To Change This Lonely Lifeby Twi-FiChaptersA Broken Heart. A Lonely Mare.To Change This Lonely Life.Another Broken CartA Broken Heart. A Broken Heart. A loud thunderclap could be heard over Ponyville, one that shook the ground and rattled windows. The dry air dampened rapidly before a relentless downpour started. Rain came down in sheets that afternoon, soaking the already-wet muddy roads. The ground was so saturated with water that it pooled in the ruts and overflowed the storm drains. A powerful wind swept in from the east pushing the rain diagonally; it pounded off the walls of nearby buildings. Ponies sought cover in the nearest buildings, not caring which shop they had just barged into. Scootaloo pulled herself off the floor, her eyes dry from the tears she shed. There was an aching pain in her chest, a feeling of emptiness and regret. As mad as she was for losing it with Rainbow Dash, shame lingered over her head as she moved about her shop picking up the tools she had thrown. With each tool she collected off the floor she returned to the workbench to put it in the correct place. She knew this was the longest way possible to do this but she didn't particularly care. She used the time to collect her thoughts and recompose herself. She wanted me to go to a get together at Applejacks? As if I want to go to that... besides it's for her friends not Rainbow's. Although I should say sorry to her. Finally all the tools were back to the correct spot; Scootaloo could now continue to work on Carrot Top's cart. It was almost done: in fact, all she needed to do was pry the old bearing out, put the new one in, put the wheel back on then check and grease the other wheels. Scootaloo stood over the wheel she had bucked off the cart with her favorite pry bar and a hammer, trying to free the old bearing of the casing it was held in. Each hit sent dull vibrations through her body when the hammer connected with the iron rod. The rusty seized bearing refused to move no matter how hard she tried to pry it out. If I can't pry it out, maybe I can break it out. She took the hammer and beat the outside housing of the bearing furiously. With a loud roar of frustration and a stream of curse words, the bearing popped out. She collapsed to the floor panting. Staring at the wall, Scootaloo took in the details of the cracks in the plaster and just how cold the concrete floor really was. Its coolness was soothing and it helped her regain her breath. I guess I really needed that... She picked herself up, suddenly feeling calm and less tense. Scootaloo retrieved the bearing she made from the workbench and lightly tapped it down into the housing. Then she placed the wheel back on the axle, bolting it down. With her hoof she gave it a few test spins, then made a few adjustments to the bolt and spun again. When she was satisfied with her work and the wheel spun freely, she slapped the hubcap back over it. One thing was left to do, check the rest of the cart over, then she'd be done for the day. She normally didn't close up right after she finished working, she liked to stay open incase someone needed something fixed. There have been times she has worked late into the night for ponies that showed up late afternoon with some emergency. Most things were easy to fix but there was one thing that always put strain on the mare's abilities... electrical. Troubleshooting electrical issues with heaters, coolers, sprinklers–especially sprinklers were the things that kept her working late. She didn’t do anything desultory, she guaranteed excellent quality work and she never quit until it was perfect. Upon inspecting the cart she found no other issues, she retrieved the grease gun from the workbench when she noticed a couple different things: It had stopped raining and there was a considerable amount of noise and yelling from outside the shop. "No, no over, to the right! A voice of a mare with a strong drawl yelled as if she were directing where to place furniture. "Dagnabbit Apple Bloom you're going to ruin it!" "It's already broken sis!" "Well don't break it any more or it ain't no good to anypony!" Scootaloo was about to poke her head out to see what the commotion was all about except the commotion came to her front door before she could. In the entrance to the garage, before her, stood Applejack half covered in mud. Next to her was Apple Bloom, slightly less muddy with a harness and a cart, or what was a cart. "Hey sugarcube! Ah'd hug ya if Ah wasn't covered in mud. Dang that Rainbow Dash and other Pegusi of the weather team for making it rain all the time." Applejack held up a hoof to curse the pegusi. "Anyway Ah'm just stopping by to invite you to a get together tomorrow evening. Nothin' fancy." Scootaloo couldn't help but smile at the pair of them. They looked so ridiculous, standing there covered in mud as if it were a normal occurrence, which she admitted was but not outside the farm. "Yeah I heard. Rainbow stopped by earlier to invite me." "Well ya comin'?" "I-I'll try. This is a busy time of year for me." "Ah sure hope ya can make it, Ah hope to see you tomorrow." Applejack bowed her head then turned on the spot and left the shop. Apple Bloom remained, standing awkwardly in the threshold with her broken cart. "Hey Scoots. Long time no see. Ah hope you are doing good." Apple Bloom smiled warmly. Apple Bloom's cheeks were slightly red as she smiled. Scootaloo couldn't tell if they were red from the cold or if was a blush. "I'm doing alright. Been busy." She replied awkwardly. She had to break eye contact, the feeling of awkwardness was too extreme. She used the cart on the lift as an excuse to turn away from her. "Ah can see. Anyway, Ah just wanted to give you something." Apple Bloom stepped forward, the broken cart behind her making a terrible sound as it dragged across the floor. Scootaloo eyed the cart curiously. It was utterly destroyed, it was more of a piece of plywood on wheels than a cart. She could see the rear axle was broken in half but still attached to the suspension which kept it from falling off completely. "Um... you might want to consider just buying a new one. Even with my prices it would be cheaper." "This old pile of junk? Ah ain't askin ya to fix it. Ah want to give it to you." Apple Bloom said, removing the harness from around her neck and chest. "Why?" "For parts, scrap metal, Ah don't really care." Scootaloo moved in for a closer look. She could see the harnesses and yoke assembly were still in good shape. There was no hope for the rear suspension and the front suspension wasn't really worth salvaging either. But the wheels were good and possibly the bearings. The frame was bent, twisted and falling off of the chassis. "Well, I guess some of it is worth having. What in Equestria did you guys do to it? I have never seen one this bad before." Apple Bloom just shrugged laughing nervously. "Nothing, just the usual, hauling apples, bales of hay, pumpkins, old junk from the house. You know the same thing we use all of our carts for. This one just didn't make it and it was the newest one! They just don't make em' like the used to." A smile crept across her face. Normal use for carts at the Apple's that isn't hauling apples? Interesting. "They certainly don't." Scootaloo said, she turned her face back to the cart on the lift to hide her smile. "You need to get more of these, they are almost indestructible... almost." Scootaloo tapped her hoof to the side of the cart. "Ah know. They are hard to find, Applejack and Mac are very careful with ours. We figured with this cart since it was new, it could handle some abuse but... well you see what happened." Apple Bloom said pointing at the her broken cart in mock pity. Scootaloo chuckled a little, smiling at Apple Bloom. "You got such a pretty smile you know?" Scootaloo's face turned a deep shade of red, "I-I do?" What does that mean? Is she coming on to me or is she just being nice? "Yeah, it's nice when you smile. Something you don't do too often these days." How does she know that? We haven't seen each other in months! She blushed awkwardly before moving to the cart quickly and picking up her pry bar. She hastily pulled the hubcaps off the other three wheels not caring that they were falling to the floor. Out of the corner of her eye she could see Apple Bloom walking around the cart. She noticed Apple Bloom moved in closer to inspect one of the wheel bearings. "Looks like this one can use some grease or it ain't gonna last." Apple Bloom said. "You forgot to take this one off over here." Apple Bloom grabbed a screwdriver and pried the hubcap off before Scootaloo could react. "Oh never mind, this bearing is brand new." She put her hoof on the wheel, giving it a spin. "Nice job, can't hear a thing." Scootaloo groaned moving over to the wheel Apple Bloom was looking at before. She was right it did need grease, the bearing was showing signs of wear and from spinning the wheel she could hear a distinct rattle from the beads inside. "Yep, looks like you were right." "See, Ah know my way around this stuff and Ah can fix things. You need me as an assistant." "An assistant? Any other time of the year I almost have to go out of my way to get work... even today is a slow day for the season. Last year I had three carts outside and two in here." "So, why not for the season?" "Maybe, I'll think about it." "Oh come on. There are like some many things Ah can learn from you. Master mechanic." Is she flirting with me? Scootaloo shook her head. She didn't know what Apple Bloom wanted or why she suddenly was so interested in working with her. Where was she last year when there were five carts in the shop and a bunch of angry ponies wanting their heaters fixed? "Flattery won't get you hired. Beside don't you already have a job?" Scootaloo responded playfully. "Ah do but Applejack is willing to let me work here." Scootaloo frowned, Applejack, what? They planned this? "Well if the workflow picks up then yes. But right now I don't need the help and I couldn't pay you anyway. Not with what I'm making off this job here." Scootaloo pointed to the cart on the lift. "Ah checked out other shops in Equestria, you are by far the cheapest. You charge so low, Ah'm surprised half of Equestria isn't here right now. Ah was thinking if you brought your prices up to something closer to the market, you'd make more bits and could afford to expand and even hire another mechanic." Scootaloo eyed Apple Bloom closely, scrutinizing her expression. "You haven't been talking with Rainbow have you?" She said sternly. "Well..." "Well what?" Scootaloo said a little more forcefully than she had intended to. "She visited Applejack this morning. Ah don't know what that has to do with anything." Apple Bloom frowned, confused by Scootaloo's sudden change in mood. "Who's idea was it to work here?" "Well mine of course. Applejack said your business was having a little trouble, that's all. Ah decided that maybe Ah can help out. Even if you don't pay me, you could always use another mechanic." Scootaloo shook with fury. Those manipulative mares! I'm going to that party and giving Rainbow a piece of my mind! "What's wrong Scoots? You look tense." "Oh nothing, just somepony else is pulling the strings of my life because they no longer have one." "Scoots, what's that even mean?" "Nothing, nothing." Scootaloo let out a long sigh, letting go of the anger she felt. "I guess you can help, starting tomorrow." Scootaloo was going to finish the cart and call it a day. It had been an emotionally draining day and she didn't feel like hanging around her shop anymore. Especially if Rainbow Dash decided to come poking around again. "I'm calling it a day after I finish this cart." "Can Ah do the honors of greasing this last bearing?" Scootaloo smiled at her. That stubborn mare just wouldn't take no for an answer. For some reason she found that stubbornness annoying but in an amusing way. She picked up the grease gun and tossed it over to her. She tossed over a couple of shop rags right after. "Scoots." Apple Bloom giggled as the rags landed on her face. She wiped them off revealing her smile and blushing cheeks. As Apple Bloom worked Scootaloo sat by her workbench watching under the pretense of supervising. She knew Apple Bloom was more than capable of the task, she had grown up on a farm and learned how to fix things or as Apple Bloom liked to say 'break it till' it works again.' Her methods may have been more unconventional but certainly not lacking in creativity. Apple Bloom probably had more uses for a hammer than anyone would have thought plausible. Her red mane was stunning, to say the least. When