tell me two things before Ah go... and Ah want one to be a promise. Ya got me?"

Derpy nodded, and Applejack smiled, getting up and collecting her hat. She put the package of diapers on the foot of the bed.

"Firstly, and this is important... did you have any plans for tomorrow? I'm gunna get you Doctor Stable, bring him here, but Ah gotta know so Ah can cancel your plans for you and tell any ponies you're completely indisposed. That means sick as all get out."

Derpy paused for a moment.

"Um... I was just going to see Doctor Stable about what happened with Thunderlane."

"You told me that earlier while we were talkin'. That's all you were gunna do. Right?"

Again, Derpy nodded.

"Okay, then. This second one ya don't gotta do, but Ah really want you to promise me this 'cause I think it's a good idea. Heck, Ah think it's a great idea, and it'll probably be somethin' you'll be perfectly alright with."

Derpy sat up a bit, looking slightly better than she had when Applejack first came in.

"What's that?"

"When you find another stallion you wanna date and spend time with, it might not hurt to bring him over here for dinner, after a date or two. Show him off and all that. Just ask me, and I'll work it out with Granny Smith and everypony else. Deal?"

Derpy smiled.

"Deal."

Applejack sighed.

"Okay, then... you need sleep, and so do I. How 'bout we see how you're feeling in the morning, and if you're up to it, either me or Granny Smith'll bring you a little breakfast in bed before Doctor Stable arrives. It'll prolly be me, as Ah can't speak for Granny, but after what she did for you earlier... Ah don't think she's gunna mind. In fact, she's prolly expectin' it, which means Ah jus' gotta beat her to it."

Derpy blushed, but then giggled. Applejack smiled.

"Already, you're lookin' so much better." She turned towards the door and approached, looking back one final time. "Lights on, or off?"

"On, please... I wanna know where I am if I wake up suddenly like that again."

Applejack laughed.

"Fair enough. Night, Derpy. Rest up... ya got all the time in Equestria now. We ain't gunna let anything bad happen to ya. Promise."

"I know. Good night Applejack... and thank you so much for talking to me."

"Don't mention it."

The farm pony then opened the door and closed it behind herself, not looking back. She stood in the hallway for a moment, listening to her own breath, the house completely dark save the living room and the bathroom's nightlight down the hall. Putting on her hat, she lowered her head, shaking.

Holy cow.

She looked up and down the hall, focusing on her own bedroom door for a while. It was something that was dark and not moving... it felt good. Though she acted calm with Derpy, there were times she could feel her heart racing in her chest. It was just starting to slow down. There were also times she wanted to yell... not at her little, gray friend, but just in general. She was able to figure out so much just from what Derpy had told her, and knowing Thunderlane wasn't honest with her was enough. Derpy didn't lie, but she could misunderstand... which is what got her where she was, but that didn't matter. Derpy didn't feel bad about losing anything to him, and that's what did matter. It was just too bad she'd hit him in his own home.

Applejack slowly crept into the living room, past Granny Smith who was still snoring in the rocking chair. Click. The light was off. She then crept to the foyer and towards the front door, which she gently opened, stepping outside... then down the porch where she gently pushed open the screen door. There she looked up on the stars and the moon, straightening her hat. At least it had become a pretty clear night.

A little space would do her some good. At this point Applejack was sure she'd be alone -- no Derpy, no Apple Bloom, Granny Smith, or Rainbow Dash. The silence was nice. No thoughts, either. Maybe in fifteen minutes she'd head in and to bed, but... that wouldn't be for a while yet.

3, 6 -- "Tides"

"Tides"
3, 6

Things in life have a way of just happening.

Months passed and Derpy found herself with Applejack for a surprise visit. For a while Derpy was talking about all the grown-up things she had been doing when Applejack was away (yet she still wasn't big enough to make a trip to the Acres by herself), and Applejack talked about all the fun times she had at camp with a new friend she called Rara. Rara's full name was Color-ra something, not Rarity, but Applejack said she was okay with just being called Rara so that's what they called her. Derpy was just happy to hear Applejack's voice again, so she let her talk and talk. She talked longer than Derpy wanted to talk about her own things, but that was okay.

Mommy was in the hospital again. While out all together a couple days before Granny Smith had said something quietly about being "late", but that didn't mean anything to Derpy or anypony else... except Mommy and Amethyst, who just nodded and agreed out loud. Amethyst said "it's a bit uncomfortable, all things considered." Mommy decided to go to the Doctor's early the next day, and he sent her to the hospital. Derpy only saw and heard this all because she liked to walk in the back. She could go almost anywhere by herself without a grown-up, so she didn't need to walk in the front anymore and that was kind of nice.

This was easy to forget, though, so why would it matter?

Derpy and Applejack found themselves playing in the field a day after making the trip. They ran by hundreds of apple trees. Derpy could almost catch Applejack, except for a stumble here and there if she tried to run too fast. She never landed on her face or twisted an ankle, which Mommy had said might happen, but... Mommy wasn't there, and that was okay.

Though Nightmare Night was almost a month away, it was still warmer weather -- hat and scarf, but not jacket weather. Many of the presents Derpy had gotten for her Cute-ceañera were finally put to use: the hat and scarf set Rarity and Fluttershy made her, as well as the big saddlebags Big Mac had gotten her. The bags held everything she needed for a trip, even what she needed at night for more than one day, and they were really strong. Applejack's blanket stayed on Derpy and Mommy's bed since she got it, it was so nice and warm they would probably start sleeping under it again real soon after they all got back.

Outside there weren't any other ponies around. Big Mac was off on the other side of the orchard, harvesting apples. It was their spot to play in, just Derpy and Applejack... surrounded by the orchard, and their own laughter. It was nice.

Being alone in the tree house with Applejack when it was almost dark was also nice, too. Looking out at the end of the day over the endless apple trees, seeing the last of the fireflies twinkling before the beginnings of winter, when all the pegasus started bringing out the heavier clouds made Derpy imagine what it must be like to have a job up there. She was happy to just be with Applejack, though, talking about anything. It didn't matter, she was always fun, and in the end Derpy always wanted to come back here. It was cold, though... especially as it got dark, but that was okay. The two of them fell asleep in the tree house, only to wake up tangled together in their own forelegs as Big Macintosh bellowed:

"Applejack! Derpy! Dinnertime!"

It was neat to wake up so close to a friend. Applejack was the closest pony to being like Mommy Derpy knew. She could make Derpy feel happy, in the same way, just by talking to her.

It was also nice that, for the little while the two were asleep... Derpy slept dry. Good thing their nap happened only once.

* * *

They were together for almost four days. After the morning chores, which Derpy helped with, they usually went to school then played on the acres after homework, which they did together. On the forth day when they came back inside for a snack and drink, Derpy saw Dinky playing alongside Apple Bloom in the living room. Amethyst was sitting on a chair nearby, her eyes closed until she heard Derpy approach.

"I'd know those hoofsteps," she said, with a grin. "Hi, Derpy."

The young mare opened her eyes, and only had to motion to herself for Derpy to know the two had to talk. Her facial expression was strange. It wasn't angry, or annoyed, or even sad... it was almost sleepy-looking. Applejack walked up with Derpy... being together made talking easier. Amethyst rubbed her temples, looking at the two:

"Your mom comes home tomorrow, kid," she said to Derpy, briefly smiling at Applejack. "I need you to come home and work your magic with me. Thought I could do it myself, but... you know, many hooves make light work. I... I thought of you, Derpy. Together we're gunna neaten up the house before she comes back. Maybe one of the Apples, too, so I can watch Dinky better. It'll be fun. What'd ya say?"

Derpy answered without hesitation:

"Okee."

"Ah'll come!" Applejack volunteered. "That is... if Granny says it's okay."

Again, Amethyst smiled, sighing a bit.

"You- you're good kids... we'll get the whole house looking nice in a matter of hours."

Derpy couldn't help smiling, not just because of what Amethyst said but because of something else she'd come to expect:

"Will the baby be with Mommy when she gets home?"

Amethyst smiled again, quietly sighing. She bit her lip.

"I'm... I'm not sure about that." She looked over at Dinky and Apple Bloom. "Your Mom just wants me to tell you everything's okay. She hasn't told me much, but I know it's a colt pegasus with adorable little wings. He's gray and blonde, just like you. Last we talked your mom hasn't given him a name yet... but she will."

"Oh." Derpy blinked for a moment. "That's neat. I've got a little brother!""

"Yup, yup. That you do!"

"Congrats, Derpy!" exclaimed Applejack, practically right in the filly's ear. She jumped. "Ooohh.... sorry."

Derpy smiled:

"It's okee." She turned back to Amethyst. "Um... can I please go see Mommy before I go home? At the hospital?"

"Well, um..." Amethyst looked off to the side. "Your Mom needs to rest a bit. Having this foal... he took a lot out of her. They had to take him out with surgery then give your Mom all this medicine afterwards. She told me they had to do the same thing when you were born, and you came out alright. She'll probably be home tomorrow afternoon, but he might need to stay a day or two more. You trust me to do what's best for you and your mom... right?"

"Uh-huh!"

Derpy felt a pat on her shoulder, and felt Applejack smiling at her:

"Sometimes foals have ta stay in the hospital for a lil while after they're born. Makes sense the mom's might have to, just as well! Perfectly normal."

Amethyst let out a much bigger sigh than before, beaming a grin.

"You know what? I love you, kids." She reached over, giving Derpy a noogie. "You're so easy to get along with, and Applejack..." She turned to the farm filly. "You're a good influence on her. Really! I'm proud of you, too."

"Shucks..." Applejack put a hoof behind her head. "Ah just try to say and do what makes sense, Ah guess. Like everypony else!"

"I really wish that were the case. Really, I do." The young mare got up. "We'll leave in an hour or so. I-... I gotta rest, think things over. I kinda rushed over here after I talked to your mom. She needs rest a lot more than me. She's counting on you and me, and if Granny Smith lets her... Applejack, too. All for tomorrow."

"Ah'm sure she'll let me, knowing what we're all doin'."

This felt neat, being counted on. Sure, Mommy asked Derpy to do things sometimes, and Amethyst, too, even Granny Smith, but... this was different. It had never happened like this before, and Applejack was coming, too. They'd all be working together to do one special thing just for Mommy.

* * *

A couple hours later the three were back at Mommy's house. Granny Smith said it would be "Good for Applejack to help y'all out," so there she was. All of them would have all come, but Granny Smith said quietly to Amethyst, "it's gettin' late... apples don't harvest themselves, and'sides... Ah gotta finish cookin' supper. For two fillies less now. S'alright, though! Can't predict everything... wouldn't 've hurt to have Big Mac out yesterday, though, or the day before. Anyways, dun mind me. Have a safe trip back!"

Even the Apples couldn't be expected to drop everything and be happy about sudden changes... Derpy could certainly understand and appericate that.

When they got in Derpy started cleaning up the bedroom, while Applejack picked up the living room. Dinky and Amethyst stayed in the kitchen, Amethyst cleaning the counter, floor and dishes. They could shout to each other from room-to-room, and while Derpy didn't like to shout (she also didn't like the echo it made when she wasn't facing the bed) it was kind of fun. Something Mommy probably wouldn't have allowed, but Amethyst was okay with it, so that's what they did. The bedroom was probably the messiest place in the whole house, but Derpy cleaned it quick... she knew where everything went and must have been getting pretty good because she was done quicker than Amethyst or Applejack.

Once she was done in the bedroom, Derpy moved on to the bathroom. After a while Applejack joined her, but by that time Derpy was almost done with the very last of the cleaning, finishing up with the mirror. When the farm filly came in, Derpy was so focused she didn't notice Applejack making a face, sticking her tongue out. When she saw it in the reflection Derpy did the same, and the two laughed. She sort of minded Applejack standing in the doorway, blocking it, as she finished up... but she didn't say anything.

After that there wasn't much more to clean inside the house, but in four days outside plenty of leaves had fallen.

"I'm gunna vacuum in here," Amethyst said, looking out at the yard from the window. "Dinky probably isn't gunna like the noise, but I'll try to be quick."

Applejack spoke:

"Well, Ah can watch her if you-"

Amethyst put a hoof up, closing her eyes for a moment.

"This shouldn't take long. While I'm vacuuming I want you two to please rake the yard. We've only got one rake, so one of you will have to hold the bag open. It's team work, like on the farm... I think you two work kinda well together, and Derpy likes being outside without having to worry about Dinky pulling on her tail or suddenly crying."

Derpy nodded, taking a sudden interest in her hooves. She couldn't help smiling.

The pegasus then felt a foreleg gently resting on her back. Out of the corner of her good eye Derpy could see Applejack was smiling, but she pretended not to notice because it... it felt funny. Amethyst cleared her throat, and Derpy looked at her with Applejack, both of them standing up straight.

"Everything okay?" she asked the two. "You girls understand what's expected of you, right?"

Derpy nodded.

"Yup! Yup!"

"Yes, ma'am!"

Amethyst sighed.

"Good."

Without another word, Amethyst picked up Dinky and took her from the kitchen towards the hall. Derpy and Applejack went in the other direction, grabbing the box of leaf bags and rake from the closet by the door on their way out.

* * *

Derpy was used to sweeping, but raking was still new to her. Amethyst usually did it, sometimes Big Mac, and even Mommy, but... Derpy just usually swept the steps. Applejack watched her, with the box in hoof.

"Dun mind me," the farm filly said, as Derpy looked up. "Ah know to give ya a lil space, so you can figure it out fer yerself, now."

Derpy smiled, going back to it.