Apple Bloom was a filly she always wore a big pink bow to hold her mane back. She wore it through most of high school too, it just became part of her identity. Then one day she came to school without it and everyone saw just how thick, lush and lovely her mane truly was. It was then that Scootaloo fell hard for her, she just couldn't stop staring, Apple Bloom was so beautiful. Now she wore her mane like Applejack in a long ponytail. Still, she looked as beautiful as she did the first time Scootaloo really saw her. "Scoots!" "Huh?" Scootaloo snapped out of her daydream. "Ah said it's done." "Oh, right. Um, lower the lift then I guess we'll close up shop." The lift made a soft hissing noise lowering the cart slowly. The cart hit the ground softly, the suspension creaked slightly as it took on the weight from the body. "So you want to get something to eat? There's this new restaurant down the street, everyone is saying they have the best hay burgers. Ah've been meanin' to try but Ah don't come into town much." I can't do this... I just can't. "I-I can't, not tonight. Maybe another time." Apple Bloom looked disappointed and slightly unconvinced but she didn't press. "Yeah, there's always tomo – oh wait! Applejack's party. You’re coming right? Ah mean it's going to be all her friends so Ah will be pretty bored." "I think I can make it. It depends on how much work I have tomorrow." "Ah will help you get done early!" Apple Bloom said cheerfully. "We'll see." Scootaloo said trying to contain a smile. "I'll see you tomorrow morning I guess." "Yep, bright n' early. Ah'm gettin me a hay burger. See ya!" Apple Bloom trotted cheerfully out of the shop. Scootaloo groaned as she watched Apple Bloom leave. What am I getting myself into? She turned off the lights and closed the garage door. She didn't really have a reason to say no to Apple Bloom other than fearing what she felt for her. She feared that after all the time that has gone by she never actually moved on. She also feared that maybe she didn't want to move on, something was keeping her where she was. Scootaloo wrestled with her emotions as she walked through a deep rut in the road to her house. She was still annoyed with Rainbow Dash, no matter how many times she told herself she was just concerned. Rainbow Dash has been known to be a little overprotective at times. Something Scootaloo appreciated dearly even if that meant Rainbow Dash could be a little too overbearing sometimes. I really should apologize to her. And maybe help her understand that I don't need any help. The sky had cleared up, leaving the air chill and full of moisture. The wind had calmed as well but it was still enough to blow some golden leaves off the trees. Scootaloo smiled taking in the scent of the dampness and the leaves mulching on the ground. Autumn really was a nice time of year. Upon arriving at her home, Scootaloo was please to find an envelope at her doorstep. She checked the return address and was even more excited. She quickly rushed inside, sat at the table and opened the envelope pulling a letter out with very neat writing. Dear Scootaloo, How are you? How is your business doing? It's that time of year again so I bet you are pretty busy. I'm sorry I haven't written in a while, I've been so busy with my vocal and acting lessons and auditions these past few months. But it all paid off! I got an audition for a Bridleway! I'm so excited and I get to go to Manehatten. I'm so tired of Los Pegasus, it will be a nice change of pace. I probably shouldn't tell you this but Apple Bloom's last letter said she was feeling a bit lonely, always working on the farm and not being able to get out much. You should go see her, I think you two have a lot in common... hint, hint. I miss you tons and I hope to visit soon. Love -Sweetie She knew, she bucking knew. That unicorn... Scootaloo shook her head with a smile, her suspicions confirmed. She knew Sweetie Belle must have figured it out that day Apple Bloom let her mane down. Not only was she caught staring by Sweetie Belle several times she also kept talking about how nice Apple Bloom's mane was. What did I actually say that day? 'Oh my gosh I can't believe how beautiful her mane is?' Yeah it was something dumb and obvious like that. Of course that rumor that we liked each other from the previous year certainly didn't help. For Sweetie it sealed the deal no doubt. As Scootaloo laid on her small bed staring at the ceiling as she did every night, she tried to clear her thoughts. It was about this time every night she felt a strange ache in her chest, like something pulled at her heartstrings. It was a feeling of emptiness but Scootaloo never understand why she felt this every night. She had everything she ever wanted. A Lonely Mare.By the time the sun had come up, the weather had slightly improved. At least it had stopped raining but the dark clouds and the gloom were still present. Scootaloo had awoken early that morning to open her shop, knowing Apple Bloom would be there at the break of day. Even in the twilight, Scootaloo could see a golden colored mare patiently waiting for her to arrive. "Oh Scootaloo, good you're here." Carrot Top said with relief. She returned a smile to the mare. How early does she get up? "Morning Carrot Top. Your cart is ready to go." "Okay, that's great news. You won't believe how many carrots I’ve got to deliver this month..." She seemed to be talking more to herself than anyone else. The garage door squeaked open (as usual) and revealed Carrot Top's cart, still parked over the lift. “It was great working on this. You don't see too many of these around," Scootaloo said, taking the harness around her neck and loosely fastening the straps. "I'm going to back it out to you." "Oh, okay dear. Thank you." Scootaloo pushed the cart back with little effort. That's certainly an improvement. As the cart left the shop, she turned it so the cart would be facing away from the shop, ready for Carrot Top to simply pull the cart away with ease. As Scootaloo turned around, she came face to face with a grinning Apple Bloom. "Good morning boss. Sorry Ah didn't know what time to be here...or I would have been here earlier." "Oh, there's two of you now. Isn't that... sweet." Carrot Top said, eyeing Apple Bloom suspiciously. "Would one of you lovely mares like to take a look at my plough, it's having a little trouble." "Sure, one of us can come by a little later and have a look." Scootaloo responded. "Perfect." Carrot Top said as Scootaloo removed the harness and let it fall to the ground. "So, I think you'll notice a huge improvement. A couple of the bearings were pretty bad and close to going out, but they have been repacked and the bad one has been replaced." "So I owe you eighty bits?" She asked, opening her saddlebag to extract a bag of money. "Yes, eighty bits it the total. If there's anything wrong just let me know." Scootaloo said accepting the small bag of money. "Oh I don't think there's going to be anything wrong with it. You always do good work." Carrot Top waved a hoof through the air, dismissing any concerns there may have been. "I put a few extra bits in there as a tip for you dear. Well, anyways I'll see one of you two a little later on. Thanks so much." Carrot Top donned the harness and pulled the cart down the street. Scootaloo dumped the coins on her workbench. She counted five extra bits, which she pushed over to the side. "These are for you." "Me? Ah haven't done anything yet." "You repacked the last wheel bearing and I have extra money. So here you go." Apple Bloom put her hooves on the five bits and pushed them back to Scootaloo. "Ah was only helping you yesterday. You said Ah start today. It's only five bits, and besides you earned a good tip." Scootaloo opened her mouth to argue but Apple Bloom put a hoof over her muzzle. "Ah ain't taking it." Scootaloo shuttered slightly from the contact of Apple Bloom, even if it was only her hoof. Her touch still felt soft and gentle. "Okay, okay... like you say it's only five bits." Scootaloo hastily pushed the bits back into the pile. "Let me show you the safe." Scootaloo said, opening a cabinet next to the workbench to reveal a small safe. She slowly started putting the combination in, calling out the numbers so Apple Bloom could hear. "Are you sure you want me to have the combo?" "Yeah, I trust you. Besides, only two ponies have the combo now, and I know where you live..." Scootaloo smiled at Apple Bloom. "True, true. So why was Carrot Top lookin' at me so strangely back there?" Scootaloo sighed. Looking away from Apple Bloom, she placed the money in the safe. She had a theory... a theory based on a very old rumor. Who started that rumor anyways, and why is it still known? I realize this town has nothing better to do than gossip but seriously... come on. "I don't know Apple Bloom. It was strange wasn't it?" Scootaloo slammed the safe shut then closed the cabinet. Apple Bloom looked at Scootaloo closely: she could almost feel the pegasus was holding something back. It seemed like she knew more than she was letting on but Apple Bloom didn't press the question any further. "It sure was. Anyway, what's the first order of business today, boss?" Scootaloo looked around her shop but there wasn't much to do, yet... her eyes landed on the broken cart Apple Bloom hauled in the previous day. "Well, Carrot Top needs that plough fixed and there's this cart that you brought in." "Ooh, can Ah go fix her plough? Ah'm good at working on them. Ah fix them all the time for AJ and Mac." Apple Bloom asked with enthusiasm, bouncing around the shop. "Sure." Scootaloo laughed a little. Apple Bloom was acting like a foal in the candy aisle. "I'll start taking this piece of junk apart and see what can be salvaged." "Ah'll be back lickity split, then we can destroy it together!" Apple Bloom stuffed an assortment of tools into her saddlebags then bounced out the door grinning. Scootaloo waited until the farm mare was out of sight before letting out a long sigh. Come on Scoots... get it together. She figured the only way to distract herself from her troubling feelings was hard work. Scootaloo selected the tools she would need to salvage the cart: a couple of wrenches, a screwdriver and a large hammer. But even as she collected everything she would need, she knew it wasn't enough to distract her. It still clung to her mind. With each bolt she undid, each pin pulled, each part removed, Scootaloo felt as if the very pieces of her life were being removed. Like the moving parts of a machine, they were made up of smaller parts, fitting perfectly and working together. But once a certain piece was removed, the machine would cease to function. Scootaloo's life had been similar in many ways: she had put her life together like a machine. Each aspect of her life was crafted and fit together carefully, or so she believed. She just couldn't ignore the fact that the engine running her life was missing a major component. With each piece laid out in front of her, Scootaloo could see how everything fit together. But it had not offered her the insight she had hoped for. Instead, she only saw everyday, ordinary parts— parts that needed to be put somewhere, somehow. Then Scootaloo understood. It was so simple. The cart was already broken: there was no meaning in it to be found. It was just junk, no deeper meaning than that. My life isn't broken like this cart here. It's not twisted and contorted like the frame of this cart. And yet she still couldn't find the reason for the pain in her chest she felt every night. She still couldn't explain why that pain seemed to vanish when Apple Bloom was around. She knew why her heart raced when she was around but Scootaloo didn't want to think about that. Too late, I'm back to thinking about her. A few minutes later Apple Bloom returned to the shop looking pleased with herself. She pranced in, smiling brightly. "Ah did, it! Yee haw! Fixen’ some things and making some bits!" Scootaloo blushed at the sight of Apple Bloom. "So, everything went well?" "It did. Ah fixed the plough. And she might have more work for us later. More sprinklers to install if she buys up that extra land." Scootaloo groaned loudly. She hated sprinklers more than anything. They were extremely tricky to set up correctly, wire and then program. And if there were ever a problem with the wiring later, tracing out the wiring was painful– especially on the older systems that were done haphazardly. "What?" "I hate sprinklers." "Oh. But Carrot Top said you did a really good job putting the other ones in. Ah didn't know you didn't want to do that." "It's fine." "We can work