In what seemed like a minute (but was actually about three) Derpy figured out the best way to stand with the rake. All was silent for a bit as she tried, setting the wide end down, pulling leaves towards her. It all happened easily enough. She then lifted and let the rake back out. It was a lot like sweeping, actually. Applejack finally spoke, after the leaves began to move in large clumps:

"You're doing just fine!" She took a step forward. "Won't take long at this rate... prolly even have time to play fer a bit!"

Derpy continued to pull the rake towards herself, slowly. The pile of leaves steadily grew bigger and bigger as time went on. As this was happening the farm filly talked and told her a few jokes, Derpy could only guess to help pass the time. She didn't mind.

Applejack's jokes really... weren't all that funny, but Applejack's way of telling them could sometimes be. Her voice could get very silly, especially when she got going. There was one type of joke, however, that Derpy didn't like, especially while something like this was going on. Again, she didn't say anything:

"Hey, Derpy... knock, knock..."

With that type of joke Derpy had to stop and ask something, then think... waiting for Applejack to say the funny part. It wasn't usually very funny, but she still laughed.

Applejack also had this strange way of telling those jokes... leaning over and looking up so Derpy had to look at her. Derpy just looked away. That was okay, especially since she had to focus.

When the pile grew big enough, Applejack pulled a bag out and helped Derpy pick up the leaves on the rake. Fortunately Mommy had the huge plastic rake and not the small metal one like on the farm, but it was still really tough for Derpy to keep leaves from falling off. This happened more than a few times.

"Trade places?" Applejack suggested, after watching a few unsuccessful attempts.

"Um..." Derpy shifted a bit. "Okee, I guess."

Derpy gave Applejack the rake and was now holding the bag... it was tricky, too, but she managed to hold it open big enough. Applejack took much bigger clumps of leaves at one time than Derpy was able to. All the while she kept talking and joking... something Derpy couldn't do without spilling the leaves. Once that was done Applejack started raking, making much bigger piles faster than Derpy had. Watching this, Derpy bit her lip, all the while Applejack continued talking and joking... Derpy knew Applejack was just doing her best. She continued to look up at her from time to time while joking.

It's okay, it's okay..., she thought to herself. It certainly was, but that didn't necessarily mean it didn't bother her.

At the end of the day, when the first of the fireflies came out, Derpy sat on her swing... two hours later it was all done. Applejack stood behind her, gently pushing, making her swing go back and forth. The breeze, combined with Applejack's pushing, felt nice.... though if it got much colder it wouldn't be fun anymore.

Derpy heard the door open, then felt Applejack turn away. She found herself slowing down and managed to make the tire turn so she could just see Amethyst, who was looking out at the yard.

"You two did a good job!" she exclaimed. Derpy knew that to be true. She couldn't help smiling. "Before it gets dark, how's about a trip to Sugarcube Corner?"

The two fillies looked over at each other. Neither one would turn that invite down.

* * *

Dinky had stayed in Amethyst's hooves the whole time they were at the Corner... she kept her quiet, rocking her and hugging her.

They had dinner at the Corner -- home made mashed potatoes and sweet pea salad. It wasn't as sweet as Derpy had imagined it would taste, but Pinkie Pie brought it out to them with a smile.

"This must be what Pinkie wants to be when she grows up," said Amethyst, smiling at the filly. "Youre gunna be good at it, Pinkie. Best little waitress ever!"

"Aww, thanks!" Pinkie replied, blushing, leaving them to enjoy their meal. She bounced once she got a few steps from the kitchen.

Afterwards the meal they had ice cream milkshakes, which Amethyst invited Pinkie to enjoy with the group. She made room so Pinkie could sit in front of Applejack and they each picked a flavor -- Applejack had vanilla, Derpy had strawberry, and Pinkie had chocolate. It was nice to just sit, as friends... plus Pinkie's jokes could get a lot funnier than Applejack's... not that she would say anything. Amethyst wouldn't either, but she certainly agreed.

It was all over though, and they were on their way back to the Acres. It wasn't quite dark, but getting there... no moon, either. Dinky was in the stroller with Amethyst pushing her at the back, while Applejack and Derpy trotted towards the front. It didn't take Derpy long to mention tomorrow, but Amethyst heard her loud and clear, and responded:

"We're only taking Applejack home! We gotta get home, too, kid. That's why I had you bring your stuff back."

"Oh..." Derpy looked back. "Um, okay."

The pegasus could tell by the younger mare's face that this is what they had to do. She bit her lip. Looking forward she could already see apple trees coming up in the distance.

"S'alright, Derpy." Applejack smiled. "Ah'll see you in school tomorrow and maybe in a couple days, okay?" She placed her foreleg around Derpy's barrel and rubbed her shoulder. "Maybe even before if y'all can make it out into Ponyville!"

Derpy shrugged away Applejack's leg, moving a few steps to the side. She could hear Applejack's hoofsteps slow down, almost to a stop. She continued to walk at the same speed, though.

"You two okay?" Amethyst asked.

Derpy looked back.

"Uh-huh," she said.

"Yes, m'am!" Applejack replied.

Chuckling, Amethyst sped up a bit, placing herself between the two.

"Just call me Amethyst, Applejack. I'm barely older than Big Mac, afterall!"

The farm filly chuckled, putting a hoof to the back of her head.

"Oh, all right, Amethyst," she said. "Guess it just feels right 'cause yer bigger than me, and all."

Derpy looked up to see Amethyst's eyes on her. She then looked down at her hooves.

"It's no problem, Applejack," Amethyst replied. "I'm going to slow down now... I think you've both had a really exciting couple of days. Noe I just want you two to talk, and respect each other's personal space... okay?"

Applejack nodded.

"Alright."

Derpy continued to stare at the dirt road.

"Is that okay, Derpy?"

The filly nodded, looking over to see Amethyst slowing down. As she got to the back again the farm filly approached Derpy.

"Ya alright, Sugarcube?"

Derpy smiled.

"Yeah. I'm okee."

They didn't talk for a while after that, but that was okay. Applejack continued to walk alongside Derpy. Neither walked at a brisk pace, but still made it to the Acres soon enough. When they got close enough to see the farm's lights in the distance they stopped, Applejack taking a few steps forward before turning around to look at Derpy.

"Sleep well, alright? Y'all gotta get home and be ready for yer mom."

Despite being disappointed, Derpy found herself smiling. "Okee."

She approached Applejack, opening her foreleg. Applejack opened up her own and gave Derpy a hug.

"I had fun," the farm filly said.

"Me too."

With that Applejack and Derpy parted, trotting away from each other. It was quiet, Derpy didn't look back... partially because after four days she knew that would make her sad, but also because she knew Applejack would be back soon. Hopefully.

* * *

On the way home Derpy was already a lot more quiet than she had been for a while. They both were quiet for most of the walk... even Dinky didn't make a peep. Once they were away from the Acres, Amethyst asked a question:

"So, Derpy... do you want to talk about how Applejack touched you? You looked really uncomfortable."

Derpy looked over at the babysitter.

"Um... I-, uh... guess."

"We don't have to... I just want to make sure you're not uncomfortable with her."

"Um... I'm not, but..." Derpy sighed.

"It's okay, kid." Amethyst chuckled. "Ya don't have to say anything. I could always talk to Granny Smith for ya."

Derpy found herself grinding her forelegs against the dirt as she walked.

"No! Um... I guess I just don't like having my back touched like that. I don't like not being able to see it or know it's gunna happen. It makes me feel weird."

"Okay then, kid." Amethyst sighed. "Just remember me, your mom, of Granny Smith'll be here for ya if you need anything. You wanna talk to me, just ask."

"Okee."

They would be back in just a few minutes. Soon the pegasus would have something else to think about, anyway -- the idea of having a little brother, coming home with Mommy. She would forget about everything else.

3, 7 -- "Moonlight"

"Moonlight"
3, 7

Applejack looked off into the night sky. Except for a few chirping crickets it was completely silent. No breeze, no clouds, just stars and the moon. She let out a sigh.

She must've been outside a good forty minutes. It was relaxing to be out there, alone. Derpy was likely asleep. So was Apple Bloom and Big Macintosh. Hopefully they didn't overhear what Derpy had to say through the walls... they weren't exactly thin, but a word could carry here and there. Fortunately Big Mac was the closest, and he knew a thing or two about discretion. She could trust him... at times he could be a bit too reserved, which didn't always make him the most forthcoming about things.

Even Derpy, she would've thought, was exaggerating when she described hitting Thunderlane. He didn't exactly have the typical compact stallion body one might find in a pegasus... he wasn't much smaller than Big Mac, actually. Had Applejack not seen the half dozen or so hoof prints on Big Mac's back after he tried to pick Derpy up she would've chocked it up to the alcohol. But, thinking about it, Derpy was pretty strong...

She could leave a mark. That was the biggest problem.

Derpy was right to do it... Applejack could see herself doing the same thing in her place, for considerably less, but Thunderlane sounded almost... vindictive, from what Derpy had said.

"Ah don't really know Thunderlane," she'd realized and repeated several times already while standing outside by the tree. It was true. She did not know him, and saying it again and again didn't change that.

Applejack had met him so many times she'd lost count. It was hard not to run into most any pony while out in Ponyville. He seemed no different than any other stallion she saw throughout the day. Nothing special, maybe a teeny bit awkward, wanting to seem larger than life... but that's something some mares liked, so who was Applejack to judge? The pair had only been a couple for a few months and already several times she'd run into them together... he seemed okay for her. He was big, didn't say too much, took her places, and her face lit up whenever they talked about him ... that's all she really needed.

Derpy doesn't want much...

Besides he gave her more reason than just a job to go up in the clouds. She didn't like to fly, but Applejack believed exposure is the best medicine. All the Apples did. It worked for Derpy so far, and some extra incentive was just the cherry on top.

There was only one pony who didn't really like Thunderlane, and Applejack, playing the conversation she just had in her head, felt a little sick:

"I think maybe it might've made me happy to know I was being like you, Applejack."

Derpy described Thunderlane to me as arrogant. Rainbow describes Thunderlane to me as arrogant... Heh. Rainbow is arrogant. Silly Rainbow... it's quite different here, though. Quite different.

She looked up at the moon.

"Why should Ah have payed it any mind? Rainbow's the type of pony who can be 90% full of hogwash after she gets mad enough. It's kinda cute sometimes, but... no pony else complains about him. Not even Fluttershy or Rarity, and Ah think they'd be pretty in tune fer somepony like that. Makes no sense, but... why would he even ever talk to 'em past a howdy-do if he's like this?"

Derpy said she wants to be like you, Applejack. What're ya gunna do?

"Yeah, that's a problem..." She sighed, closing her eyes and rubbing her temples. "Boy, howdy-do is right. Wish Ah knew what Ah could do. Can't leave her now. Few hours Ah gotta go to plan... never enough time to rest." She yawned. "Never enough, and Ah don't even want to now."

She leaned against the tree, looking out at the orchard. So much time would be lost on this, a day if not longer, but Derpy was worth it. Two fold and then some, and she always would be. So would Granny, Big Mac, and Apple Bloom.

They've all dealt enough with this already. Besides, Apple Bloom can't go out to make this Doctor's appointment fer Derpy, and Ah wouldn't want her to anyway. It's inappropriate, to say the least.

Applejack would rest. This would be enough for her... she could make anything work, even on just a few hours of peace outside in the orchard by herself a bit before midnight.

* * *

The farm pony had pulled her hat down. She felt herself drifting in and out. It was still cool, but when it started warming up, with the sky turning orange... then it would be time to go.

"Applejack?" a familiar, gravelly voice seemed to echo behind her.

The farm pony almost jumped out of her skin, but turned around slowly. She saw the rainbow-maned pegasus slowly descend from above the tree line.

"Rainbow," she said quietly, continuing to lean against the apple tree. "Thought you'd be in bed by now."

The pegasus didn't flinch at the remark, though in any other scenario she probably would have gotten annoyed in spite of its real meaning.

"Just thought I'd check to see if there were any lights on, then go home. Saw you out here by the tree. Um... are you alright?"

Applejack smiled.

"No, Rainbow. No, Ah am not."

The pegasus sighed.

"Me neither."

Applejack smiled again, this time more directly at her Special Somepony.

"So ya came down here hoping ya could talk, then. Right?"

"Um... maybe."

"It's quite alright. Tell me... what's on your mind?"

"You first."

Applejack gritted her teeth.

"Ah... don't rightly wanna talk about it yet. Hope you understand."

"I do."

Both ponies smiled at each other, then Applejack sighed.

"So... how bad could yer problem be, then?"

"I think..." Dash swallowed. "I think I'm going to have to fire Derpy." There was a long gap of silence. Rainbow touched the ground, looking over at her Special Somepony who had taken a very sudden interest in the dirt. "Uh... Applejack?"

The farm pony put up a hoof. There was another break of silence in which she took a breath, exhaling slowly.

"Okay," she said, finally, looking up. "All right.... Ah get ya."

"I really don't want to."

"Ah know, Ah know... She went to his house in the middle of the night, barged in, didn't leave when he told her to scram, so he gave her both barrels and she ended up giving him a black-eye. That's pretty much the gist of it, right? "

"Actually, she hit him in the ear... but, yeah. You got it."

Applejack blinked. "Well... that actually sounds like it probably hurt a lot more."

"It does. Don't ask me how I know, but it does."

"Been hit by a branch, and, yeah... it smarts." Applejack sighed. "So... there ain't nothing we can do?"

"He's got a pretty big bruise... plus another pony heard them fighting."

"One of the couple in his room?"

"Yeah." Rainbow shook her head. "Derpy probably told you about all of this, huh?"

"Ee-yup. She's honest to a fault."

"Yeah..." Dash looked at the dirt, biting her lip. "Can't say that's ever really been a problem with her."