on it together." Scootaloo's heart pounded furiously. The idea of working side by side with her deep in a trench excited her for some reason. "I'd like that, we could get it done faster and it would be some good pay for the winter." "Winter? Ah think she wants to do this soon. Besides Ah'm not going to work for you in the winter." "I know I said the season but I think I can keep you around full time." "Ah can't. I got, um, other things planned for the winter." Apple Bloom said nervously. Like her sister, Apple Bloom was a terrible liar. "What other things do you have planned for the winter?" "It's um..." Apple Bloom looked at her hooves for a second. "It's renovating the barn with Applejack and Mac." Scootaloo nodded, "Ah, I see." It may have been believable if she hadn't paused for too long. "You know you are bad at lying, right?" Apple Bloom's face went red. "Look it ain't none of your business. Okay?" "Fine, whatever." Scootaloo shot back, pinning her ears. If that's the way she wants to be about it... Apple Bloom rolled her eyes, her frustration getting the better of her. "Look, if I'm going to work with you this season, then let's get a few things straight! What I do or plan to do is none of anyone's business, if it concerned you then Ah'd tell you. Also, if you ever plan to keep this business afloat you need to charge more." Apple Bloom tossed a few coins on the floor. "Ten bits for one hour of my time! You can't even buy a wrench for that." "Yes, let's!" Scootaloo shouted back, her face red as she tried to keep herself level. "No one tells me how to run this shop! No one tells me how much to charge! You sound like Rainbow, always telling me I'm never going to make a living... but I do just fine, thank you! If you don't like it then there's the door!" She help up a shaking foreleg, pointing to the front door. "Then Ah guess this was just a big mistake!" Apple Bloom shouted back. She stomped to the front door then turned to speak again. "You know... Ah thought Ah could help you, be your friend again but you push me away like you push Rainbow Dash away. If you don't want my help, well that's fine with me." Apple Bloom's glared at Scootaloo. "So Rainbow Dash did ask you to come in here and help? Or did she and Applejack just talk about it around you, hoping you would overhear and run to my rescue?" "Scootaloo..." Apple Bloom trailed off as her eyes filled with tears. "What?" Scootaloo asked harshly. "Never mind. Enjoy your miserable life." Apple Bloom said coldly then cantered off, letting the tears flow. She stood there fuming, staring at the spot Apple Bloom was moments ago. Miserable? She's the one that's miserable... Scootaloo chucked a wrench across the room. It struck the wall, chipping some of the paint and plaster. What's wrong with me? Why am I like this? She didn't deserve that... Rainbow Dash walked in, her head low and her expression... sad. "You!" Scootaloo shouted at the sight of the cyan pegasus. "Calm down kid. It's time I explained..." Rainbow Dash trailed off. She scrunched her shoulders, preparing to duck incase a wrench came flying her way. "Explain how you have to interfere with my life because yours is boring now?" "Easy now. Yes, my life isn't as action packed anymore but that's okay. Just take it easy, I know you are mad at me but not nearly as mad as you should be." Rainbow Dash, took a seat on the floor, getting as close as she dared to Scootaloo. "Look, I messed up big time." "With tricking Apple Bloom into working here?" "That actually wasn't part of the plan. We didn't mean for her to overhear that." "Oh." Scootaloo bowed her head feeling sheepish. "Well, I'm listening." "Once there was a filly that loved to ride her scooter. She saw the world around her with wonders. Every obstacle in her path she'd jump over. And if that obstacle would knock her over, she'd get right back up and do it again. Then to mock it she would do tricks over these obstacles with a smile on her face. She overcame every obstacle except one. The thing she wanted most... "What happened to that filly? Why does she live alone, in a little apartment? Why does she run a shop and fix things all over town yet barely charges enough to make a living wage? Why does she punish herself so much?" Rainbow Dash paused but Scootaloo remained expressionless. "Remember when you went to the doctor's office before high school to find out about your wings? You were so nervous, I went with you, held your hoof the whole way." Rainbow Dash wiped a tear from her face. "After... oh Scootaloo, I was so torn up inside. But you just shrugged it off and went on your way. I knew that you were trying to be tough, but you must have been devastated. I followed you, watched you go home, get your scooter and ride to the clubhouse to be alone. I never, in my life, cried so hard." She wiped another tear from her eyes with a foreleg. She could see Scootaloo had tears in her eyes too but she didn't go to her. "Then through high school you seemed to have done well, especially after getting your cutie mark. Then after graduation, Sweetie Belle left for her vocal school in Los Pegasus and you and Apple Bloom drifted apart. She worked on the farm and you… you left to run your mechanic shop. "I was proud of you for making your way out in the world. So proud. It can be scary for a young pony out there but you charged into running this shop, and you did it so well. Again, you overcame every obstacle and got this thing up and running. It seemed your life was really turning out to be something good, you were happy... or I thought you were. But over time I noticed that behind each smile was a sad little filly, all alone in this big world. That's when I realized it: you're lonely... so, so lonely. "You've been alone so long that you don't even know it, but I'm sure you can feel it. I've felt it many times." Rainbow Dash took a slow breath then exhaled, moving closer to Scootaloo as she did. "You don't even realize how much of a rut your life is in, you charge so little because you don't feel like you are worth anything." She wrapped a wing around Scootaloo. She pulled her into a tight embrace. "I messed up badly, so horribly. I was a terrible role model. More concerned with myself, I was so self centered. All the times I cancelled or rescheduled a visit with you to hang out with the Wonderbolts. And after Sweetie Belle left and you were all alone, you needed me more than anything but where was I? Trying out for the Wonderbolts... it was my last try and I got in. I actually got in." "Wait, you got into the Wonderbolts?" Scootaloo spoke for the first time, looking at Rainbow Dash with a confused look. "I did, I finally made it. But I turned it down a little while later –" "You turned it down? Why? Rainbow, that's been your dream for like ever." "I thought it was but as I celebrated I realized something. I realized what was really important to me. I didn't need to be a Wonderbolt, I have saved the world a few times and been on some crazy adventures, all with the ponies I love more than anything. I realized that you needed me, and I should be with you, not flying around performing tricks. I turned it down for you Scoots, because I love you. “Except I was too late. You were in pain, you were lonely. I couldn't get close to you anymore. You were so guarded. I couldn't tell you what I wanted to tell you because I feared losing you completely." Rainbow Dash took a rattling breath, her body shaking a little. "Of course at this point I was in over my head. You needed help and didn't know how... I asked Applejack for some guidance and she came up with the idea of just spending more time with you, doing the simple things. I can't believe I didn't think of it. She arranged to have a get together, for just her, Apple Bloom and me. Part of that conversation was overheard and Apple Bloom took matters in her own hooves, thinking your business needed serious help. Then I had to upset you by telling you how to run your business." She paused, tightening her grip on Scootaloo. She could see she was weeping softly. "I wish there was a way to say how sorry I truly am. I've been a horrible sister to you. I don't deserve you." Scootaloo sniffled, looking Rainbow Dash in the eyes. "You're the best big sister I could ask for." Scootaloo wrapped her forelegs around Rainbow Dash's neck, hugging her tightly. She buried her face into Rainbow Dash's mane, bawling. She shuddered as Rainbow Dash messaged her back. "I-I'm s-s-so sorry Rainbow. I know you w-w-ere trying to h-h-help me b-but I–" "Shhh, it's okay... it's okay. You've kept things bottled up in in there for too long." Rainbow Dash continued to hold Scootaloo as she cried into her mane, soaking it completely. "This, this is all I wanted to do... just hold you and tell you everything is going to be okay." She held her tightly, rocking side to side. Scootaloo took solace in being held. It felt as if she found something that had been missing for so long, so long that she almost forgot what it was. With some effort she pulled herself together and released her grip from Rainbow Dash. "I'm sorry Rainbow. I know I said some hurtful things. I always felt bad after, then the next time I'd see you, you would be happy to see me and I’d be happy you were happy..." She trailed off for a second. "Did that make any sense?" Rainbow Dash nodded with a chuckle. "I never got to say sorry for all those times, for not seeing the bigger picture. You're right, I am lonely. I tried to convince myself that wasn't the issue, that I didn't need anyone... now the only friend I had is gone." "You don't have to apologize to me. You never have to apologize to me. It’s I who should apologize to you. I love you, little sister." Rainbow Dash hugged Scootaloo again. "Apple Bloom was just upset with you, but if you ask me I think she likes you a lot." "Come on Rainbow... she was pretty mad at me. I don't think she wants to see me anymore." "She cares. She dropped everything on the farm in the busiest time of year to help you. She's mad because you can't see how much she cares. She's hurt because you push her away, because you keep her somewhere between friend and lover." "Wh-what should I do? She doesn't want to see me." "Do you love her?" "What? Come on Rainbow, that's a silly high school rumor." "Yes it was. I remember the day you told me about it. You were so annoyed, a little too annoyed if you ask me." Rainbow Dash smirked at Scootaloo's rosy cheeks. "But I wasn't talking about that. I was talking about the way you light up when she walks in the room, the way you look at her, flirt with her. They way you stare at her when you think no one is looking." "I– I don't –" "Yes, you do." Rainbow Dash cut her off. "Last year at her birthday party. A few months later at your birthday party and all of the rare times you two saw each other. But it's a simple question, Scoots, do you love her?" Wow, I had no idea she paid that much attention. Do I love her? The way Apple Bloom made her feel, that spark she felt, like she could walk on air. No one had ever made her feel that way, ever. But do I love her? Why is this such a hard question to answer? But a voice in the back of her head was telling her the answer, the answer she knew all along. She looked Rainbow Dash in the eyes and gulped loudly. "Yes." "Then go to her." To Change This Lonely Life.With each pant of breath, each hoof beat the ground mercilessly with the fury of thunder. Yellowing leaves swayed, rustling in nearby trees as an orange blur streaked down the lane leading to Sweet Apple Acres. Leaves danced gracefully, twirling in the wake. Getting to Sweet Apple Acres was the only thing important to her. Nothing else mattered: not the shop, potential customers or the fact that she left Rainbow Dash sitting in there. Her friend—her only friend—tried to help her, but she pushed her away. The worst part for Scootaloo was she knew exactly how Apple Bloom felt: the sting of not being good enough, the feeling of rejection. Yet she raced on, galloping as fast as her legs could carry her. She increased her speed as the first grove of apple trees came into view. Sweet Apple Acres was nice this time of year with the turning of the leaves and the delicious red apples that clung to the branches. The trees seemed to stretch on for miles atop soft grass-covered rolling hills. The branches canopied the grass below, forming tunnels so thick, even Celestia's sun had trouble penetrating through. Leaves lay in heaps around the trees and, propped up against a particularly thick knotted tree lay a lone leaf rake. The barn stood near the farmhouse, casting its shadow over the