"Least it stacks up with what you've been told..." Applejack took a breath. "Not that that's a good thing." She paused, again looking up at the night sky. "Wow, Rainbow... this is a lot to deal with. Really."

Instinctively Dash ran up to her Special Somepony, giving her a hug.

"I'm here, AJ. Talk to me. Tell me how I can help... I want to. You just have to tell me."

Applejack looked back at Rainbow.

"Could you... jus' keep her on the weather team as a favor to me? Maybe on a different shift?"

Face to face with each other the cyan pegasus sighed.

"That's... not going to happen, AJ. Thunderlane said he's going to complain about her to my bosses. He'd feel safer if she just didn't work there anymore, at all, and if he tells them the story he told me, well... you know what's going to happen."

"Ah know..." Applejack shook her head. "Wow. Rainbow, in about six hours Ah gotta go to Doctor Stable's. Derpy was gunna see him in the morning, on account of peein' on Thunderlane the other night. Ah think it's best Ah bring 'im here."

"Wait..." Dash blinked twice. "What?"

"Ah said Ah gotta bring him here."

"I got Doctor Stable for you, AJ... trust me, don't worry about it. I'm probably not getting any sleep at this point, either, but... what did you just say about Derpy and Thunderlane?"

Applejack put a hoof to her mouth.

"Never you mind tha-" She stopped, shaking her head, sighing. "No... Rainbow, Ah thought Thunderlane probably had told you. Shouldn't have said that."

"He told me he broke up with her, he didn't tell me why. Derpy... peed on him?"

Applejack sighed again.

"It was an accident... Derpy's control of her bladder is normally pretty good, but she told me she sometimes loses it in certain situations... goin' to bed with Thunderlane prolly just stretched out the wrong muscles. Not to get too graphic, now, though, but most mares pee a tiny bit during that activity... even with another mare. Apparently it happened in a big enough amount to get the bed wet, though, and that was too much for him. He broke up with her without even telling her."

Dash blinked again. "Woah."

"Just tonight Ah remembered Ah once saw her in diapers during a sleep over at age eight or ten. It happened so long ago Ah don't rightly remember her age... Derpy doesn't like to talk about her personal stuff, even with me, and we go way, way, way back. Speaking of which, Rainbow... Granny had to put some protection on her, because she kinda lost control of, well... everything. The only reason Ah tell you this, and you'd better not repeat a word of what I just said to Derpy, is because, well... she's in the diapers Ah got for you. Granny found 'em and thinks they're for me."

Dash's mouth hung wide open.

"You're kidding me. Seriously?"

"'fraid so, Rainbow."

"Well, that's..." Rainbow paused. "That's not awkward or anything. Not at all! Just don't tell her they're for me, okay?" She sighed. "I know you won't. AJ, I'm not sure Derpy's just hung over, thinking about what Thunderlane and those two... bimbos are getting over right now. I think she's actually sick."

Applejack looked over at Rainbow Dash.

"Bimbos, huh?" She chuckled. "You're the only bimbo Ah know, Rainbow."

"Hey! Not funny."

Applejack sighed.

"Just trying to lighten the mood." She sat down by the tree. "Rainbow, Ah wanna sleep... and Ah know there are a few hours left. Ah could, but ma stomach is in complete knots. Wanna put my head through the barn wall jus' for tellin' you what Ah did a few moments ago. Feels like Ah really betrayed Derpy there."

Rainbow sat down by her special Somepony and placed a hoof around her.

"Hey." She felt Dash gently poke her barrel. "It's not leaving this orchard, okay? Unless I need to say something to Doctor Stable, but nothing else. Promise."

Applejack turned so the two were face to face.

"Ah know Ah can trust you, Rainbow," she said with a smile. "Sure you're not really the Element of Honesty?"

"That's your job."

"Really, now."

"Yup."

The two were inches from each other. A gentle breeze wafted over... cooling. Rainbow gave Applejack a gentle peck on the lips, and Applejack responded by closing her eyes, then leaning in for a slightly longer smooch. They two locked lips under the moonlight for a moment, enjoying this small amount of time together. They felt warm.

Applejack was the first to pull away, looking at the cyan pegasus. Rainbow's eyes were closed, she opened them slowly. Applejack could have giggled as Rainbow appeared to be so tired that one eye was opening slower than the other. It was kind of cute. Letting out a giggle herself, Rainbow paused for a moment with her eyes half open, and Applejack's body stiffened like Apple Bloom had just traipsed by, stepping on her tail.

Under the faint moonlight Rainbow Dash appeared almost grey. Her sleepy eyes, half open appeared to not line up perfectly for a moment. Her wide smile and somewhat relaxed, slow giggle caused Applejack to swallow.

"What is it, AJ?" Dash said, yawning. "You look like you've seen a ghost or something."

Applejack swallowed again.

"It's nothin' Rainbow..." She looked at the stars. "Nothin' at all."

"Oh, I know that tone." Dash playfully rested her head on Applejack's flank. "You can't fool me... I've got a Dashie sense and you know it."

"Ah think you've been spending too much time 'round Pinkie Pie."

"Yeah, well... I know you're thinking about something. Just spit it out already."

Applejack looked at Dash.

"Rainbow... Ah love you, okay? You may be an impulsive so-and-so, but you live each day like it's yer first and yer last. It's always fresh to you."

"Yeah, well... Guess I'm guilty of that. So what?"

"Ah... Ah kinda admire it, Rainbow. Really. Always have. Goes way back. Even having to go run an errand for me, Ah bet it's looking a bit like an adventure to you."

"Kind of. It's just a trip to the Doctor, though."

"Wish Ah could be more..." The farmpony bit her lip. "Ah don't know... fancy free, like that. Guess you gotta feel light as a feather all the time. Must be nice."

Rainbow wrapped both forelegs around Applejack.

"You're tired, AJ. Get some sleep."

"Yeah, that prolly ain't gunna happen, but... you're helpin' me relax, at least. It's nice."

"Good."

As Rainbow shut her eyes, Applejack again looked at her Special Somepony and chuckled.

Y'all two do look a lot alike.

She then kissed Rainbow on the forehead and looked up as the pegasus rested on her barrel. She wouldn't sleep, she knew it... but this, this would at least help for a little while.

3, 8 -- "Silence"

3, 8
"Silence"

It was quiet. A light was on down the hall and the door was wide open. Derpy didn't like to sleep with the lights on anymore, but tonight it didn't matter. It barely lit up the door frame, so it was okay.

She clutched her teddy bear. It had been a long time since she had done this, especially so tight... staring off at the yellow glow just outside her room. It was so quiet.

Tomorrow Mommy would be coming home. Derpy thought that was great, especially since she'd have a new colt with her, but... for some reason she wasn't thinking about anything. There was excitement , sure, but also a blankness. Maybe it was not being with Applejack anymore. She didn't know, but she was happy for the quiet, even if it would only last just the rest of the night.

Derpy lay there, spacing. She yawned, drifting further, and further... into a place where none of this would matter anymore. It was always nice there.

* * *

Derpy didn't know how she did it, but she always managed to wake just as the sun was coming up. Even though her eyes were closed, she knew she was awake. The blankets were heavy, twisted, but she still managed to stretch out. As she opened up her eyes she saw her teddy bear was nowhere to be found. She twisted again, hauling herself to her rump, and immediately knew she needed to change out of what she was wearing.

The filly got out of bed, stepping on her stuffed bear. She looked down at it, picking it up, setting it on the bed gently. She then unvelcroed the sturdy sides of her All-in-Ones. They slipped off like a wet towel, fortunately always landing on their front side. Derpy picked them up, folded them, and put them in her personal hamper by her closet. She then exited the room.

She noticed, again, it was very quiet. All the lights were off, she could hear her own hoofsteps on the carpet... the silence was kind of pleasant. She went down the hall, to the bathroom, and stepped inside, turning on the shower. This was one of the first things Derpy could do for herself, and she was always glad to do it after waking up the way she did. It didn't take long, under ten minutes, for her to be completely clean and out, drying herself off. She made sure she was dry enough, it was just starting to get colder outside as time went on.

The filly then exited the bathroom and walked into the hall. Still... not a sound, not even a single light was on.

"Hello?" she finally said, exiting the hall into the living room. Her voice seemed to echo.

"HEY, GOOD MORNING, KID!" a voice echoed back.

Derpy knew the voice and where it was coming from. She followed it into the kitchen, where she saw Amethyst was feeding Dinky.

"Hi," she said, quietly, rubbing her eyes.

"Sleep well?" the young mare replied, glancing back.

"Uh-huh." Derpy nodded.

"Good." Amethyst looked back again. "You've got breakfast already in the fridge. Made it last night, in case I had to go early. Lunch and a snack, too. I'm gunna pick your mom up in just a few. Shouldn't be more than a couple hours, okay?"

"Okee..." Derpy turned to the fridge, opening it up, noticing the three plastic containers with snap lids in the upper-right corner. Upon closer inspection she noticed the bottom container had a sandwich and orange inside. She grabbed the top one, closing the door. "Can I come see Mommy with you?"

Amethyst pushed the chair out from the table with her hind leg as Derpy walked up.

"'fraid not," she replied, watching Derpy sit down. "Your mom said the new colt's gunna be enough... she'd rather you stay here, finish getting the house ready. Besides, I'm going to show you something cool after breakfast."

Derpy opened her meal, noticing there was even a spoon inside, along with cold eggs and oatmeal. She looked up.

"Um, what's that?"

Amethyst smiled.

"How to do laundry."

Derpy took in a spoonful of the cold breakfast, wincing a bit at the diminished temperature and flavor.

"Neat."

"Yup, yup." Amethyst turned to the sink, getting all the dishes ready to wash. "It's what you'll be doing while I'm gone. We trust you, and besides... I want you feeling like you're doing something really special while I'm out." She smiled, stopping for a moment, biting her lip. "Um, uh... you do know what to do if the dryer or washer suddenly bursts into flames, right?"

Derpy was mid-shoveling in a spoonful as that question was asked, but still answered through the food.

"Um... go outside and get a grown-up?"

Amethyst laughed.

"That's exactly what you wanna do, kiddo. Your mom and I had a bet you might not know what to do. Though we were both pretty sure you wouldn't try to put a fire out yourself."

"Oh, um... no." Derpy looked up, taking the spoon out. "That's... really bad."

"I think yer mom's going to be pretty happy. In her place I know I would."

* * *

The pair stepped inside the tiny laundry room. Dinky was right outside in her playpen, with Derpy barely out of her view. The filly periodically looked back to make sure her tail wouldn't be suddenly pulled by magic... Dinky still liked to do that.

"You and I are going to start the load," Amethyst said. "I'm putting it in the washer before I leave... I just want you to watch and learn, okay?"

Derpy nodded.

There was a giant hamper from the living room in front of the two machines. Amethyst unloaded it... Derpy saw the living room curtains in there, as well as the bed sheets from before she left for Applejack's, and their couch cover. The young mare pulled the washer open and placed everything inside. She turned the dial, pulling a big container of what looked like dish washing soap from behind the hamper. She took off the cap and filled it.

"This is the setting for most cloths, bed sheets and stuff." The young mare smiled brightly, dropping the cap of detergent inside and closing the lid, setting the container on top. "You'll use it the most, and I'll cover more about it next time. Your job will be to dry everything as I'm out getting your mom. The goal is I come back, your lunch is set, the sheets and curtains are clean, and your mom'll be able to rest up without a care in all of Equestria knowing you helped by yourself. Ya hearin' me, kid? Doesn't that sound like something she might think is pretty cool?"

Derpy nodded. "Yeah." She looked over at the washer. Though she wasn't super good at telling time yet (she still had to count if the minute hand was far away), the setting reminded her of three o'clock, when she'd normally get out of school. "Three o'clock," she whispered to herself.

Amethyst turned to the dryer.

"I'm going to leave it on the right setting for you." She turned a knob to 8 o'clock. "If this gets done before I'm back, take it out and put it back in the hamper. When I get back I'll show ya how to clean the lint filter. Right now, we're just focusing on pushing the right buttons, okay?" She motioned to the gray button on the dryer. "There's no way you can mess this up, plus I've got faith in you."

Derpy found herself giggling.

"Okee," she replied.

Alright, then..." Amethyst turned to the washer and pushed the blue button nearest the wall. The machine made a loud clicking noise, followed by a shorter whirling one. "I'll show you more later."

"Okee," Derpy found herself saying yet again.

She knew what buttons to push to get the laundry started. It was easier than she thought.

Amethyst smiled at Derpy, before opening the door to trot back into the living room and pick up Dinky.

"Good! I'm going to be leaving soon... you go play, do what you like. Just try to relax... okay?"

Derpy nodded. "Uh-huh."

With that Amethyst left her standing there, to her own devices. A while ago she'd have wanted to follow her right away... but with time it was different. That felt nice.

* * *

Derpy lay on the sofa, staring out the window. Amethyst, Dinky... both gone to get Mommy. She really, really liked the quiet. Everything looked the same, but without any ponies around it felt different. The filly didn't realize it, but this was her first time in the house completely alone.

Derpy could see the kitchen clock from where she lay. It was around eight ten in the morning. She knew Amethyst didn't know when she was going to be back, Amethyst didn't have to tell her, but that didn't really matter. Things would happen, and whenever they did that was okay. Derpy wasn't usually one to get bored... it could happen, sure, but she had things to play with, and being all alone felt really familiar to her despite not having felt quite like this in a long time.

She heard a low whooshing sound followed by a pitter-patter above. Looking outside it made sense to her... it was dark, even for morning, even for a cloudy day. Outside it began raining gently. That was fine.