hill it sat upon. Scootaloo slowed her gait to a walk when she approached it. She remember all the times she had helped Apple Bloom and her family rebuild, renovate, repair and repaint that barn. She remembered hours of back-breaking labor, stacking bales of hay, laughing when Sweetie Belle showed up and levitated all the hay bales without even breaking a sweat. Pushing the nostalgia aside, Scootaloo passed the barn and made her way to the farmhouse. She paused on the slope, taking another glance at the barn. You know her better than that. She's not in the house. She turned about face and returned to the barn. The door sat ajar, as if asking Scootaloo to enter. Hoof marks littered the door's rustic finish, and the dirt below looked as if someone skidded to a halt and hastily opened the door. Scootaloo pushed past the entrance, entering the vast open barn. In the far corner lay stacks of hay bales, towering almost high enough to touch the ceiling. In fact, they seemed to be stacked in such a way that a pony could easily climb to the top. Somewhere from the hay bales, she heard a single sob, then another. Scootaloo hurried up the mountain of hay, ignoring the pain and the fatigue, because there was only one single thing that lay on her mind. Hold on Apple Bloom, I'm coming for you... I just hope I didn't screw it all up. She finally reached the top, heaving and panting. There, directly in front of her, was Apple Bloom facing the wall. She barely reacted to the presence of her friend "Hey." Apple Bloom spoke softly, vainly attempting to hide the hurt in her voice. Scootaloo took a seat next to her, and she noticed Apple Bloom—filled with great sadness—holding a picture in her hooves. Scootaloo recognized the picture... it was the last day all three of them were together, the day Sweetie Belle left. "Hey." Scootaloo responded softly. She moved a little closer and wrapped a foreleg around Apple Bloom's shoulder. "That was a sad day." Apple Bloom nodded. "It sure was." "I didn't want her to leave. The three of us were the best of friends. I know we still are but not seeing her and only reading her letters... we are no longer in her life, sharing experiences with her. It's like we're no longer a part of her. We don't know her anymore." Scootaloo paused to take a deep breath, but Apple Bloom didn't react. "I fear losing you in the same way, Apple Bloom. I fear we will no longer have things to talk about, no common ground. I don't want that. "I'm sorry for how I treated you earlier—I’ve got issues, I know. But Rainbow helped me realize just how lonely I've become. And I don't want to lose you because... because, I care about you." Apple Bloom’s sadness slowly dissipated as the tears flowed less and less. Loneliness, that evil that slithers in when one least expects it, was being cast out, and a tiny smile broke through Apple Bloom's face as she leaned her head against Scootaloo's shoulder "Aw Scoots, that was sweet. Ah know that wasn't easy to do, especially for you. Ah'm sorry too. Ah overreacted." "Maybe a little, but it's only because you care for me. I realize it now and I have to say—" She broke herself off abruptly. It's not that Scootaloo didn't want to say it, she just didn't know how to say it. It's just three words... three words. Apple Bloom looked at her with hopeful eyes, as if she knew what she was about to say. "What?" Apple Bloom spoke softly. "What do you have to say?" She moved her face a little closer to Scootaloo's. "I-don't-well... remember that rumor during high school?" "Ah remember many rumors from high school." Apple Bloom said with a giggle. Scootaloo's stomach turned and her heart thundered from within. She's going to make it hard for me. "You know the-the one about us?" "Ah think Ah know of that rumor..." She trailed off, smiling warmly. Apple Bloom ran a hoof through her thick mane a few times then removed the band holding her mane. Her beautiful wavy red mane hung freely, covering her neck. With a hoof she brushed her long forelock back over her ear. "Is this the one?" Scootaloo's words were right on the tip of her tongue, except her mouth hung open, cheeks flaming as her heart skipped a few beats. It had been years since Apple Bloom let her mane down, not since high school. "Apple Bloom..." Scootaloo trailed off, trying to find the right words. "You are so—" She stopped when Apple Bloom wrapped both of her fore-legs around her neck. She shuddered as Apple Bloom pulled her in closer. Their noses were almost touching when she whispered, "so beautiful.” Both of their eyes closed and their noses connected. They enjoyed the soft touch as they shared breath for a brief moment. Scootaloo tilted her head slightly, and their lips connected. Scootaloo's heart melted like a drop of fire, and she put her fore-legs around Apple Bloom's back. Apple Bloom pushed her tongue forward, onto Scootaloo's. They connected and danced around each other, each trying desperately to explore the other's mouth. She moved her hoof, and softly, gently, down it traveled over Scootaloo's withers, down the curve of her back, blindly stroking over the contour of her hind quarters. Her hoof gently rested on her cutie mark for a second, then she softly stroked over her flank, in the gentle caress. Scootaloo moaned into Apple Bloom's mouth at the touch of her sensitive flank. She broke the kiss, panting, and she planted small kisses on Apple Bloom's lips. As Apple Bloom continued to caress her, she pulled her closer. Feeling the warmth they shared, Scootaloo's heart ignited like wildfire with burning desire. As their lips reconnected, Scootaloo realized her life, her lonely life, was so... empty. She pushed herself against Apple Bloom as hard as she could, causing her to moan. With a soft moan, Apple Bloom pulled her face back form Scootaloo, to gaze into her gorgeous sad eyes. She studied her face in the dimly lit barn, taking note of her rosy cheeks. She ran a hoof over them, feeling the softness and warmth as she once again closed the distance between their noses. Closing their eyes they exchanged one last breath before continuing to kiss and caress each other. As Scootaloo continued to push herself into her, Apple Bloom fell over onto her back. Scootaloo stood over her, admiring the contrast Apple Bloom's mane had to the golden hay below her and the loose bits that were tangled in her mane. With only a soft nod, Apple Bloom adjusted her position, leaving nothing to fantasy, and Scootaloo laid herself atop of her. She brushed that thick mane out of her beautiful face, held it in her hooves, and took a moment to gaze into her eyes as Apple Bloom did the same. Their eyes locked onto each other's like they were gazing into their very souls as their bodies began to move in perfect rhythm. Never for a second did Scootaloo doubt what she was doing. Maybe it was the way Apple Bloom held her, caressed and kissed her. Or maybe it was the way she called out her name softly between each kiss or peppered small kisses down her neck. All she knew was it felt right, that this is what love felt like. And to share it with someone special was the most intimate thing she had ever experienced. They both lay on their sides, panting, gazing into each other's eyes, mutually sharing a gentle embrace. In this perfect moment, the sun shone through the gaps in the barn's planks. They didn't dare speak—words weren't needed—or move, or anything to break the perfect silence the two lovers shared. They simply basked in each other's embrace, not wanting to let go, not wanting to stop the gentle caressing. Their lips came together in a tender kiss. Apple Bloom bit onto Scootaloo's lower lip as they pulled apart. "Ey" Scootaloo tried to speak, finally breaking the silence. Apple Bloom released her lip and they both giggled. "I love you," she said softly, nuzzling the crook of Apple Bloom's neck. "I've been in love with you... for so long." She peppered tiny kisses up her neck and kissed her cheek. "I was so lonely. Ever been one way so long, you don't realize it? I thought I was fine... but I was wrong. Oh, Celestia I was wrong. I would trade those years for anything so we could've fallen in love sooner." "We have each other now. Ah ain't goin' nowhere." Apple Bloom tightened her grip on Scootaloo, one fore-hoof still caressing her flank. "Ah guess Ah was lonely too. That's why Ah wanted to help your business. Ah just wanted the company more than anything. But Ah kinda ruined that..." "You can come back to the shop anytime, and we can run it together. I promise I'll charge better prices, work less hours and eventually move out of my crappy apartment." Scootaloo ran a hoof though Apple Bloom's mane, from her ears down to her withers, making her tremble from the touch. "Be patient with me... I have a lot of changing to do." "You're worth it." Apple Bloom said smiling brightly. Scootaloo gently held the back of Apple Bloom's head as they shared a passionate kiss, their tongues dancing around the other. Their lips separated and Scootaloo playfully nibbled Apple Bloom's ear. "Hey, so what did you mean you already had something planned for the winter?" Scootaloo asked, suddenly remembering. "Well... Ah didn't want to keep working with you, because Ah kinda hoped we'd be...um, together." She said bashfully. "I don't get it." "Well, if we are together, then it would be weird to work for you. But if we run it together, like the Cakes run Sugarcube Corner, Ah think it can work. But my first responsibility is the farm." "I understand... you know... it might be easier if I moved my shop here, so we can fix things here too." "That's a great idea!" Scootaloo nuzzled Apple Bloom, giggling to herself. "It's funny how things turned out. All because Applejack wanted to have a get together, so Rainbow could be close to me again." Apple Bloom's head shot up, her eyes wide with sudden realization. "My sister's party! Scoots, that's happening right now!" She jumped to her feet, brushing her mane quickly with a hoof. She shook her body to get all the hay off then hastily put the band back in her mane. "Oh, no, Ah hope we aren't too late. How do I look?" Scootaloo was overcome with a fit of giggles as she slowly rose to her feet. "You look like you just... you know." With a hoof she brushed more hay out of her mane and tail. "There, better. Let's go." They climbed down from the mountain of hay bales, side by side they left the barn. They stopped dead in their tracks. Before them a few feet away were Applejack and Rainbow Dash sitting on a picnic blanket. Scootaloo and Apple Bloom looked at each other with a feeling of dread, wondering if they had been overheard. Without any words they moved on, walking as casually as possible. Unfortunately for them, Applejack spotted them walking out of the barn. "Well there ya two are! Ah was beginnin' to wonder if anyone was going to show up at all. What in tarnation were you two doing in there?" Scootaloo felt her stomach tighten: there was nothing she could say that wouldn't sound bad. They would never believe just talking would they? "Scootaloo was helping me move the hay bales around and checking to make sure Ah did a good repair job on the hoist." Few, nice save. "And it works perfectly." "Well that's a good thing." Applejack eyed them both suspiciously. Rainbow Dash's eyes met with Scootaloo's and she gave her that knowing smirk. "Can I talk to you for a second?" She asked Scootaloo, gesturing with a hoof that she wanted a private word with her. "Sure. Be right back." She followed Rainbow Dash a few feet away from the picnic. "Hey kid, so I just wanted to say, things back there got kinda... real. It's still hard for me to express things like that." She looked Scootaloo in the eyes. "I just want you to know, that I'm always here for you, even if I don't always show it." She smiled at Scootaloo with that same knowing smirk. "So, I take it, your apology with Apple Bloom went well?" "Yeah..." Scootaloo's heart fluttered and she looked away. "Did you two... kiss?" Rainbow Dash asked. Scootaloo nodded, smiling bashfully. "I told you everything would be okay, didn't I?" She hugged the mare tightly. She pulled some hay out of her mane. "So you guys were moving hay bales? Just how were you two moving them?" Her cheeks flamed red as Rainbow Dash flashed her that knowing smirk and a wink. "You two have something special... and all that mushy stuff." Rainbow Dash gave Scootaloo a quick hug. "My little Squirt is all grown up." She whispered in her ear. To Scootaloo, it sounded like Rainbow Dash was close to tears. The way she said that, with such pride, yet with a hint of sadness. "Hey, you are The Rainbow Dash! I'm just Scootaloo, the little filly that was lucky enough to get to know you . To call you a friend, sister, someone to lookup to. Next to you... I'll always be that little filly, that little squirt." "Aw, come here you." Rainbow Dash hugged her tightly. "Dang you, making me get all emotional." She let a few tears fall as she held the mare in her fore-legs. She planted a kiss on her her forehead. "Rainbow?" Scootaloo said softly, leaning her head against Rainbow Dash's neck. She could see Apple Bloom and Applejack sitting on the picnic table laughing. A pink mare bounced around the picnic happily with perpetual energy and Twilight sat next to Applejack sharing a laugh. "Yes, Squirt?" "How do I make it work? I'm scared I'll mess it all up for her." "Well... it's a risk you have to be willing to take. She loves you and as long as you love each other, then you got nothing to worry about." Rainbow Dash said with difficulty. "I know it sounds pretty cheesy but it's like—it's like when you fix things. The little pieces matter most." It hit Scootaloo like a ton of bricks when she realized how simple it was. It was the little things that made it work, that made it love. Like all the little parts in a wagon, right down to the bolts, pins and bearings, they all came together to support the wagon. Without them, it wouldn't be a wagon; it'd be nothing. "You're a genius, Rainbow." "I still have my awesome moments. I guess there a few things I can still teach you kid." She released her embrace smiling in her usual brash expression. "Well, lover girl. Shall we get back to the party?" Scootaloo simply nodded, following her lead back to the picnic. "You two are together?" Pinkie Pie exclaimed as Scootaloo and Rainbow Dash returned to the party. "You and Apple Bloom?" "Um..." Scootaloo looked over to Apple Bloom who smiled at her. Such a pretty smile... "Yeah, we are." "This calls for a... wait for it!" Pinkie Pie paused long enough to take in a massive amount of air. "A PARTY!" She dived into a nearby shrub retrieving a party cannon. "I keep party cannons stashed all over town. In case of party cannon emergencies." She pulled a lighter out of seemingly nowhere and lit the fuse. It exploded with a loud 'bang' that echoed throughout the orchard. Confetti exploded out of the barrel, followed by a cake, a bowl of punch and the right amount of plates and cups. Scootaloo sat next to Apple Bloom with her cup of punch and slice of cake. She took a bite then offered Apple Bloom a bite. "Wow, Pinkie, this cake is amazing. Where did this come from anyways?" "From the bakery, silly. And ponies think I say funny things..." "It's best not to question it." Apple Bloom said, taking a bite of the cake. "Mmmm, this is good." She put a foreleg around Scootaloo, kissing her cheek. "Aw, look how cute they are!" Pinkie exclaimed. "Settle down Pinks." Applejack said, smirking. This is going to be annoying, but for her... a little teasing and gushing is worth it. "Hey Apple Bloom." Scootaloo said quietly so only she could hear. "Yeah?" Scootaloo moved in closer and whispered in her ear, "I love you." "What are you doing?" A groggy Apple Bloom asked. "Got to open the shop." Scootaloo responded. She was half sitting up but a fore-leg was extended, pulling her back into her warm bed. "You should take the day off." "I wish but—" Apple Bloom forcefully pulled Scootaloo back down into the bed interrupting her. She nibbled Scootaloo's ear then whispered in it. Scootaloo gulped, her face crimson like the rising sun. "I-I think I'll take the day off." "Good, now go back to sleep." "But-but you said..." "Ah know what Ah said. We have all day don't we?" Scootaloo smiled as she snuggled against Apple Bloom, closing her eyes. There was no chance of riding her scooter that day. Indeed, the sun was shining through a patchwork of dark clouds, and golden leaves of autumn were so inviting, especially in the cool morning breeze. Things still weren't perfect but she found someone special and she couldn’t be happier. As Scootaloo lay in her lover's tight embrace she felt less inclined to move, taking solace in the warmth provided. And with clouds so sombre threatening another soaking downpour, she couldn't think of another place she'd rather be. Another Broken CartThere was no chance of riding that day. Indeed, the sun was shining through a patchwork of dark clouds, and golden leaves of autumn were so inviting, especially in the cool morning breeze. However, last night's rain, so penetrating, left the roads full of puddles and deep ruts from the wagons loaded down with fresh produce. And with clouds so sombre threatening another soaking downpour that would cause everyone to run for shelter, riding simply wasn't possible. Although she didn't want to go out in the weather, Scootaloo knew she would have to get out there, and not being able to ride her scooter didn't help motivate her the slightest. While she lay in her bed considering taking the day off to relax in front of the fire and drink cider as the rain poured relentlessly... maybe even curl up with a blanket and a good book. It certainly was the season and the weather almost begged her to stay in. So Scootaloo wished, but she chided herself at the mere thought. It was the time of year when ponies needed her most. She wasn't the type to let anyone down and she really needed the bits, if she was going to keep a roof over her head. The hardest part of Scootaloo's day was actually getting out of bed. Especially on a day like this, where she wanted nothing more than to lay about enjoying the comfort and warmth a little while longer. Her bed has never been so comfortable as it was right now. The temperature of the room was cold but not cold enough for the blankets that covered her. Scootaloo stretched and rolled over, pulling some blankets with her. She wondered if other ponies were like this. Not lazy, just really hated getting up on a morning where everything seemed so gloomy yet so perfect. Certainly not Apple Bloom, she was an early riser, ready to conquer the day; no matter what the weather was. She also knew Sweetie Belle never liked to sleep in much but Scootaloo always figured the day wasn't going anywhere. With a groan, the tangerine colored mare rolled out of bed. Her hooves connected with the cold hardwood floor and she shivered. She turned back to her bed and straightened the blankets in a haphazard way; so it looked somewhat neat. She didn't find it necessary to make a big fuss, after all no one was coming over so it was good enough to her. She lived alone, Scootaloo, in a small one bedroom apartment just outside Ponyville. Ever since she earned her cutie mark in mechanics she has been the local handypony. She mostly repaired wagons for the local farmers but she also helped repair locomotives on occasion, whenever one happened to breakdown in Ponyville. She also fixed just about anything else in Ponyville that she was hired for: pipes, heaters, wiring, windows, sinks and other household items. But despite all the work, she barely scraped by. The work was never consistent yet she always somehow managed. Except in Autumn, the only time she had a heavy workflow due to the harvest season, wagons always needed repair. Her apartment was a single room, well almost, the bathroom was separated only by a half wall partition Scootaloo herself put in. Her small bed was placed along the far wall, in the center was a small table and two chairs, a bowl of fruit sitting atop of it. Along the other wall was a tiny stove with a couple of pots and pans and next to the stove was a sink, with a single bowl in it. Across from her bed was the door and a single couch that was covered in a thick layer of dust. It was nothing remarkable but it was nonetheless her home and she was content. With a sigh she made her way across the room, stopping at the table to pluck an apple from her fruit bowl, which she ate quickly. Today was going to be busy, she just had that feeling. The previous day she managed to repair a cart and the oven in Sugarcube Corner. With no pending or continuing projects the proverbial flood gates were open. Not that that's the way it worked but there seemed to be an ebb and tide to the workflow. Still, it was autumn and there hasn't been a dull moment yet. She never complained, not once. She liked fixing things, she'd do it for free if she could. It gave her life meaning to get into the inner workings of some machine or device, figure out how it worked and how to make it work again. It all started in high school when she finally wrecked her scooter so badly she had to rebuild it completely. It was then she received her cutie mark, as she beamed down at her new and improved scooter, it appeared on her flank. She was the last in her class to get it but since then she's been fixing everything she can. After school she started charging fees for her work until she saved up enough to open her own shop. Scootaloo was blasted with chill wind upon opening her front door, interrupting her thoughts. In the distance a low thunderclap could be heard, a storm was definitely moving in over Ponyville. She only wished she remembered to ask a pegasus when. As the chill winds of autumn rushed over her coat, making her shiver slightly, the sight before her was bleak at best. Rays of sunlight poked through the thick clouds and the air was opalescent with fog and smoke from near by chimneys. In the distance she could see the rolling hills of Sweet Apple Acres. If she looked carefully she could make out the red apple and arrow that topped the farmhouse. Or as she liked to call it, 'the thing that showed which way the wind was blowing.' With another shiver she tore her gaze from the distant scenery and stepped out her front door, making sure to lock it behind her, she set out on her walk into ponyville. The journey to her shop wasn't a long one, just a few minutes walk from her home. The ground below her made loud squelching sounds, her hooves sinking in the mud after each step she took. As mud splattered her fetlocks she thought about the road conditions and wondered if they would ever lay down cobblestone like so many other towns in Equestria have. They. Who are they? I could do it. Shouldn't be too hard. But as quickly as the thought came, she pushed it out reminding herself she was only a mechanic and someone else more important would do it. Upon arriving to her shop, a small garage, Scootaloo found a pony with a cart outside waiting. She recognized the mare instantly with that pale gold coat and orange mane and tail. It was Golden Harvest but most of the ponies in town called her Carrot Top. "Oh, Scootaloo. Thank Celestia you are here. My cart is... broken." Carrot Top had been a customer for Scootaloo a few times before. She had fixed her heater last winter and over the summer she installed an automated sprinkler system. She couldn't help but smile, seeing the troubled mare standing frantically in front of her shop. "Good morning Carrot Top, what seems to be the problem?" "Oh, it's just terrible. I had just finished delivering a ton of carrots in town when the cart got really hard to pull... and it was empty. Some stallion helped me drag it here, he said one of the back wheels isn't turning." Carrot Top said, worry in her voice. "I need this cart soon. I have more carrots to deliver." "It's probably just a seized bearing. It's common on these old carts. When the oil in the bearings dry up they get hot and melt." Scootaloo explained as she walked around the cart. She had already found the seized bearing, knowing the tell signs. This was the most common problem she fixed this time of year. "Oh no, is that bad? Do I need another cart? But you can fix anything –" Scootaloo held up a hoof to silence her. "I can fix it. It's easy. Fifty bits for the part twenty for the labor and another fifteen to check the other bearings and grease them. Let's just call it eighty bits. I should have it done tomorrow morning at the latest." "Oh thank you, you're the best." Carrot Top said with relief. "I'll be back tomorrow." She disliked getting out of bed but she loved opening her shop every morning. The sound of the metal garage door made is it rolled up along its metal track. No matter how much oil she used, she could never get rid of that awful squeaking sound the door made as it reached the end of its track. Like hooves on a chalkboard, she hated that sound, her ears would fold back as she cringed in a few brief seconds of agony. Then with a flick of a light, the shop was open and Scootaloo was ready to begin the day. Staring at the wagon in front of her shop, Scootaloo sighed. She