She stretched, continuing to look out at the pretty grey skies. The only sounds she could hear were those of the washer and that of the rain. Two sounds, making the same noise all the time, over and over, again and again. It was relaxing.

* * *

When Derpy opened her eyes she found almost true silence. Nothing could be heard, save some far off ticking. Stretching her neck, she found she had lowered her head and was now facing the kitchen clock. It had become almost ten in the morning. Shifting some more, she realized her left thigh was a tiny bit damp. She bit her lip, stretching further, feeling that she was indeed wet. She looked down at it.

Fortunately the couch was rubber-coated and only a little bit had come out, but she had indeed wet the bed... in this case the couch, and it had been smeared on her flank. At least it was still warm. There was also the silence -- no rain, no washer anymore, and that felt a little... like it had been a long time that happened too fast.

The filly got up, again looking at the couch. There was only a small smear of wetness, which she could take care of easily. She ran to the bathroom, grabbed a white towel from above the toilet, and ran back, rubbing out the spot. There wasn't even a smell left over when she was done, she made sure of that. Afterwards she looked at the towel... it didn't look stained, but it smelled.

With that taken care of, Derpy knew the first thing she had to do, since the washer wasn't making noise anymore. Amethyst had told her she had faith it would all get done, after all, and Derpy liked that.

She went into the laundry room, remembering Amethyst's instructions despite still being a bit groggy. She pulled the detergent off the top of the machine, using both hooves to do so. She spilled a bit, as it had no cover, but it was nothing the towel couldn't clean up. She set the container down and cleaned it up, and then opened up the washer, reaching inside, pulling everything she could out.

It came all together in a big, wet clump. It also felt really hot, but not quite enough to burn. She kept it tight, turning to the dryer, realizing... she probably should have opened it first. She set the mass down with a slop, and opened it up. With everything soon inside, she closed the front and, thinking carefully, and remembered Amethyst pointing at a gray button all the way to the left... she pushed it.

Soon enough the dryer was going, with it's rhythmic... thunk, thunk, thunk... leaving Derpy looking at it for a moment.

"I did it," she whispered to herself. "I did it."

Indeed she had.

She turned around and immediately saw the gross, soapy, smelly towel waiting for her.

"I should do something," she thought aloud, picking it up.

She trotted off with it in hoof, out of the room and into the living room, then down the hall and into her bedroom. As she was walking the filly felt that her side was still damp. She rubbed it with the towel, realizing right away that had been a mistake.

"Soap..." She rubbed the slick, cold soap on her flank with a hoof. That didn't do any good. "Gross. Um..." She took a few steps towards her room, then a few steps back. "Um..." She trotted forth a few, stopped, a step back, then a few more towards her room. She knew what she was doing. "Okee!"

First thing she did when she was in the room was trot up to her hamper. Inside the towel went. There were four other things in there with it -- her All-in-Ones, wet and folded up. With the towel already covered in soap, Derpy knew what she had to do. She grabbed the handle with a hoof and started pulling the hamper out of the room and down the hall. She then tugged it into the living room and into the laundry room. The towel was already soapy, plus it needed cleaning along with the All-in-Ones.

She opened up the washer and threw it all inside. Getting the All-in-Ones in there was a bit like playing ball, and she did it easily enough along with the towel. She then closed the lid and pushed the button. The same noises she had heard when Amethyst started the washer she heard again... she knew she had done it right.

Derpy walked toward the exit. She had a pretty good idea of what she was going to do next: she had to shower again first to get the icky cold stuff off, then maybe she would have a snack. After that she might go on her swing again, so she could see Mommy coming, or maybe she would play with her blocks. She wasn't entirely sure, what the weather team high above would do would affect her plans the most, but that was okay.

* * *

Tha-thunk! Tha-thunk! Tha-thunk!!!

When Derpy stepped out of her second shower the laundry machines still made noise. Maybe it was only because it was a quick shower, but they continued even after her snack. When she put everything in the sink to clean off, the washing machine started making its loud whirling sound, before it went quiet again. They were both working just like they were supposed to, and Derpy smiled as she cleaned out her container... just like she was supposed to.

Afterwards she looked out the window. There were some puddles outside, the sky was full of clouds, dark and gray, but that didn't mean rain. With everything away and the house nice, she looked at the clock to see it was almost eleven. If Mommy came home before lunchtime that would be great... Derpy knew she wouldn't know what time it was if she went outside, but she always did have a way of knowing when it was time to wake up and time to eat. She'd get hungry, she knew it, and for a little while.... she'd just be swinging higher and higher, waiting for Mommy to come home. There was a good chance she'd see her first.

* * *

When Derpy came back inside she shook away moisture from her coat. It was raining, heavier than before. This was a new record, her third time getting showered on in just a couple of hours. She was out long enough to start having fun, but not long enough to get going really high in the air... almost, though. It was still too early to start eating lunch, but that didn't matter.

The washing machine was still going strong along with the dryer. She approached the laundry room door and looked inside... everything looked as it should, so she closed the door.

She wasn't too wet, she'd trotted in quickly and dried herself off with yet another towel from the bathroom. It didn't take long.

She went to her room, looking at her blocks, toys, and teddy. When they first came to Ponyville she played with them a lot, even during the day, but over the past while, even with Applejack gone... she mostly played with them at night and during bad weather. It was more fun to explore... and she could be anywhere in town she wanted, away from Dinky's crying.

Picking up her blocks from the shelf and pulling them all out on the floor, it didn't take long to get lost in simple structures and color combinations like she always did. Doing this, and when picking things up... time always seemed to kind of stand still. It was just her and what she was doing... the noise of rain, the two far off machines, and the little tiny clicks of wooden blocks. Eventually she did get hungry, but first she had fun.

When she finally did get hungry enough to eat the rain had stopped again. She put everything away and trotted in to the kitchen, glancing over at the clock. It was, in fact, just a bit after twelve. Months ago it wouldn't have mattered to her what time it was but it was neat to realize she did know, even without a clock nearby, exactly when lunch was supposed to be. She pulled it from the refrigerator, sat down, and ate.

While she was eating, one of the two machines in the laundry room had stopped. She listened closely and could still hear the thunk, thunk, thunk! of the dryer. Soon that would stop, too... but not yet. Derpy first had to finish lunch, which she did... putting everything away and leaving the kitchen as spotless as when she had come in. She glanced at the clock... it was past twelve thirty, almost twelve forty-five.

After she went into the living room she looked out the window and saw larger puddles, gray skies, and felt heaviness in the air that usually meant more rain was on its way. There was something else that excited her... far off she saw Amethyst Star with the stroller, and behind her mommy with an umbrella. They were coming, just like Amethyst had said, and everything was done, just like Amethyst had asked. They were walking very, very slowly, and Mommy's side was wrapped, but that was okay. She was home.

Derpy turned towards the door, taking a couple of steps then stopping right in front of it. She couldn't help smiling, and found herself gently rocking. She almost wanted to wiggle, hitting the floor with her hooves as fast as she could, but not quite... she couldn't hear if she did that.

The filly stood there, waiting, listening for any sound that meant Mommy was getting close in the silence. It took a moment, but soon she heard hoof-steps, a stroller, and Mommy's voice... everything sounded slower and quieter than usual, but that was okay. She wanted to be the first thing Mommy's saw when she came in.

3, 9 -- "Reflections"

3, 9
"Reflections"

It had been a quiet morning. Aside from a mild headache, Derpy felt almost normal... provided she stay laying down. She could at least sit up somewhat comfortably, and hadn't thrown up since last night.

As promised, Applejack had brought her food. It wasn't a lot -- a large glass of water, and a big bowl of oatmeal, with a small amount of diced apples in it. Not even half an apple: "in case the acids upset yer stomach."

The farm pony also had removed certain... things Derpy needed to change out of after she woke up. At least she could do it herself and they were only wet this time, but instead of being pale yellow, like usual, it was a lot darker than normal... though maybe it was just the light. The water Applejack had given her would help with that if it wasn't.

Derpy lie there, in bed... not sleeping, but still wearing the diapers Applejack had given her just in case. They were still very funny-looking, covered in foalish prints which made them look a lot different than her briefs at home, but they still worked well enough. Since she woke up she noticed they felt hotter and stiffer, but maybe that was only because she wasn't feeling well.

For the time being Derpy focused squarely on the decorative molding between the ceiling and the wall, not quite spacing... but still very relaxed. She had drank her water, the bowl was empty along side it on the nightstand. Applejack said all she needed was rest, and that's just what she felt she needed.

* * *

Derpy heard voices well before she heard the hoof steps coming down the hall. She knew who it was from the sound of his voice. There was a gentle knock at the door.

"Yeah?" she said, loud enough to be heard through the shut door, while pulling the covers over her body. "You can come in."

The door opened, a brown muzzle peeking in.

"Hello, Miss Hooves," Doctor Stable said, entering slowly with a bag. "Though it's not typical of us to do house calls anymore, I'm told you're not feeling well and may have a few questions for me. I'll be happy to answer anything you'd like to ask of me, after we run a few basic tests, to see if anything is amiss."

She sat up. The doctor was in the room, looking directly at her, setting his bag by the side of the bed.

"Um, okee."

Doctor Stable immediately pulled a thermometer from his bag. Derpy opened her mouth without even needing to be told to, and he gently placed it inside.

"Applejack and Granny Smith both told me they suspected you were sick," he said, placing a hoof against her head. "But neither thought to take your temperature. I'm told you had quite the night last night, which may explain why it was forgotten."

"Rainbow Dash said that I-"

"Hold that thought for one more moment, please... we'll get a more accurate reading." Derpy did as she was told, and in just a moment, Doctor Stable removed both the thermometer and his hoof.

Derpy watched silently as he looked it over. It was one of those glass thermometers with the silvery stuff inside and black lines. Derpy knew she couldn't read that if her life depended on it. He looked up, over his glasses.

"You feel slightly warm and have a mild temperature of 100.2. I'm told you've been vomiting. Is that correct?"

"Uh-huh."

"Diarrhea?"

Looking away, Derpy nodded.

"You perhaps also feel weak, dizzy and achy throughout your body? Headache?"

"Uh-huh. Mostly when I stand."

"Miss Hooves," the Doctor said. "Applejack, Granny Smith and I were talking and I am also told that you were drinking last night, and you are not accustomed to it. Is this correct?"

"Yeah."

He approached, motioning towards her hoof. She stuck it out and he gently placed the tip of his hoof on her foreleg. She felt a beat that he seemed to nod in time with.

"Your pulse is a bit strong, but nothing to be concerned about. Might exacerbate the headache. Miss Hooves, it's in my opinion that you likely have a mild case of the flu mixed with a hangover. In that case a couple days of bed rest and plenty of water is all you need to feel yourself again."

"Oh, um... okee."

"By the way, what was that you were saying about Rainbow Dash?"

"Um... she said I'd be sick."

"Why do you think that was?"

"'cause Thunderlane was sick and she knew we were, um... Special Someponies."

"I see." The doctor put away his thermometer, rearranging a few items in his bag Derpy couldn't see. "I can imagine you must feel safe knowing your boss cares enough to notice these things."

Derpy nodded, the doctor looking up from his satchel.

"She came to tell me you were here, you know, and that you needed my help."

Derpy smiled.

"So, Thunderlane is sick and you may have caught his bug. My guess is the two of you were out drinking last night?"

Derpy laid back in bed, facing the wall, away from him. She sighed.

"Nope."

She heard Doctor Stable approach the side of the bed again. He set a small box on the nightstand, opening it up. Craning her neck it took her eyes a moment to focus on it, but when he pulled upwards it made it easy to identify. It was a box of tissues.

"It's in my records that you wanted to come see me... are you perhaps worried about pregnancy?"

Inhaling sharply, Derpy bit her lip. She hadn't been worried about it, until he brought it up. The world went blurry, as she exhaled... shivering, she nodded.

"I see." He patted on the nightstand. "Take a tissue if you need it. Take as many as you like."

Turning over to reach out, Derpy did just that... drying off her eyes and blowing her nose.

"Um, thanks."

"Don't mention it." The doctor took a breath. "This can be a very emotional conversation to have with ponies, both mare and stallion alike. Provided intercourse was under forty eight hours ago, there is a way to keep a pregnancy from happening that is effective in most cases."

Derpy inhaled a second time, holding it.

"Make the baby die?"

"No... this method will merely keep the baby from even forming."

She exhaled, feeling tears well up in her eyes again.

"Okee. That sounds better."

Smiling, Doctor stable looked up at her again, past his glasses.

"Unfortunately I don't have it on me, but I'll be glad to have it delivered here once I return, post haste. Is that all you wanted to discuss with me?"

Sitting up, Derpy shook her head.

"No, but... it doesn't really matter anymore."

Doctor Stable looked at her past his glasses. "Are you sure?"

"Um... no. Not really."

Closing his bag, Doctor Stable stood up, approaching the bed. He sat down on the edge, looking at her eyes. He looked so blurry.

"Feel free to help yourself to another tissue, Miss Hooves. You seem to be quite troubled. Please know that you can tell me anything. I won't judge you."

Reaching out, Derpy took a tissue... again, blowing her nose. She reached out once more after she was done, to find Doctor Stable was already holding one out for her.

"Um... Thunderlane broke up with me last night and he was really, really nasty. I got mad... I went to all this trouble for him. I made an appointment with you and got him his favorite drink, and he told me he already had broken up with me, because I, um..."

Lowering her head, Derpy turned away. She felt the bed shaking under her as she cried. She also felt a gentle hoof on her shoulder.

"It's perfectly okay, Miss Hooves. You don't have to say anything you don't want to."

She looked back at him.

"Um... you're my doctor. You know that problem I've had since foalhood?"