has had her share of dragging broken carts in, but in times like these she wished she were a unicorn. She could then move the cart effortlessly in, but no such luck... not for a pegasus. Between the yoke was a harness which she donned. She knew the wagon wouldn't steer properly due to the non-moving wheel. The hardest part would be getting it centered on the lift. She dug her hooves into the ground, her head forward as she attempted to move the cart. Her hooves sunk in the mud and she grunted and snorted. She tapped into her reserve strength and finally the cart budged. And as she had anticipated the cart began to turn on the frozen wheel like it was a pivot point. Scootaloo countered steered then straightened out again, then counter steered again. Slowly, inch by inch the cart was making its way into the garage. Come on Scootaloo, just a little bit more. This is what you get for skipping out on exercise these past weeks. Scootaloo panted, her shoulders were aching and her hind quarters were strained but she didn't stop. "Hey, let me help you with that." An all too familiar, slightly raspy voice, said from somewhere outside the garage. "Oh- no, that's okay. I got –" Scootaloo broke off as she felt her burden become less. She quickly aligned herself with the lift then moved the cart over with ease. She hastily removed the harnesses. "Thanks Rainbow." "It was nothing." Rainbow Dash emerged from behind the cart. "Few, that thing is heavy, and you were moving it by yourself?" Scootaloo shrugged, "it's not the first time I've moved one of those things by myself." She stared at the cyan pegasus, observing her brash expression. She knew Rainbow Dash wasn't just stopping by, she could see beneath that brash-nonchalant expression was a pony that was really concerned. Misguided but concerned. "So you just happen to be in the area?" "Well... okay you caught me. I'm just checking up on you kid, I haven't seen you around lately." Rainbow Dash walked around the small garage, avoiding Scootaloo's stare. She casually picked up a wrench and observed it as if she had never seen one before. "I worry about you." "I've been busy." Scootaloo responded simply. She tore her gaze from Rainbow Dash to the control panel for the lift. She pushed her hoof over the switch activating it. There was a loud clanking of gears as four beams rose from the floor to the chassis of the cart, lifting it off the floor. She stopped the cart once it was high enough for her to stand under. "I can see that. Who's cart do you have here?" From a near by tool box Scootaloo retrieved a heavy iron pry bar. She returned to the cart and pried off the hubcap with ease. It hit the ground with a clatter. Next she removed the bolt that held the wheel on the axle. "This one is Carrot Top's. It's an older model, they stopped making these five years ago but they are sturdy. I don't get to work on these too often." Scootaloo responded as she jammed the pry bar behind the wheel. Her voice strained as she pushed with all her strength in vain to remove the wheel from the axle. "Need a hoof?" Rainbow Dash asked casually. She knew Scootaloo probably didn't, she just wanted to make conversation. Scootaloo dropped the pry bar panting. "No, I'll get it. These things are so well made, no pony has probably ever had to take it apart, ever... until now." She moved underneath the cart running her hoof on the underside of the chassis. The wood was smooth from wear and tear but the frame was perfect, intact and free of rust. This thing is in great shape! "I have a way with these things." A smile crept across her face and she planted her fore-hooves on the ground, raised her hindquarters and bucked her back legs. With a series of loud whacks, her hind legs connecting near the center of the wheel, there were signs of movement. Several dozen kicks later there was a loud pop and the wheel was ejected from the axle. It flew a couple of feet before crashing to the floor. "Well... that's um, one way to do it." Rainbow Dash tried to hide her look of surprise, hoping her smile would show she knew Scootaloo was going to do that all along. "It's one of my favorite techniques, works every time." Scootaloo rubbed the sweat from her brow with a foreleg. She had used that technique several times before. Inspired by Apple Bloom many years ago when she watched the farm filly buck a rusty pipe into place then casually say, 'that's how we fix things 'round here." Scootaloo liked the approach, she knew sometimes brute force was eventually what somethings needed. Over the latter years in school she had become more taken with the farm filly. She had always admired Apple Bloom but in the last couple years of school the feelings intensified. She knew what they were but for the sake of their friendship she never acted on those feelings. She had always suspected Sweetie Belle knew, that unicorn had a knack for knowing those things. She always knew who was together and who liked whom. Scootaloo believed Sweetie Belle never said anything for same reasons she didn't. It's one suspicion she would never learn the truth of. She just couldn't bother wasting a letter to Sweetie Belle on such nonsense. "Well, if it works..." Rainbow Dash trailed off. She picked the wheel off the floor, inspecting it for damage but found none, she set it aside. "I'm pretty sure I've seen Apple Bloom fix a couple of things doing that." Her face lit up with a grin upon mentioning Apple Bloom. Scootaloo furrowed her brow at cyan pegasus' grin. Great... one little rumor gets out like five years ago and everyone thinks it's still true. "I got the idea from her or one of the Apples a long time ago." She did her best to sound casual about it but she was holding back what she really wanted to say. Her voice strained a little in her frustration; however, Rainbow Dash didn't seem to notice. She crossed the shop to her workbench, removing a collection of tools from the wall in front of her. She grabbed a grease gun from one of the drawers along with a box containing the new bearing. The great thing about these older models... the bearings come in pieces! She opened the box and dumped out two large metal rings and some other smaller pieces, which she quickly sorted into neat piles. "So what are you working on now?" She let out an audible sigh, "the wheel bearing. I have to put it together, then pack it with grease." "Sounds complicated. I hope Carrot Top can afford it..." Rainbow Dash of course knew she wasn't charging enough, it had been an argument they had had many times before. "I'm charging her a fair price. The part is the most expensive thing, then I just charge her a little extra for the service." Scootaloo rolled her eyes as she pushed metal beads into the metal race. Next she grabbed the second smaller metal race and dropped over the bigger one. With a quick adjustment and a smack with a hammer, the bearing was sealed. "How much?" "Rainbow, it's fine. Okay?" "How much?" Rainbow Dash asked again a little more forcefully. "Thirty bits." Scootaloo murmured as she smeared grease all over the bearing. She used her hoof to rotate the bearing to work the grease into it. "Thirty? Are you crazy?" Scootaloo shrugged. "It's all I need. I already have this month's rent I only need a little bit to get food for the month." Rainbow Dash shook her head smiling. "One day you'll want to have some extra bits. You may wish to take a special somepony out on a date. And if it gets more serious, what then?" "I'm not dating, don't plan on it either." Scootaloo snorted in a mareish fashion. She worked with extra vigor packing the grease in the bearing. Her hooves gripped tightly as she used more force than necessary squeezing the grease gun, oozing out an excess her rag couldn't remove. With a frustrated groan she slammed the grease gun on the workbench causing several wrenches to bounce from the impact. Rainbow Dash's ears twitched from the noise of Scootaloo's outburst. "I'm sorry, I just thought that maybe you'd... you know... like to find a –" Scootaloo shot her a reproachful look that caused her to stop mid sentence. "You’re busy, look the real reason I came here was to check up on you and ask if you wanted to go to Applejack's little get-together tomorrow." Scootaloo maintained her glare causing her to speak softer and softer, caving under the pegasus' glare. "I – I'll leave you alone now." Slowly she spread her wings taking flight without a backwards glance. Scootaloo stared at her workbench as a single tear ran down her cheek. She didn't mean to lose her temper she didn't want Rainbow Dash to leave. She had no idea what it was but something inside her lost control. And for what? She was only trying to help me! She slammed her hooves on the workbench with a loud clatter making her tools scattered. With her foreleg she swiped the surface sending tools flying across the tiny shop as she slowly slid down to the hard floor, crying.
A Broken Heart. A Broken Heart. A loud thunderclap could be heard over Ponyville, one that shook the ground and rattled windows. The dry air dampened rapidly before a relentless downpour started. Rain came down in sheets that afternoon, soaking the already-wet muddy roads. The ground was so saturated with water that it pooled in the ruts and overflowed the storm drains. A powerful wind swept in from the east pushing the rain diagonally; it pounded off the walls of nearby buildings. Ponies sought cover in the nearest buildings, not caring which shop they had just barged into. Scootaloo pulled herself off the floor, her eyes dry from the tears she shed. There was an aching pain in her chest, a feeling of emptiness and regret. As mad as she was for losing it with Rainbow Dash, shame lingered over her head as she moved about her shop picking up the tools she had thrown. With each tool she collected off the floor she returned to the workbench to put it in the correct place. She knew this was the longest way possible to do this but she didn't particularly care. She used the time to collect her thoughts and recompose herself. She wanted me to go to a get together at Applejacks? As if I want to go to that... besides it's for her friends not Rainbow's. Although I should say sorry to her. Finally all the tools were back to the correct spot; Scootaloo could now continue to work on Carrot Top's cart. It was almost done: in fact, all she needed to do was pry the old bearing out, put the new one in, put the wheel back on then check and grease the other wheels. Scootaloo stood over the wheel she had bucked off the cart with her favorite pry bar and a hammer, trying to free the old bearing of the casing it was held in. Each hit sent dull vibrations through her body when the hammer connected with the iron rod. The rusty seized bearing refused to move no matter how hard she tried to pry it out. If I can't pry it out, maybe I can break it out. She took the hammer and beat the outside housing of the bearing furiously. With a loud roar of frustration and a stream of curse words, the bearing popped out. She collapsed to the floor panting. Staring at the wall, Scootaloo took in the details of the cracks in the plaster and just how cold the concrete floor really was. Its coolness was soothing and it helped her regain her breath. I guess I really needed that... She picked herself up, suddenly feeling calm and less tense. Scootaloo retrieved the bearing she made from the workbench and lightly tapped it down into the housing. Then she placed the wheel back on the axle, bolting it down. With her hoof she gave it a few test spins, then made a few adjustments to the bolt and spun again. When she was satisfied with her work and the wheel spun freely, she slapped the hubcap back over it. One thing was left to do, check the rest of the cart over, then she'd be done for the day. She normally didn't close up right after she finished working, she liked to stay open incase someone needed something fixed. There have been times she has worked late into the night for ponies that showed up late afternoon with some emergency. Most things were easy to fix but there was one thing that always put strain on the mare's abilities... electrical. Troubleshooting electrical issues with heaters, coolers, sprinklers–especially sprinklers were the things that kept her working late. She didn’t do anything desultory, she guaranteed excellent quality work and she never quit until it was perfect. Upon inspecting the cart she found no other issues, she retrieved the grease gun from the workbench when she noticed a couple different things: It had stopped raining and there was a considerable amount of noise and yelling from outside