"I know there a few conditions you've had that have been lifelong, but I believe I know the one you are referring to... the one at night time, correct?"

Derpy nodded.

"While we were, um... 'doing things' I had a tiny accident, and thinking about it... I think he might've gotten really angry with me afterwards." Derpy pulled the covers back for a moment, showing a bit of what she was wearing under the blanket. "I showed him, um... this, and it seemed at first like everything was going to be okay, but then that happened and he left. I thought I'd make everything okay, let him know that I really wanted everything to be like it used to be afterwards, but then he just... went away. I don't know why."

Derpy couldn't say for sure but for some reason she wasn't crying anymore. If anything... talking about this with Doctor Stable actually felt good. She let the blanket fall, looking up at the Doctor. His expression hadn't changed, but he nodded.

"You felt that I might be able to help you with that problem?"

She nodded back.

"I see." He scooted back a tiny bit on the bed. "Miss Hooves, I normally don't see patients under these circumstances, but I still believe I can help you. Face me, please, and, if you can, sit up so that we can see each other properly. What I'm about to tell you is extremely important."

Derpy did as she was told, facing the doctor. He was smiling, gently.

"There are a lot of words I could use, medical terms that sound harsh and sterile, words with -ism and syndrome at their end, to describe your various conditions. These are terms I'm sure you've heard a couple times throughout your life already."

Derpy nodded.

"I'm not going to use those terms today, Derpy. While they may be helpful on a diagnostic level it makes sense a pony in your place might eventually find them alienating."

"I, um... okay. I don't know what you mean by alienating, but thanks."

"That ponies might not see you for you, especially if they knew about those terms."

"I don't, um... usually feel that way, but I'm really glad you're talking to me like Applejack and Granny Smith do. It feels nice."

"What I think you need more than anything right now is to know that there are ponies out there who care a lot about you. You've got Rainbow Dash, all the Apples, Amethyst Star, and Dinky..."

"And Mommy?"

"And your mother, too. Every one of these ponies knows you're doing the best that you can possibly do. They're all happy to hear of your accomplishments." Derpy found herself smiling. "From what you're describing of Thunderlane, though, unfortunately... that's reality. Ponies sometimes hurt each other, and we could spend eons talking about why and still not have an answer. What's important though is that you've learned something from it, and you're not going to allow yourself to be put in that same position again. Is there anything you can think of that might help you feel more safe if you decide to date another pony?"

"Um..." Derpy bit her lip, thinking. "I think last night Applejack said she wants to have dinner with the next stallion I date. I'm not really sure if I was dreaming or not."

"Even if you were dreaming, that sounds like a wonderful idea. It would give you a chance to show them the pony who's making you so happy. They are your friends, after all."

Again, Derpy found herself smiling.

"Yeah."

The Doctor smiled, getting up.

"I'm glad we had this talk, Derpy." He turned towards his medical bag. "I'll have the morning-after pill sent here within a few hours. You are under no obligation to take it."

"The morning-after pill is the pill that's, um..."

"You're asking if it's the pill that's going to keep a baby from forming, correct?"

"Yeah."

"That's exactly what it is."

Derpy laid back in bed.

"I kinda want it, and I kinda don't."

"I can understand that, Miss Hooves. I must ask, when did you have intercourse, and were there any other instances with Thunderlane?"

"Um... two nights ago. It was the only time."

"Then there isn't much time to decide. Compared to other creatures, ponies bodies tend to absorb things fairly quickly. Outside of that period an abortive pill would be required... that would make you extremely ill, more so than you are now, and your body would reject the developing fetus. While it would likely be too small to be seen, you've made it clear you're not comfortable with that procedure."

Derpy nodded.

"I can see why Mommy was so much... like she knew what she was doing. She knew."

"It's scary. Isn't it?"

"Yeah."

The doctor nodded in agreement. Derpy's eyes suddenly went wide.

"Um, Doctor Stable?"

"Yes?"

"Before you go... can I ask you something else?"

"Certainly."

"Mommy... um, told me when I was a filly she worked as a cook. I kinda talked to a pony last night who told me she was a dish washer. Was he just being mean, like Thunderlane, or... did she lie?"

Rubbing his temples, the doctor sighed.

"Honestly, Derpy, I don't know what your mother did for a living, but I do know that she provided for you and would have done anything in Equestria to keep you safe and happy. If ponies ever say cruel things to you about her again, just remember that."

"Okee."

Docter Stable picked up his bag.

"Unless you have other questions for me, Miss Hooves, I believe we are set."

She nodded.

"For the time being please rest up and restore your strength. The pill will arrive soon. Is there any particular pony you want it given to? It will just be called medicine and they'll be told it's imperative you get it right away, that you take it in private if you feel you need to."

"Um... I guess Granny Smith or Applejack is okay."

"Very well." Doctor Stable opened up the door. "Have a good day, Miss Hooves. Hopefully the next time I see you will just be for your annual checkup. "

"Take care, Doctor Stable."

With that he shut the door and was gone, leaving Derpy alone as his hoof steps drifted further and further away. She looked up again at the molding, sighing. Even though she still felt achy, she felt kind of nice. She could drift away for a while feeling like this.

3, 10 -- "Mirror"

3, 10
"Mirror"

Derpy stood at attention, waiting... watching the door. Every second seemed like it was taking forever, but she stayed silent, even as the knob turned and the door slowly opened.

The moment the door opened she wanted to shout Mommy! ...but the first thing she saw was Amethyst's rump. The young mare struggled a bit as she pulled the stroller through the door, backwards. This was not unusual, but Derpy seldom saw it from this side. Her attention was focused past the stroller... there was only one pony she really wanted to see, and the rest could wait a while longer.

When the stroller got pulled to the side Derpy saw an umbrella, behind it her mommy standing a few steps from the doorway. She collapsed the umbrella, and Derpy saw she was wearing a green raincoat. The two looked at each other and, as the mare put the tip of the umbrella on the ground, she walked forward with it like a cane.

The filly couldn't stand it any longer:

"Mommy!" she exclaimed, wiggling about and stamping her hooves as the mare walked through the door. "You're home! You're home! You're home!"

Once her mommy crossed the threshold Derpy moved forward quickly. She was stopped dead in her tracks before she even knew what had happened.

"Hold it!" two loud voices said in unison, causing Derpy to freeze where she was, uncomfortably.

The filly looked at her mommy to realize she was holding the umbrella, curved handle end out... almost like she was going to hit her. She then felt a hoof touch her flank, and, only then did she jump, looking back at the young mare behind her and her mommy in front.

"Wh-... what's going on?" She asked. "Did I do something wrong?"

Amethyst sighed, shaking her head.

"You didn't do anything, kid. That's why we stopped you."

"Mommy's not mad at you, sweetie," Mommy assured her, stepping inside. "But you can't hug me like you used to for a good while... it could hurt me very badly. Do you understand what I'm telling you?"

Still frozen, Derpy looked at Mommy.

"It's okay, sweetie," the mare said again. "I promise! I'll show you why soon. Please just let Mommy in without having to worry... it would make her very happy."

Derpy felt her muscles relax a little bit. Her fore hoof, which had been raised when both had shouted, finally touched the floor.

"O- okee."

Following Mommy closely with both her eyes Derpy noticed she was walking differently than she usually did. Slowly, almost like a wind-up toy. Derpy wasn't sure whether to call it stiff or loose. There were big motions in how she moved. She let Mommy go by, watching her take off the new coat and put it in the closet near the door, then go right for her chair without even turning around. When she finally sat down Derpy approached very slowly.

"You really should keep that wrapped up," Amethyst said. "Remember what Doctor Stable told you -- at least for a few days."

Mommy responded with a warm smile.

"It's itchy... the air helps. A lot."

"Okay." Amethyst turned away, Derpy could only guess, towards the stroller.

Derpy was only a few steps away from the mare she wanted to see for so long, but she noticed black lines across her mommy's tummy that looked a bit like the stitching on a doll. The mare looked up and smiled.

"It's okay, Sweetie. Come! ...but please don't touch. It's very sore."

Derpy looked into her mommy's smiling face, then down at the lines.

"That's where they took the foal out. They stitched me up after."

Derpy looked up again... she couldn't help smiling, glad to see her mommy, but a question popped into her mind:

"Did it hurt?"

"It hurts a little now," Mommy said. "That's part of being a mommy, though, and being a grown-up... sometimes we have to get things done that can hurt for our babies. It didn't hurt at all when they did it. The doctors gave me a shot that made everything really numb." Mommy held her forelegs open wide. "If you promise to be very gentle, I can give you a hug."

Pausing for a moment, Derpy moved forward until she was very close to Mommy. The two looked at each other, then Derpy felt both forelegs go gently around her shoulders.

"Don't squeeze," Mommy said, patting her back. She felt a kiss on her neck. "Oh, I missed you so much."

Derpy felt the grip release and pulled back.

"I missed you, too, Mommy. A whole lot!"

"I know. It's good to be home." She patted on the arm of her chair. "Please sit... near me. I want to talk to you." Derpy looked at her. "It's okay."

Instead of sitting on the arm, which looked a bit weird and hard to her, Derpy planted her rump on the floor.

"That works." Mommy shook her head and smiled. "What I have to tell you is really important... I wanted to tell you myself, which is why I didn't want Amethyst telling you earlier when I was still at the hospital."

Derpy just looked up. Again, she couldn't help smiling, she was just happy to see Mommy again. Mommy smiled back.

"Oh, I really missed you, sweetie!" Derpy giggled, then Mommy spoke some more. "I know you're excited to see me. I didn't notice if you had a look inside the stroller Amethyst has with her yet. It's okay if you didn't."

Suddenly Derpy remembered... there was going to be a new foal in there. Without a word she began to get up, focusing on the black stroller.

"Your brother's not in there. Just Dinky." Derpy turned back, frozen. "This is why I wanted you to sit with me." Slowly, Derpy sat back down. "He's still in the hospital. He has got a lot of health problems I knew about, many of them you two share, but he also has problems with breathing and his immune system."

"Um... Immune system?"

"It's all the good germs in your body," Amethyst said. Derpy looked back to see her taking Dinky out of the stroller. "If they don't work right, sometimes they can't fight the things that make you sick or they can even get confused and hurt you."

"That's right," Mommy said, tapping her hoof against the arm of the chair. Derpy turned back. "Please listen very carefully, sweetie... he's in something called an incubation chamber. It's like a warm, white plastic crib. The doctors are doing everything they can to make sure he comes home healthy and happy. Tomorrow you, me, and Amethyst are going to go see him. I wanted to answer all your questions before. Do you want to ask me anything?"

Derpy felt Mommy's eyes on her... she looked away, back at Amethyst, who was also looking at her, cradling Dinky. She found herself more comfortable looking at the floor.

"This is why your mommy didn't want you to see him today," Amethyst said.

"It could've scared you, sweetie. You don't have to ask me questions right now, but if you think of them later tonight they might have to wait until tomorrow. I need to rest soon. Having a baby takes a lot out of you."

"Um..." Derpy smiled. "Can you be up maybe a little bit more?"

"Of course I can! I'll be up for a few hours, but I'm going to mostly be sitting. We can still talk, though. Is that okay?"

"Sure!"

Mommy smiled.

"Good."

* * *

Derpy and Mommy talked a bit, about little things... from school to Applejack, to the rain and town, to Derpy's swing. All these things made her happy, and they were stuff Mommy usually asked about. While they spoke, questions came into Derpy's mind, which she knew she could just ask:

"Um, what's an incubation chamber like?"

"Is he going to get sick a lot when he comes home? Are the good germs hurting him?"

"What's his name?"

All these things Mommy could answer well enough:

"I don't know Derpy. It's just a special, clear-plastic place for him to rest that's warm and will help him get stronger. Nothing more."

"I really don't know, sweetie, that's why he's in the hospital. He's safe there, just like you were."

"I haven't decided yet... but I'm trying to think of something both hard and soft-sounding. I really like Crackle, but I think his name needs more."

Other small questions came, and Mommy answered them one-by-one. Derpy got closer and closer to Mommy, as they talked and answered each other. She even touched her mommy's hind leg, eventually resting her head on it. That was okay. They continued on with this pattern for a while. It was broken after everything in the house went quiet for a while and Amethyst called out from another room:

"Derpy, please come here! I have something I want to show ya."

Derpy was pulled from her trance and off Mommy's leg. Amethyst's voice was coming from the laundry room.

"Go on, sweetie," Mommy said. "I'll be here when you get back. Promise."

Rising from the floor, Derpy trotted off to the laundry room.

First thing she saw was Dinky facing away, playing off to the side of the washer and dryer. In front of the washer she saw Amethyst. It was open, and the young mare stood with scowling eyes. She entered without speaking.

"Close the door, kid," Amethyst said, quietly. Derpy turned around, reached for the knob and pulled it towards herself. "Hey!" the voice whispered behind her. "Very slowly. Don't slam it, now. Okay?"

Slowly, Derpy did as she was told.

She turned back around.

"Derpy," Amethyst said, still almost whispering. "Why're your All-in-Ones in the washer?"

"Um... I put them in there and washed them."

The younger mare put a hoof to her face.

"You really, well... you shouldn't have done that, kid." She held out the rubber-coated garment. "Touch this, but be very careful not to press on it. You'll know why right away."

Again, Derpy did as she was told. She felt heat before she touched it, and when she did touch it she had one thing to say:

"It's really hot."

"It is." She turned the garment upside down and inside out. "Dangerously hot. You know why this is bad, right?"

"Um... no." Derpy blinked. "I'm sorry, Amethyst."

"I know, but just... just try to read this, okay?"

The young mare held out the inside of the All-in-One, and there was a little tag just above the padding.

Squinting, Derpy lowered her head... reading tiny letters was hard, but she could do it. She read aloud:

"Do not Beach. Cold water only. Dilacate. Tumbled dry on low setting."

"That says bleach, delicate and tumble dry, Derpy." Amethyst took a breath. "Ya washed almost all of them on the heaviest setting, with nothing else to absorb the heat. It gets hot enough in there to take skin off."

"Um...," Derpy knew this wasn't good, but she still had to ask, "Is that really bad?"

Amethyst turned the All-in-one over again, but this time showed Derpy the back, pointing with a hoof by just where her tail would come out.

"Look closely... I think this is the only one this happened to."

Again, leaning over, Derpy did as she was told.

At first it looked like nothing was wrong, but then Derpy moved her head around and noticed something by where the material crinkled all together and would get tight around her tail when fastened... in tiny places the rubber looked a little bit like melted cheese, and she could see bits of the white towel stuff inside.

"It's no good like this, kid. Completely ruined."

Derpy looked up at Amethyst. She could understand if she was mad, she looked like she might've been. In response the filly bit her lip.

"I'm really sorry, Amethyst."

"I know... ya already said that. It's my fault, really, for not bein' super clear. I'll try to salvage what I can... looks like the trash is gunna be a bit heavy this week, though."

Derpy took a sudden interest in her hooves.

"Um... is Mommy going to be mad?"

"She's not going to be happy," Amethyst replied, continuing to whisper, "but..." Derpy felt a hoof at her shoulder and looked up. "We're not going to tell her for a couple of days at least, all right?"

Derpy felt herself smiling.

"So she can be happy?"

Amethyst sighed.

"Yeah, and so she can rest. Your mommy... well, she's been through a lot, givin' birth to your brother. She needs to know, but not right now. Ya gettin' me?"

Derpy found herself nodding.

"Okay."

Again, she felt the young mare's hoof on her shoulder. The two looked at each other.

"Tonight'll be like any other night. You'll sleep with your mommy and be happy in the morning. Then we'll all go and see your baby brother."

"Even Dinky?"

"Yup, even Dinky. Don't worry about any of this. I'll take care of it... promise."

"Okee."

Amethyst smiled.

"Good! Now get back to your mom. She's missed you a lot. You'll have an All-in-One laid out tonight that'll work just fine. Don't worry."

Derpy turned around, opening the door. She smiled back:

"Okee. Thanks!"

"Sure thing."

Without another word Derpy then stepped back into the living room and towards Mommy, who smiled when she saw her coming. When she got close enough to touch her, the filly placed both fore legs on the arm of the chair and tried to pull herself up, but her back end felt too heavy.

"Oh, careful sweetie,"Mommy said, putting a foreleg in front of her tummy. "I don't want you to fall, forward or back."

Tensing all her muscles Derpy tried again, pulling herself up so she was hanging loosely off the arm. Knowing she could relax a little she lifted her left back leg and managed to pick herself up. She made it over the arm, and raised her head to see Mommy was looking directly at her.

"Feeling secure?"

Derpy nodded. "Uh-huh."

Mommy relaxed her foreleg.

"Good."

The two smiled and went back to talking as they had been before... though it seemed like replies were getting a bit slower to Derpy's questions. That was okay, though. Mommy was home.

* * *

A couple of hours later Amethyst made an early dinner they all enjoyed. It was still light out, but that was fine because Derpy got to eat with Mommy. They all enjoyed creamed corn, carrots, potatoes, hay on the side, with some coconut-topped muffins for dessert. Derpy found she didn't really like the coconut too much, and Mommy said she thought coconut was just okay, but she ate it like she really liked it. Her plate looked clean by the end of the meal, when everypony else's had bits of food left. Soon later Mommy went to bed. Derpy wanted to follow, but it seemed a bit early. She looked over at Amethyst.

"Let yer mom get into a deep sleep, kid," the young mare said, hoisting Dinky on her shoulder. "It'll be good for her. It's not raining anymore... maybe ya wanna be on your swing for a while, so ya can be alone to think about everything before bed? Big things're coming."

Derpy found herself smiling, preparing to trot off.

"Woah, quietly please! It's all I ask of you."

Derpy nodded.

"Okee."

Slowly, the filly made it outside, then ran to her swing at full speed. Once she got there she jumped up and found herself sitting perfectly in the seat without even having to think about it. Soon she was pumping her legs -- higher and higher. Amethyst had said it might be a good idea to think about everything, but Derpy already had. Things were like they always were again. Mommy was back, and that's all that mattered. Amethyst would make everything better about the All-in-Ones, and Derpy would be meeting her new baby brother in the morning. If anything she felt great.

3, 11 -- "Warm Breeze"

3, 11
"Warm Breeze"

Applejack leaned against the fence looking at her farm house, towards the guest bedroom window. She had slept little and done no work that morning... Big Mac and Apple Bloom were out in the field for her. She would take the day off and she'd owe them both for this, though they'd go easy on her because she was family and it was an emergency.

Doctor Stable had left a bit ago. They nodded at each other as he passed. He looked professional on his way in -- determined and focused -- but on his way out he seemed more relaxed. He even smiled at her, nodding. That probably meant something good had happened.

She turned back to the field, looking off at Apple Bloom and Big Mac, seeming almost as distant as the clouds. She could barely hear their bucking, or maybe watching she was just imagining it. Her mind was elsewhere, she had to admit, but she knew the sounds of her farm by heart. The nearest living things were the cows, and they generally kept quiet and to themselves, save an occasional moo which she had not heard yet. All she could hear was the gentle breeze... and it felt nice. She felt hot for some reason, but it was helping. She also shook slightly... off and on, her left eye twitching whenever she finally felt herself relax.

Rainbow Dash... If she didn't know Rainbow as well as she did, she could have though she was just with her for reasons other than she was. It made sense; Rainbow could come and go as she pleased, and Applejack was stable, but Applejack knew her... and ad to admit she owed her a lot. Rainbow was with her all night, she got Doctor Stable in the morning, and she was out giving her side of the story for Derpy to her bosses in Cloudsdale as she stood there. It was nice to know she was a good pony, even if she could be a bit much at times. It was also nice to know when it really mattered Rainbow wasn't one to call up the tab... no pony there was, actually.

The farm pony thought of trotting down to her little sister, telling her to go off with her friends and play on this non-school day, but the dizziness and queasiness in her stomach reminded her that wasn't a good idea. If she saw some other pony in her state, stomach all in knots and weak in the hooves, she'd call that pony a wreck, so she stayed where she was... leaning against the fence post. She never did well without sleep, and couldn't help an unpleasant feeling in her stomach watching them, one that she couldn't look away for despite Granny Smith's telling her to stay in. Once Rainbow got back, though -- which could take anywhere from an hour or longer from her departure, which when exactly that had happened the farm pony could not remember -- she would take a rest, properly in her own bed. Apple Bloom would get a whole weekend off from chores for this; Big Mac a day or two on her. He needed it as much as any pony... they wouldn't call up the tab, but Applejack knew what she owed them for doing this.

She yawned. Soon it would happen... it was just a matter of when. She needed to know Derpy was going to be okay. Derpy always bounced back, but... Applejack played the conversation she had with Derpy again and again in her head, and what she had to admit to herself about the situation wasn't very pleasant. It was reality, though.

* * *

Contentment... for a while at least. No strain, no tension, no worry. Applejack liked that. This was natural.

A voice echoed from all around:

"Applejack... did you seriously fall asleep waiting for me?"

The farm pony pulled her head up and vision came back to her. She'd been resting against the fence post. She looked back at Rainbow Dash, who was descending from the treeline. Rainbow looked as tired as she felt.

"Guess Ah dosed off," Applejack said, with a yawn. "Prolly don't have good news... do ya?"

Rainbow's hooves touched the ground. She took in a breath, letting it out slowly while looking at Applejack... shaking her head. Applejack turned away.

"Figured as much."

Applejack felt Rainbow approach, standing beside her.

"I'm really sorry, Applejack."

In response, the farm pony just sighed. There was big a release of energy she couldn't describe, but she felt it. It was long anticipated, but left her feeling more sick than she already was.

"Ah know. Ya did the best yer best... right?"

"Hey!"

She looked to her right at Dash and took a breath.

"Ah don't mean it like that, jus'... Ah know Derpy's in the wrong here."

"Yeah. Like... a lot."

Again, the farm pony sighed, looking out into the field.

"Just... just don't tell her today, okay? For me? Wait a couple days 'til she gets on her hooves and stops pukin'?"

"Sure."

There was silence. It wasn't there for a long time, but it felt like it was.

"Rainbow, you know Ah can't just sit here and do this. It ain't right."

"You don't have to do anything... it's all on me."

Applejack looked to her right again.

"And you can just do it? Ah don't think Derpy'll understand."

Rainbow sighed, doing her best to look off and not appear as uncomfortable as she felt.

"I really don't have anything to lose with her, Applejack... I'm not friends with her like you are. She can hate me, if she wants. But... I know it's really going to hurt you."

"Guess it ain't fair for me to put you in this spot, is it?"

"It's my job."

"Well, ain't that cool. Or should Ah say 'cold.'"

"Look, I really don't want to... I don't think what she did was wrong, but it is."

"Ah'd have done the same."

"Me too. He'd have black eyes, a broken nose, and a fat lip by the time I left. Maybe even a few other bruises."

The two looked at each other... Applejack felt her lip quivering. Rainbow looked blurry.

Aww, hey..." Before she knew it, Applejack was in an embrace. The two hugged, tightly, the farmpony not holding back any tears.

"Rainbow, please... Ah don't-"

"Shhhh... It's okay, Applejack. I know. Really, Ido! It's totally okay. Just cry, let it out... I won't tell anypony."

They hugged each other, tighter, for a good while, while Applejack cried silently until she finally felt relief and they broke away. The farm pony could at least see her marefriend was smiling.

Dash giggled at Applejack under her hoof, reaching out and wiping her nose.

"Snot," she said. "It's cute and all, but I really don't like seeing you upset. You know that, right?"

Applejack exhaled, smiling.

"Yeah, Ah know. Got any ideas?"

"No. Do you?"

The farm pony sighed.

"No." She turned back to the field. "Tell me, what's Derpy like to work with? As a boss? Ah gotta think of somethin'."

"Oh, boy..." Applejack could see, out of the corner of her eye, Rainbow Dash putting a hoof to her head and scratching. "To be honest, AJ... I don't really like working with her."

"Doesn't surprise me. Can Ah ask why?"

Applejack looked back to see Rainbow Dash scrunching up her face. Before she knew it, the pegasus had jumped on to a neighboring fence post, and had all hooves together on it looking down at her.

"Well, for one, I have to watch out for her. Like, really carefully. She can't do everything most other Weather Ponies can. She's no good at paper work if you don't tell her exactly what to write and where to write it, in which case I'm better off just doing it myself, and she really can't, well... take a look at everything and decide what's best to do. I have to hold her hoof and guide her if it's one of those days. I don't put her in the factory anymore, either... last time I did that she left a helmet on the conveyor belt and it jammed the fog machine. The thing was down for almost a whole week! Before that she knocked over a bottle of ball lightening and had to go home."

"Ah kinda remember that. Last year... she could barely walk for a day and had to take a shower first thing. I'm surprised she wasn't fired for the machine, though."

"I just wrote her up. It was an honest mistake... it blended right in against a box it was next to, both were white, and no pony else saw it. Not even me."

"Guess you were written up that day, too, then, huh?"

"Yeah. It totally stunk."

"Well, then, ah can see why she wasn't fired." Applejack yawned. "Glad you're not happy to see her go, though. Come back down here and tell me, then, Rainbow... what can she do? Surely she can sweep the floor of some other factory."

Rainbow did as she was asked to, and started talking once again after she touched the ground and nuzzled against her mare friend.

"Well, she can press clouds together. She also drains them pretty well... though sometimes she causes accidental lightening discharges when she jumps too hard. She can cloud buck okay, she can shape them well enough, but she can't go in circles to shape them like most weather ponies can. She has to do it all by hoof, which can take way, way too long. She also can't compress the clouds enough to make hail, only rain, and she can't-"

Applejack pulled away.

"Okay, Ah get it, Rainbow. She can't do a whole lot."

Dash swallowed hard.

"She really can't... but she does what she can do, I guess, she does pretty well. The clouds she hoof-presses look kind of nice."

"Ah know when somepony's trying to make me look on the bright side of things." She chuckled. "Knock it off, Dash."

"Sorry, AJ... I'm trying."

"Well... there ain't much Ah can think of she can do. Tell me, she's at least a hard worker, isn't she?"

"Well, she doesn't take a break unless I tell her to. Even though she does work only -technically- full-time she's busy the whole time once I put her to task. I've never had to yell at her to keep on working if she's got something she can do. I guess she always wants to do something useful, because she comes up to me and asks a lot... which can get pretty annoying."

Applejack looked back at her mare friend, smiling.

"And she's still pretty strong, too, isn't she?"

"Yeah, I guess..."

"Maybe even stronger than you?"

Rainbow couldn't help snorting.

"Yeah, right... Applejack, she can't even open a jar by herself."

"That's a bit different. It takes two hooves, coordination. You'd be surprised by what Ah can remember from fillyhood."

Dash sighed. "Enlighten me sometime."

Applejack smiled back. "Will do."

There was a moment where both ponies froze for a moment, laughed, then went silent. The heat throughout Applejack's body had been replaced by warmth... and the warm breeze merely complimented it. She didn't feel anxious anymore, nor did she shake or twitch, and Dash's occasionally resting against her barrel was pleasant... though it didn't exactly solve the problem of what to do with Derpy, at least it felt nice. Applejack yawned, looking back at Rainbow... who looked at her.