the shop. "No, no over, to the right! A voice of a mare with a strong drawl yelled as if she were directing where to place furniture. "Dagnabbit Apple Bloom you're going to ruin it!" "It's already broken sis!" "Well don't break it any more or it ain't no good to anypony!" Scootaloo was about to poke her head out to see what the commotion was all about except the commotion came to her front door before she could. In the entrance to the garage, before her, stood Applejack half covered in mud. Next to her was Apple Bloom, slightly less muddy with a harness and a cart, or what was a cart. "Hey sugarcube! Ah'd hug ya if Ah wasn't covered in mud. Dang that Rainbow Dash and other Pegusi of the weather team for making it rain all the time." Applejack held up a hoof to curse the pegusi. "Anyway Ah'm just stopping by to invite you to a get together tomorrow evening. Nothin' fancy." Scootaloo couldn't help but smile at the pair of them. They looked so ridiculous, standing there covered in mud as if it were a normal occurrence, which she admitted was but not outside the farm. "Yeah I heard. Rainbow stopped by earlier to invite me." "Well ya comin'?" "I-I'll try. This is a busy time of year for me." "Ah sure hope ya can make it, Ah hope to see you tomorrow." Applejack bowed her head then turned on the spot and left the shop. Apple Bloom remained, standing awkwardly in the threshold with her broken cart. "Hey Scoots. Long time no see. Ah hope you are doing good." Apple Bloom smiled warmly. Apple Bloom's cheeks were slightly red as she smiled. Scootaloo couldn't tell if they were red from the cold or if was a blush. "I'm doing alright. Been busy." She replied awkwardly. She had to break eye contact, the feeling of awkwardness was too extreme. She used the cart on the lift as an excuse to turn away from her. "Ah can see. Anyway, Ah just wanted to give you something." Apple Bloom stepped forward, the broken cart behind her making a terrible sound as it dragged across the floor. Scootaloo eyed the cart curiously. It was utterly destroyed, it was more of a piece of plywood on wheels than a cart. She could see the rear axle was broken in half but still attached to the suspension which kept it from falling off completely. "Um... you might want to consider just buying a new one. Even with my prices it would be cheaper." "This old pile of junk? Ah ain't askin ya to fix it. Ah want to give it to you." Apple Bloom said, removing the harness from around her neck and chest. "Why?" "For parts, scrap metal, Ah don't really care." Scootaloo moved in for a closer look. She could see the harnesses and yoke assembly were still in good shape. There was no hope for the rear suspension and the front suspension wasn't really worth salvaging either. But the wheels were good and possibly the bearings. The frame was bent, twisted and falling off of the chassis. "Well, I guess some of it is worth having. What in Equestria did you guys do to it? I have never seen one this bad before." Apple Bloom just shrugged laughing nervously. "Nothing, just the usual, hauling apples, bales of hay, pumpkins, old junk from the house. You know the same thing we use all of our carts for. This one just didn't make it and it was the newest one! They just don't make em' like the used to." A smile crept across her face. Normal use for carts at the Apple's that isn't hauling apples? Interesting. "They certainly don't." Scootaloo said, she turned her face back to the cart on the lift to hide her smile. "You need to get more of these, they are almost indestructible... almost." Scootaloo tapped her hoof to the side of the cart. "Ah know. They are hard to find, Applejack and Mac are very careful with ours. We figured with this cart since it was new, it could handle some abuse but... well you see what happened." Apple Bloom said pointing at the her broken cart in mock pity. Scootaloo chuckled a little, smiling at Apple Bloom. "You got such a pretty smile you know?" Scootaloo's face turned a deep shade of red, "I-I do?" What does that mean? Is she coming on to me or is she just being nice? "Yeah, it's nice when you smile. Something you don't do too often these days." How does she know that? We haven't seen each other in months! She blushed awkwardly before moving to the cart quickly and picking up her pry bar. She hastily pulled the hubcaps off the other three wheels not caring that they were falling to the floor. Out of the corner of her eye she could see Apple Bloom walking around the cart. She noticed Apple Bloom moved in closer to inspect one of the wheel bearings. "Looks like this one can use some grease or it ain't gonna last." Apple Bloom said. "You forgot to take this one off over here." Apple Bloom grabbed a screwdriver and pried the hubcap off before Scootaloo could react. "Oh never mind, this bearing is brand new." She put her hoof on the wheel, giving it a spin. "Nice job, can't hear a thing." Scootaloo groaned moving over to the wheel Apple Bloom was looking at before. She was right it did need grease, the bearing was showing signs of wear and from spinning the wheel she could hear a distinct rattle from the beads inside. "Yep, looks like you were right." "See, Ah know my way around this stuff and Ah can fix things. You need me as an assistant." "An assistant? Any other time of the year I almost have to go out of my way to get work... even today is a slow day for the season. Last year I had three carts outside and two in here." "So, why not for the season?" "Maybe, I'll think about it." "Oh come on. There are like some many things Ah can learn from you. Master mechanic." Is she flirting with me? Scootaloo shook her head. She didn't know what Apple Bloom wanted or why she suddenly was so interested in working with her. Where was she last year when there were five carts in the shop and a bunch of angry ponies wanting their heaters fixed? "Flattery won't get you hired. Beside don't you already have a job?" Scootaloo responded playfully. "Ah do but Applejack is willing to let me work here." Scootaloo frowned, Applejack, what? They planned this? "Well if the workflow picks up then yes. But right now I don't need the help and I couldn't pay you anyway. Not with what I'm making off this job here." Scootaloo pointed to the cart on the lift. "Ah checked out other shops in Equestria, you are by far the cheapest. You charge so low, Ah'm surprised half of Equestria isn't here right now. Ah was thinking if you brought your prices up to something closer to the market, you'd make more bits and could afford to expand and even hire another mechanic." Scootaloo eyed Apple Bloom closely, scrutinizing her expression. "You haven't been talking with Rainbow have you?" She said sternly. "Well..." "Well what?" Scootaloo said a little more forcefully than she had intended to. "She visited Applejack this morning. Ah don't know what that has to do with anything." Apple Bloom frowned, confused by Scootaloo's sudden change in mood. "Who's idea was it to work here?" "Well mine of course. Applejack said your business was having a little trouble, that's all. Ah decided that maybe Ah can help out. Even if you don't pay me, you could always use another mechanic." Scootaloo shook with fury. Those manipulative mares! I'm going to that party and giving Rainbow a piece of my mind! "What's wrong Scoots? You look tense." "Oh nothing, just somepony else is pulling the strings of my life because they no longer have one." "Scoots, what's that even mean?" "Nothing, nothing." Scootaloo let out a long sigh, letting go of the anger she felt. "I guess you can help, starting tomorrow." Scootaloo was going to finish the cart and call it a day. It had been an emotionally draining day and she didn't feel like hanging around her shop anymore. Especially if Rainbow Dash decided to come poking around again. "I'm calling it a day after I finish this cart." "Can Ah do the honors of greasing this last bearing?" Scootaloo smiled at her. That stubborn mare just wouldn't take no for an answer. For some reason she found that stubbornness annoying but in an amusing way. She picked up the grease gun and tossed it over to her. She tossed over a couple of shop rags right after. "Scoots." Apple Bloom giggled as the rags landed on her face. She wiped them off revealing her smile and blushing cheeks. As Apple Bloom worked Scootaloo sat by her workbench watching under the pretense of supervising. She knew Apple Bloom was more than capable of the task, she had grown up on a farm and learned how to fix things or as Apple Bloom liked to say 'break it till' it works again.' Her methods may have been more unconventional but certainly not lacking in creativity. Apple Bloom probably had more uses for a hammer than anyone would have thought plausible. Her red mane was stunning, to say the least. When Apple Bloom was a filly she always wore a big pink bow to hold her mane back. She wore it through most of high school too, it just became part of her identity. Then one day she came to school without it and everyone saw just how thick, lush and lovely her mane truly was. It was then that Scootaloo fell hard for her, she just couldn't stop staring, Apple Bloom was so beautiful. Now she wore her mane like Applejack in a long ponytail. Still, she looked as beautiful as she did the first time Scootaloo really saw her. "Scoots!" "Huh?" Scootaloo snapped out of her daydream. "Ah said it's done." "Oh, right. Um, lower the lift then I guess we'll close up shop." The lift made a soft hissing noise lowering the cart slowly. The cart hit the ground softly, the suspension creaked slightly as it took on the weight from the body. "So you want to get something to eat? There's this new restaurant down the street, everyone is saying they have the best hay burgers. Ah've been meanin' to try but Ah don't come into town much." I can't do this... I just can't. "I-I can't, not tonight. Maybe another time." Apple Bloom looked disappointed and slightly unconvinced but she didn't press. "Yeah, there's always tomo – oh wait! Applejack's party. You’re coming right? Ah mean it's going to be all her friends so Ah will be pretty bored." "I think I can make it. It depends on how much work I have tomorrow." "Ah will help you get done early!" Apple Bloom said cheerfully. "We'll see." Scootaloo said trying to contain a smile. "I'll see you tomorrow morning I guess." "Yep, bright n' early. Ah'm gettin me a hay burger. See ya!" Apple Bloom trotted cheerfully out of the shop. Scootaloo groaned as she watched Apple Bloom leave. What am I getting myself into? She turned off the lights and closed the garage door. She didn't really have a reason to say no to Apple Bloom other than fearing what she felt for her. She feared that after all the time that has gone by she never actually moved on. She also feared that maybe she didn't want to move on, something was keeping her where she was. Scootaloo wrestled with her emotions as she walked through a deep rut in the road to her house. She was still annoyed with Rainbow Dash, no matter how many times she told herself she was just concerned. Rainbow Dash has been known to be a little overprotective at times. Something Scootaloo appreciated dearly even if that meant Rainbow Dash could be a little too overbearing sometimes. I really should apologize to her. And maybe help her understand that I don't need any help. The sky had cleared up, leaving the air chill and full of moisture. The wind had calmed as well but it was still enough to blow some golden leaves off the trees. Scootaloo smiled taking in the scent of the dampness and the leaves mulching on the ground. Autumn really was a nice time of year. Upon arriving at her home, Scootaloo was please to find an envelope at her doorstep. She checked the return address and was even more excited. She quickly rushed inside, sat at the table and opened the envelope pulling a letter out with very neat writing. Dear Scootaloo, How are you? How is your business doing? It's that time of year again so I bet you are pretty busy. I'm sorry I haven't written in a while, I've been so busy with my vocal and acting lessons and auditions these past few months. But it all paid off! I got an audition for a Bridleway! I'm so excited and I get to go to Manehatten. I'm so tired of Los Pegasus, it will be a nice change of pace. I probably shouldn't tell you this but Apple Bloom's last letter said she was feeling a bit lonely, always working on the farm and not being able to get out much. You should go see her, I think you two have a lot in common... hint, hint. I miss you tons and I hope to visit soon. Love -Sweetie She knew, she bucking knew. That unicorn... Scootaloo shook her head with a smile, her suspicions confirmed. She knew Sweetie Belle must have figured it out that day Apple Bloom let her mane down. Not only was she caught staring by Sweetie Belle several times she also kept talking about how nice Apple Bloom's mane was. What did I actually say that day? 'Oh my gosh I can't believe how beautiful her mane is?' Yeah it was something dumb and obvious like that. Of course that rumor that we liked each other from the previous year certainly didn't help. For Sweetie it sealed the deal no doubt. As Scootaloo laid on her small bed staring at the ceiling as she did every night, she tried to clear her thoughts. It was about this time every night she felt a strange ache in her chest, like something pulled at her heartstrings. It was a feeling of emptiness but Scootaloo never understand why she felt this every night. She had everything she ever wanted.