That's how you knew when you found the perfect, pony... the two of you could just be quiet and enjoy each other's company. Never mind anything else... this moment to recharge was just what they both needed.

* * *

"Hey," Dash said, quietly, pulling away from the embrace. "Who's that?"

Looking where Rainbow Dash was pointing, Applejack focused beyond the two ponies down the road, towards the entrance. There was a pony, arctic blue with a light mane, coming up the hill with a saddle bag... too slight of build to be a stallion. She wore a uniform which made her look a mailmare, and she walked at a fairly brisk pace. When she got to the side of the road, on which Big Mac and Apple Bloom were working, she stopped and got their attention... they pointed up the hill, and up the hill she went.

"Well, whoever it is, she's coming our way."

Soon enough the mare made it up the path close enough to the fence to be heard.

"Who're you lookin' for?" Applejack asked, knowing already what was likely the answer. She stopped.

"Doctor Stable sent me!" the mare replied. "I need to deliver something to Derpy Hooves, privately and right away!"

"Well," Applejack broke away from Rainbow Dash, and began her approach. "She's in the guest bedroom, but she's real sick."

"I know!"

"Maybe you could give it to me, or my Granny, and we'll give it to her tomorrow?"

The mare smiled, but continued in a much firmer voice than before:

"She needs it today and I was told to give it to her directly. No pony else!"

"Well," Applejack looked back at Rainbow, who shrugged. "Just knock on the door... Granny gives you any trouble Ah'm right here watchin'. Ah'll make sure you get in."

"Thank you!"

The mare continued on her way.

Applejack looked back at Rainbow Dash.

"Strange. Normally Doctor Stable tells me if he's got a courier coming if anypony here is sick."

"Applejack, Derpy's not part of your family. She's entitled to a little privacy."

"Guess you're right," Applejack replied, watching the courier walk up to her door and knock. "It's hard to believe, Derpy's been a part of ma life almost far back as Ah can remember. Right after we lost ma and dad."

"That's a really long time."

"Yeah." Applejack watched Granny Smith open the door, heard the courier's voice, then saw her point behind herself. Granny smith looked outside, and Applejack waved, mouthing it's okay! Granny Smith narrowed her eyes, but opened the door and let the pony inside. "There, that wasn't so hard. Wonder what she's got for her?"

"Probably medicine."

"Yeah... hopefully it'll get her feeling better soon."

Applejack paused, feeling Rainbow Dash's eyes on her. She heard her breath take a sudden stop.

"Applejack?" the pegasus finally said.

The farm pony turned back.

"Yeah, Rainbow?"

She saw her Special Somepony was smiling.

"I just got a thought... about Derpy."

"Oh?" The farm pony's eyes went wide.

"A couple thoughts, actually."

"Enlighten me."

"I will." Rainbow put a hoof to the back of her head. "But can we, like, maybe sit down first?"

"Sure. Maybe a little Apple hospitality over lunch or brunch, or... whatever the heck time it is now."

"You seriously don't know?"

"No. Do you?"

"Kind of. It's early noon. I think."

Applejack motioned with her head.

"Well, let's head up to the house. Give you a cider and a sandwich fer these thoughts of yers. Deal?"

"You owe me a lot more than that already."

"Ah know, Ah know... Take you to bed tonight?"

"You would anyway."

The two began to walk uphill.

"Yeah... well, thanks for all your help, Rainbow. Even if these thoughts don't amount to a hill-o-beans."

Dash laughed.

"That's all I wanted to hear, Applejack."

"Good, good..."

The two continued their ascent up the hill. Applejack wasn't about to admit it to Dash, but part of her was hoping to overhear the conversation Derpy and the courier pony might be having in the guest bedroom... she'd excuse herself to the restroom to wash her hooves and maybe listen in in the hall if they weren't talking too quietly.

The couple made it to the door and it swung open to find the courier pony was just leaving.

"Efficient," Rainbow Dash said, holding the door for the exiting mare.

Drat, the farm pony thought, as she exited and trotted down the hill. "Thanks for a speedy delivery!"

"It was my pleasure!"

Applejack turned back. At least she had the meal to look forward to with Dash... and whatever Rainbow had to say to hopefully make things better. She doubted any ideas would work, as it was likely Rainbow was going to talk about getting Derpy a delivery pony's job, which she had already tried a year before. She just couldn't move fast enough... too bad Rainbow was too new as her boss to know these sort of things. Applejack also wasn't feeling very hungry, but that could change. So much could change, very fast, she had observed over the past few hours.

3, 12 -- "Like Flowers..."

3, 12
"Like Flowers...”

The morning went by in a strange blur...

Sure, Mommy was moving a bit slower than usual... needing to take a rest even just after she got up, and Derpy woke up wet, but all that was okay because today they were all going to see her brother. When they'd first woke up, though, Mommy pushed Derpy's hooves from around her belly... and Derpy quickly remembered why that was, once the mare turned around and she saw her tummy. The skin around the stitches was all red and puffy, but she still smiled at Derpy like everything was okay.

"I'm fine, sweetie," Mommy said slowly, before moving away. "Really, it's just sensitive."

"Sensitive," the filly repeated under her breath, as Mommy left the room.

Derpy stayed in bed a little longer after that.... maybe just a few minutes. She wasn't sure how long, but it felt better doing this, letting everypony go where they wanted to first.

After getting up and changing, Derpy headed down the hall to the living room to find Mommy in her chair with her eyes closed. The filly's attention was quickly pulled away by the sound of water running in the kitchen. She saw on the counter Amethyst had made breakfast -- six blueberry muffins, with a box right next to them with the same picture on it as what she saw waiting. The baby sitter motioned with her head towards the food.

"Eat up kid. Just a quick breakfast, but thought you might like it! Sooner you eat, the sooner we can get going."

After grabbing a couple muffins, sitting between the kitchen and the hallway so she could look over at Mommy (who's eyes were still closed), Derpy ate the muffins... half listening to Amethyst tend to Dinky. Mommy opened her eyes, and looked over. The filly froze:

"Please, eat, sweetie," she said, with a weak smile, before closing her eyes again. "I'm still just a little bit tired."

"Okee." Derpy stuffed the rest of the last muffin in her mouth and, just like that, it was gone. After that she trotted up to Mommy, who opened up her eyes and smiled, lifting up her foreleg to let Derpy rest her head against her barrel. The filly did so, gently... it didn't last long, though, as soon Amethyst walked by with Dinky, towards the living room where the stroller was kept.

Soon they were on their way. Mommy closed the door behind them, and Amethyst walked in front pushing the stroller with Dinky inside and an umbrella in the back just in case. Derpy walked in the middle with Mommy behind her. Every time Derpy looked back she noticed Mommy was walking a bit behind, walking funny. She would then speed up when she saw Derpy, smiling. Eventually Derpy slowed down a bit, so she could walk with mommy, and then maybe Amethyst slowed down, too... Derpy wasn't exactly sure. It felt right but slow.

No pony talked, and Derpy didn't feel like talking... she couldn't help imagining what her new baby brother must look like.

* * *

When they got to the Hospital, Derpy found herself looking around. It was a big, white place, with long halls. Everything was so narrow, which she wasn't sure she liked, but it was okay... for a little while. Once they got settled in one of the corners she and Mommy sat while Amethyst talked to a pony behind a desk through a big sheet of glass. It seemed like it was taking a really long time, but Derpy was happy. She looked up at Mommy and Mommy looked back, smiling.

"Ready to meet your little brother?" Mommy asked, quietly.

Derpy nodded.

"You know, he looks a bit like you did."

Derpy couldn't help smiling.

"Really?"

"Yeah." Mommy rubbed her belly. Derpy looked down to see the skin wasn't red like it was in the morning. "When we get back home Mommy's going to put her bandages back on... it's itchy and uncomfortable, but it's always a good idea to listen to your doctor."

Derpy just smiled, nodding.

"Um... will it help you get better?"

"Yes. I should be wearing it now."

"Why aren't you, Mommy?"

She looked up at Derpy and smiled.

"It makes it really itchy. You can put medicine on bandages, though... I just wish the pulling sensation would go away."

Derpy stared at the stitchlines, hearing Amethyst's turning around, with the stroller, walking towards the pair.

"You gunna want me to come with you?" the young mare asked, once she got up close. "Dinky's fast asleep. I'm fine with either."

Mommy looked up, taking a deep breath and letting it out.

"Sure, come with us." She turned towards Derpy. "Up, sweetie."

Soon enough Derpy found herself being led by Mommy, first to a door near the side of the room... then down a long hallway. Suddenly it got very quiet.

* * *

The hallway was dark but the walk didn't seem very long. Derpy was behind Mommy up to the next door. At first all she could hear was their hooves and the pushing of a stroller, but soon... she heard a faint beep. It got louder as they approached... beep... beep... beep... Mommy looked back as the beeping grew even louder, stopping at the open door where it was coming from.

"Are you ready?" she asked.

Derpy tried to see past her Mommy's barrel, but found her blocking the door.... first with her body, then a foreleg. The filly looked up and nodded.

"Okay..." Mommy said, stepping aside, motioning Derpy in. "This is an incubation chamber... your brother is inside."

Slowly but surely, Derpy walked inside... inside the room, propped up on a tiny bed was thing that looked like a box with see-through sides and holes. Above this, like it was all around, was where the beeping was coming from. At first she didn't see anything in there, outside of stacks of white blankets , until she noticed, about the size of a kitten, was a baby pony the same color as herself. A little colt, blonde... like her. He wore a diaper no bigger than her ear, and had a blue mask on his face held up by wires, and thin wires and tube were tapped to his forelegs and hind legs.

Derpy froze a few body lengths from the chamber, not taking another step... she found herself looking up at Mommy, who was standing very close behind her. The filly felt really queasy in her tummy.

"Go on, it's okay... that's your brother."

Derpy took a few steps further, hearing the stroller stop by the door.

"Oh, dear..." Amethyst said,her words seeming far off. "That's... he's hooked up to a lot more than I thought he would be."

"Shh, it's okay," said Mommy, as Derpy continued to approach the small bed. "Just watch."

Derpy looked in at the little colt -- little closed eyes, tiny body, tiny legs, tiny head. It didn't look like anything like Dinky, anything like a pony, and yet it did. It also looked like a puppy.

"He's not in good shape, Derpy." Mommy said, approaching by the filly's side. "You were a lot like this when you were that small. You were a little better, but not much."

The filly looked up, her eyes blurring a bit.

"Really?"

"Yeah... I know you don't remember, Sweetie, but it was like this." Derpy leaned on Mommy. Mommy hugged her and Derpy felt tears leaving her eyes. "I... I don't think I could have prepared you for this, sweetie." Mommy kissed her forehead. "I wanted you to just see your brother, just as he is now, and know you made it okay."

Derpy broke away from the hug, looking at her mommy.

"So he-.... he's going to be okay? Like me?"

Mommy bit her lip.

"I don't know, Derpy. No pony does." Mommy hugged her again. "Not even the doctors do... but we're going to try. Medicine's gotten so much better since you were this small. The odds are a lot more in his favor."

Derpy looked back at the colt in the bed, then up at Mommy.

"I was really like this then?"

"Yes, and you're strong now."

"If he's anything like you, he'll be fine," Amethyst added.

Derpy looked back at the tiny colt... staring at him.

"Would you like to touch him?" Mommy asked.

Derpy shook her head... if anything, she wanted her hooves as far away from the little chamber as possible.

"I'll hurt him..." she said, under her breath. "I won't mean to, but I will. I know it'll happen."

"Magic will keep him safe from germs," Mommy said. She stuck her hoof inside, yellow magic enveloping her hoof the deeper it went. She barely touched the tiny colt and his head turned to her, a tiny smile forming on his little lips. "He's just the same as me or you, he's just gotta grow up."

The funny feeling in Derpy's tummy went away, replaced by warmth.

"Just like me..." the filly repeated.

Mommy took her hoof.

"It's okay," she said, gently, removing her other hoof from the chamber. "Trust me."

Derpy pulled her hoof back, taking a sudden interest in the tiled floor.

"She doesn't want to," said Amethyst. "Please respect that."

"You really are worried you could hurt him, aren't you?"

Derpy nodded.

"You're a good sister," said Amethyst. "Your mommy's just trying to help you connect."

Derpy looked up, her eyes blurring again.

"When's he coming home with us?"

"As soon as he can... not for a while, though."

"Could be a couple months, maybe," said Amethyst. "Fortunately he wasn't premature. That means born too early."

Derpy looked back at the colt again, then up at Mommy.

"He's going to grow big?"

"We all want him to." Derpy stared back at the colt, as Mommy stuck her hoof in again. "Even you."

"Yeah..."

They stayed there for a while. Derpy wasn't sure how long, but by the time they left it felt right. Derpy was even quieter than on the way. They all were, even Dinky. So very quiet.

2, 5 -- "New Sprouts"

2, 5
"New Sprouts"

A few months passed along with a birthday, and Derpy fell into a new routine.

At eleven years old, the little pegasus had the swing she wanted, but she also had a baby sister named Dinky. Dinky was a unicorn, which was funny, but it didn't seem like a big deal to anypony. Dinky was just there. Always there... and very loud. Mommy spent a lot of time with her and she cried a lot. When Mommy wasn't holding Dinky she was at the Horte Cuisine, working as a cook. These two things made Derpy very sad, but it wasn't all bad. The filly counted her blessings, even if she didn't completely understand why she was being excused from certain tasks:

"Hey... Derpy?" Applejack would sometimes say on their way to school. "Gotta watch Apple Bloom today. Won't be able to play at least 'til tomorrow. Sorry."

"It's okee!" Derpy always replied. "Tomorrow's fine."

Today, tomorrow, it didn't matter... Applejack would be able to play eventually, and Derpy was used to playing alone.

She was never left in charge of Dinky for some reason, but that was okay. Mommy had said "you're busy enough with schoolwork and your friends" the one time Derpy had actually thought to ask about it. What she meant by that, Derpy didn't pick up, but with the swing the little pegasus also got a small cactus from Mommy... which she forgot about because it only needed water once a week and that wasn't' enough for her to remember. It was dying and she never noticed.

All the same, at first Dinky had a lot of babysitters. Usually older mares, some like Mommy... some even older. Granny Smith babysat a few times, but she quite was a busy mare for seventy-one. They all made Derpy dinner, some even showed her games to play with bits of string and cards. Games that would help her with dexterity, but she couldn't get the hang of most of them. Babysitters were in and out, whoever was available at the time, and usually very nice. The few times Derpy was unable to care for herself they would help her... and because they were like Mommy Derpy wasn't too embarrassed by whatever it was she needed them to do.

It took a couple months, but Mommy eventually found a regular babysitter. Derpy always remembered the first time she met her, because she had gotten the Feather Flu at one of the worst possible of times:

"I know you don't want Mommy to leave, but they really need her help tonight!" The older mare looked from their window to the dark sky, patting crying Dinky on her shoulder. "I'm sorry you have to miss your first Nightmare Night, sweetie. You and Applejack were really looking forward to it! I'll be home before ten and I'll have all the sweets leftover from the party I can carry to make it up to you... promise. I'm leaving a new babysitter tonight. She was the only one Mommy could get on such short notice."

Derpy expected an older mare, but was surprised when into their room walked a high school-aged unicorn she'd seen around town, Amethyst Star. She'd never really spoken to Amethyst because she was a pony with very loud, animated friends. Being around her circle was like being close to three Pinkie Pies all chattering at once. This made Derpy especially nervous... but it was the least of her concerns right now.

Mommy had let this filly into her room without telling her first.

She immediately covered up, clutching her teddy. The Feather Flu made pegasus ponies very tired and Derpy was diapered in her All-in-One just in case she fell asleep before Mommy got home with her candy. While most babysitters had seen her in her All-in-Ones before, they were all grown-ups. Amethyst Star was not a grown-up but she was a big pony... who socialized with other big ponies.

"It's okay, Derpy," Amethyst said, her voice soft, but loud enough to be heard. She briefly smiled at Dinky and the foal stopped crying. "Your mom told me you're not feeling well and you sometimes still wet the bed. It's nothing to be ashamed about. Lots of eight-year old fillies and colts still do it!"

"She just turned eleven," Mommy said, putting a hoof to her face. "Not helping yourself there, Amethyst."

The young mare blushed, nodding her head slowly.

"Well... that's still okay." She smiled broadly. "Your secret's safe with me, okay kid?"

Though Derpy was a bit hesitant there was something about Amethyst's deep purple eyes that she found very comforting. Looking into them for the first time, the confidence and kindness made her relax, but maybe being sick helped with that. Even in a fog Derpy realized something: Amethyst appeared nothing like her friends. The filly nodded, but still kept covered because it was autumn after all... though she would start to feel hot with blankets piled on her. She was too ill and achy to get bored at least, going in and out of being awake half the night. She didn't even know when Mommy had left. Amethyst mostly tended to Dinky anyway, which was okay. At least she kept her quiet.

When Mommy did finally return home, with a sizable amount of candy (as promised), she found Derpy asleep and soaked... with a cold, untouched dinner on their nightstand. After sending Amethyst home Derpy got changed while still asleep, then Dinky right beside her. She would have been so embarrassed had she been awake, but at least the little one was not crying anymore. Although Amethyst failed to fill Derpy's belly and change Dinky's wet diaper before she left, that was okay; Diamond was happy to hear silence in her small house for the first time in months... it was eerie to get a good night's sleep, especially considering it was Nightmare Night.

There were only two fillies who had seen Derpy diapered so far -- Applejack and Amethyst. Derpy would find out after a while that Amethyst was no different than any other babysitter, though the next time she visited Mommy wouldn't be too happy when she got home, but not for the same reason as last time. Derpy needed help in the bathroom but didn't want to call Amethyst because of her age... she found out the hard way that too much toilet paper usually clogs toilets. At least it was nothing to yell about.

This would take some getting used to but after a while none of this would matter. Having a babysitter was still fairly new to Derpy, so was being out of the city; suddenly having a screaming baby sister was also strange, but everything new would eventually feel old. There would be fixtures that Derpy expected and some she never saw coming.

Amethyst was a nicer pony than Derpy ever could have imagined. Like all the others she helped Derpy with her homework (which wasn't easy) and showed her fun little tricks with paper. While she watched more than one foal, she was nice enough to be around for years afterwards... her career started as a full-time babysitter. While Derpy lacked the coordination to compete in the Sister Hooves Social with Dinky when she was older (even as an adult), Amethyst was an agile unicorn. She had to keep up with foals, after all. As Dinky grew older they looked enough alike that some ponies thought they were sisters... not that it mattered in the Social. Dinky would have a lifelong friend and Derpy would have a surrogate in the places she never knew she needed it. It was enough that Dinky had a pony to compete along with, but like most ponies Derpy never stopped to consider what it might mean if Amethyst wasn't there.

Author's Note

The title of this one was going to be "New Sprouts" or "Unexpected Fixtures" ... think I made the right choice on that.

Anywho, I like the character design of Amethyst Star, but I find the name a little awkward to write over and over.

3, 6 -- "Honesty Revisited?"

"Honesty Revisited?"
3, 6,

Just like the first time Derpy came to Ponyville to be with the Apples, she saw fireflies lighting up the trees as the sun went down. What made this different, though, was that Derpy went into town all by herself. She walked through Ponyville almost every day without a grown-up. Once she was done talking with Amethyst and doing any early chores, she would head out and say hi to everypony she passed. Mommy said it was okay to do that, as long as no big ponies (except Mommy, Amethyst, or Granny Smith) tried to take her somewhere. After that she would go to Sugarcube corner, to say hi to Pinkie Pie and tell the Cakes she was "out on the town," just like Mommy had told her to. Sweet Apple Acres was a little bit too far to make it on her own yet, but soon. Her favorite place was the Ponyville fountain, especially when no ponies were around after lunch... the water always sounded so pretty.

Applejack and Big Mac were away at summer camp, but Derpy didn't mind. She minded a little when she thought about it, but they were there doing their stuff and she was here doing hers. That was okay.

Derpy didn't always like to be home, though, especially during the day. Dinky would be up and she didn't cry much anymore, but she did something else that Derpy didn't like. It was something new.

* * *

Over at the Acres they were finishing up dinner the first week of Summer when something unusual happened. It was the last time Applejack and Big Mac were going to be there for two whole months, and they were all talking about playing a big pony board game, Who-done-it. It was a game where the players would all have to use their brains to figure out who was the criminal. It could even be one of them, and if it was they'd have to try to "frame" another player... which Derpy really didn't understand her first time, but it sounded neat. Amethyst was behind Derpy with Dinky, just as they were all about to clear the table, when Derpy felt a tug at her back. It wasn't enough to make her say ow, but it was still enough to get her attention. She looked back to see her tail held in a soft green glow, noticing Dinky in Amethyst's forelegs, with the same glow on her horn.

"H-hey!" Derpy exclaimed, as Amethyst noticed Dinky's horn and everypony turned to see what the noise was about.

Before Derpy even knew what was happening, everypony had gotten up, even Mommy. They left the table to see what was going on. Derpy stayed put, but watched. As Big Mac approached Dinky quickly took his foreleg in her magic. He chuckled, keeping his shoulder relaxed and allowing her to move his foreleg freely. Derpy couldn't help biting her lip.

"Kinda tickles," the young stallion said, pulling back to discover his foreleg was still in Dinky's grasp.

"Well, how 'bout that!" Applejack exclaimed. Dinky picked up her hat for a moment, gently letting it fall back on the pony.

"Ya look pretty jaunty with it tilted like that," Granny Smith said, as Applejack straightened her hat.

"Amethyst," said Mommy, glancing back at Derpy and motioning to herself with her hoof. Derpy couldn't exactly say why, but she wanted to stay where she was. "Not that I don't trust you to tell me these things, but.... is this the first time she's done this?"

"Oh yeah!" Amethyst replied right away, as Dinky focused on the chair beside Derpy and pulled it out with her magic. "It's a lil late, and part of me was thinkin' she's not got enough unicorn in her to make it work, but, hey... you know what they say about late bloomers?"

"Isn't unicorn magic supposed to be the same color as their eyes?" Applejack asked, as Derpy held on to the table. "Ah remember learnin' about that in school a while back."

"It's a first year lesson, " Granny Smith replied. "and yes. But there are some exceptions..."

"Like what?" Applejack went on to ask, as Derpy felt what she would say was static electricity at her back.

Suddenly Derpy felt her chair being pulled across the floor. She tried to slip out as it was pulled back, but ended up with her hooves going out from under her, hitting the floor boards with a loud thud which made her unable to breathe. Even she knew she was lucky she hadn't broken some teeth.

Laying there with her eyes closed the filly shook. Before she knew it she heard Mommy's voice above her.

"A- are you okay, Sweetie?"

Derpy looked up, her vision a bit blurry... it didn't hurt enough to make her cry, but it still hurt.

Uh-huh," Derpy said, as Mommy extended a hoof to her. "I'm all right."

Derpy got up and the family was still gathered around her little sister. Suddenly the game which they were less than five minutes from playing was going to take an hour. It would still happen, though, and Amethyst would sit it out... only because Dinky wouldn't stop taking parts of Derpy's body -- tail, mane, hoof -- in her magic, gently tugging.

"Just her way of saying she likes ya," Granny Smith said, comfortingly, trying to distract Dinky with a funny, old rag doll.

"I don't like it," Derpy said, hugging Mommy, who was beside her. "I really don't!"

"It's okay, Sweetie...," Mommy said, soothingly. "Dinky doesn't realize she's upsetting you, and she certainly doesn't mean to... it's just part of growing up. She's exploring! She'll outgrow it, and someday you two will be able to share all sorts of special things together, just like you and I sometimes do. I promise you this'll all be a memory sometime soon... trust me."

This was the first time Derpy couldn't wait for something like this, and even though it wouldn't happen for a long time, Mommy and Amethyst both told Derpy she could go outside and explore by herself if she wanted. Being able to do that made her feel better... going to a place where it was quiet and Dinky couldn't pull at her mane or take a crayon she wasn't even old enough to use felt... nice. Though she didn't realize it, it was because of this Derpy didn't even feel like she was waiting.

* * *

It was late at night, still the middle of the summer. Applejack and Bigmac would be back in less than a month. Even without them around and not wanting to be home a lot of the time, Derpy was still happy. Everypony was together and she had so many things she could go to see. Sometimes even Granny Smith would pay a visit for the night... every day was different, and that was okay.

"Derpy?" Mommy suddenly asked. "Are you awake?"

"Uh-huh." Derpy found herself yawning. Mommy's voice was almost in her ear as they huddled together under the thin sheets. "I'm here."

"Mommy wants to ask you something... is that okay?"

"Uh-huh."

"Do you know what it means to 'come clean'? Is that an expression you've heard before?"

"Um... does it mean to tell the truth?"

"It's a little more complicated than that, sweetie. It means you've been hiding something from somepony, and you think it's time to tell them."

"Oh. Um... okee." Derpy tried to turn to face Mommy. "I don't have anything to talk about like that."

Mommy chuckled.

"That's not what I mean, Derpy." She found herself being turned around so the two were face-to-face. "I didn't want to tell you about this because I didn't know what I wanted to do."

The filly shook her head.

"About what, Mommy?"

"Derpy, do you think Mommy's getting fat?"

"Um..." The filly looked away. Even in the darkness she could barely see Mommy's eyes and that was enough to make her feel funny.

"It's okay to say yes, silly... I ask you this because I think that's what you think."

"Um... I dunno."

She felt Mommy's warm breath as she sighed.

"I'm going to have another foal, Derpy. You're going to have another baby brother or sister." Even in the darkness Derpy still found herself unable to look at Mommy. "Doesn't that make you happy? Tell mommy how you're feeling, Derpy. Please know I can't get rid of it, even though me and Granny Smith have been talking about that for a very long time."

"Make it die?"

"No, silly... Mommy would never do that. I was thinking about giving the foal to a place that would take care of it and find it a family. Ponies out there looking for a special foal to care for."

"Another family?"

"Yes, Derpy... a family that could take care of it and be more fair to it."

Derpy couldn't explain why, but talking about this didn't make her happy... she wasn't sad, she wasn't mad, but she felt something she didn't like.

"Why?"

"Our life is full enough with you and Dinky, and every other pony we care about. I thought it wouldn't be fair, but I was wrong, and that's why I wanted to tell you. To be fair to you, and let you know how much of a big girl Mommy thinks you are. I'll never let any of my babies go, because every one of you means so much to me. I want you to know that. Mommy will do anything for you, to keep you safe and happy."

Derpy found herself hugging her mommy tightly.

"I love you, Mommy," Derpy said, sleepily. "I really do."

"I know you do, sweetie..." Mommy kissed her forehead. "I'm going to hold on to all of you. You're too special to let go."

"Okee."

Even though she had just felt really weird with what she and Mommy had been talking about, she didn't anymore. She felt even more happy to be with Mommy than she usually did, even if it meant another foal soon. That was later, any way. Later didn't matter so much.