A Lonely Mare.By the time the sun had come up, the weather had slightly improved. At least it had stopped raining but the dark clouds and the gloom were still present. Scootaloo had awoken early that morning to open her shop, knowing Apple Bloom would be there at the break of day. Even in the twilight, Scootaloo could see a golden colored mare patiently waiting for her to arrive. "Oh Scootaloo, good you're here." Carrot Top said with relief. She returned a smile to the mare. How early does she get up? "Morning Carrot Top. Your cart is ready to go." "Okay, that's great news. You won't believe how many carrots I’ve got to deliver this month..." She seemed to be talking more to herself than anyone else. The garage door squeaked open (as usual) and revealed Carrot Top's cart, still parked over the lift. “It was great working on this. You don't see too many of these around," Scootaloo said, taking the harness around her neck and loosely fastening the straps. "I'm going to back it out to you." "Oh, okay dear. Thank you." Scootaloo pushed the cart back with little effort. That's certainly an improvement. As the cart left the shop, she turned it so the cart would be facing away from the shop, ready for Carrot Top to simply pull the cart away with ease. As Scootaloo turned around, she came face to face with a grinning Apple Bloom. "Good morning boss. Sorry Ah didn't know what time to be here...or I would have been here earlier." "Oh, there's two of you now. Isn't that... sweet." Carrot Top said, eyeing Apple Bloom suspiciously. "Would one of you lovely mares like to take a look at my plough, it's having a little trouble." "Sure, one of us can come by a little later and have a look." Scootaloo responded. "Perfect." Carrot Top said as Scootaloo removed the harness and let it fall to the ground. "So, I think you'll notice a huge improvement. A couple of the bearings were pretty bad and close to going out, but they have been repacked and the bad one has been replaced." "So I owe you eighty bits?" She asked, opening her saddlebag to extract a bag of money. "Yes, eighty bits it the total. If there's anything wrong just let me know." Scootaloo said accepting the small bag of money. "Oh I don't think there's going to be anything wrong with it. You always do good work." Carrot Top waved a hoof through the air, dismissing any concerns there may have been. "I put a few extra bits in there as a tip for you dear. Well, anyways I'll see one of you two a little later on. Thanks so much." Carrot Top donned the harness and pulled the cart down the street. Scootaloo dumped the coins on her workbench. She counted five extra bits, which she pushed over to the side. "These are for you." "Me? Ah haven't done anything yet." "You repacked the last wheel bearing and I have extra money. So here you go." Apple Bloom put her hooves on the five bits and pushed them back to Scootaloo. "Ah was only helping you yesterday. You said Ah start today. It's only five bits, and besides you earned a good tip." Scootaloo opened her mouth to argue but Apple Bloom put a hoof over her muzzle. "Ah ain't taking it." Scootaloo shuttered slightly from the contact of Apple Bloom, even if it was only her hoof. Her touch still felt soft and gentle. "Okay, okay... like you say it's only five bits." Scootaloo hastily pushed the bits back into the pile. "Let me show you the safe." Scootaloo said, opening a cabinet next to the workbench to reveal a small safe. She slowly started putting the combination in, calling out the numbers so Apple Bloom could hear. "Are you sure you want me to have the combo?" "Yeah, I trust you. Besides, only two ponies have the combo now, and I know where you live..." Scootaloo smiled at Apple Bloom. "True, true. So why was Carrot Top lookin' at me so strangely back there?" Scootaloo sighed. Looking away from Apple Bloom, she placed the money in the safe. She had a theory... a theory based on a very old rumor. Who started that rumor anyways, and why is it still known? I realize this town has nothing better to do than gossip but seriously... come on. "I don't know Apple Bloom. It was strange wasn't it?" Scootaloo slammed the safe shut then closed the cabinet. Apple Bloom looked at Scootaloo closely: she could almost feel the pegasus was holding something back. It seemed like she knew more than she was letting on but Apple Bloom didn't press the question any further. "It sure was. Anyway, what's the first order of business today, boss?" Scootaloo looked around her shop but there wasn't much to do, yet... her eyes landed on the broken cart Apple Bloom hauled in the previous day. "Well, Carrot Top needs that plough fixed and there's this cart that you brought in." "Ooh, can Ah go fix her plough? Ah'm good at working on them. Ah fix them all the time for AJ and Mac." Apple Bloom asked with enthusiasm, bouncing around the shop. "Sure." Scootaloo laughed a little. Apple Bloom was acting like a foal in the candy aisle. "I'll start taking this piece of junk apart and see what can be salvaged." "Ah'll be back lickity split, then we can destroy it together!" Apple Bloom stuffed an assortment of tools into her saddlebags then bounced out the door grinning. Scootaloo waited until the farm mare was out of sight before letting out a long sigh. Come on Scoots... get it together. She figured the only way to distract herself from her troubling feelings was hard work. Scootaloo selected the tools she would need to salvage the cart: a couple of wrenches, a screwdriver and a large hammer. But even as she collected everything she would need, she knew it wasn't enough to distract her. It still clung to her mind. With each bolt she undid, each pin pulled, each part removed, Scootaloo felt as if the very pieces of her life were being removed. Like the moving parts of a machine, they were made up of smaller parts, fitting perfectly and working together. But once a certain piece was removed, the machine would cease to function. Scootaloo's life had been similar in many ways: she had put her life together like a machine. Each aspect of her life was crafted and fit together carefully, or so she believed. She just couldn't ignore the fact that the engine running her life was missing a major component. With each piece laid out in front of her, Scootaloo could see how everything fit together. But it had not offered her the insight she had hoped for. Instead, she only saw everyday, ordinary parts— parts that needed to be put somewhere, somehow. Then Scootaloo understood. It was so simple. The cart was already broken: there was no meaning in it to be found. It was just junk, no deeper meaning than that. My life isn't broken like this cart here. It's not twisted and contorted like the frame of this cart. And yet she still couldn't find the reason for the pain in her chest she felt every night. She still couldn't explain why that pain seemed to vanish when Apple Bloom was around. She knew why her heart raced when she was around but Scootaloo didn't want to think about that. Too late, I'm back to thinking about her. A few minutes later Apple Bloom returned to the shop looking pleased with herself. She pranced in, smiling brightly. "Ah did, it! Yee haw! Fixen’ some things and making some bits!" Scootaloo blushed at the sight of Apple Bloom. "So, everything went well?" "It did. Ah fixed the plough. And she might have more work for us later. More sprinklers to install if she buys up that extra land." Scootaloo groaned loudly. She hated sprinklers more than anything. They were extremely tricky to set up correctly, wire and then program. And if there were ever a problem with the wiring later, tracing out the wiring was painful– especially on the older systems that were done haphazardly. "What?" "I hate sprinklers." "Oh. But Carrot Top said you did a really good job putting the other ones in. Ah didn't know you didn't want to do that." "It's fine." "We can work on it together." Scootaloo's heart pounded furiously. The idea of working side by side with her deep in a trench excited her for some reason. "I'd like that, we could get it done faster and it would be some good pay for the winter." "Winter? Ah think she wants to do this soon. Besides Ah'm not going to work for you in the winter." "I know I said the season but I think I can keep you around full time." "Ah can't. I got, um, other things planned for the winter." Apple Bloom said nervously. Like her sister, Apple Bloom was a terrible liar. "What other things do you have planned for the winter?" "It's um..." Apple Bloom looked at her hooves for a second. "It's renovating the barn with Applejack and Mac." Scootaloo nodded, "Ah, I see." It may have been believable if she hadn't paused for too long. "You know you are bad at lying, right?" Apple Bloom's face went red. "Look it ain't none of your business. Okay?" "Fine, whatever." Scootaloo shot back, pinning her ears. If that's the way she wants to be about it... Apple Bloom rolled her eyes, her frustration getting the better of her. "Look, if I'm going to work with you this season, then let's get a few things straight! What I do or plan to do is none of anyone's business, if it concerned you then Ah'd tell you. Also, if you ever plan to keep this business afloat you need to charge more." Apple Bloom tossed a few coins on the floor. "Ten bits for one hour of my time! You can't even buy a wrench for that." "Yes, let's!" Scootaloo shouted back, her face red as she tried to keep herself level. "No one tells me how to run this shop! No one tells me how much to charge! You sound like Rainbow, always telling me I'm never going to make a living... but I do just fine, thank you! If you don't like it then there's the door!" She help up a shaking foreleg, pointing to the front door. "Then Ah guess this was just a big mistake!" Apple Bloom shouted back. She stomped to the front door then turned to speak again. "You know... Ah thought Ah could help you, be your friend again but you push me away like you push Rainbow Dash away. If you don't want my help, well that's fine with me." Apple Bloom's glared at Scootaloo. "So Rainbow Dash did ask you to come in here and help? Or did she and Applejack just talk about it around you, hoping you would overhear and run to my rescue?" "Scootaloo..." Apple Bloom trailed off as her eyes filled with tears. "What?" Scootaloo asked harshly. "Never mind. Enjoy your miserable life." Apple Bloom said coldly then cantered off, letting the tears flow. She stood there fuming, staring at the spot Apple Bloom was moments ago. Miserable? She's the one that's miserable... Scootaloo chucked a wrench across the room. It struck the wall, chipping some of the paint and plaster. What's wrong with me? Why am I like this? She didn't deserve that... Rainbow Dash walked in, her head low and her expression... sad. "You!" Scootaloo shouted at the sight of the cyan pegasus. "Calm down kid. It's time I explained..." Rainbow Dash trailed off. She scrunched her shoulders, preparing to duck incase a wrench came flying her way. "Explain how you have to interfere with my life because yours is boring now?" "Easy now. Yes, my life isn't as action packed anymore but that's okay. Just take it easy, I know you are mad at me but not nearly as mad as you should be." Rainbow Dash, took a seat on the floor, getting as close as she dared to Scootaloo. "Look, I messed up big time." "With tricking Apple Bloom into working here?" "That actually wasn't part of the plan. We didn't mean for her to overhear that." "Oh." Scootaloo bowed her head feeling sheepish. "Well, I'm listening." "Once there was a filly that loved to ride her scooter. She saw the world around her with wonders. Every obstacle in her path she'd jump over. And if that obstacle would knock her over, she'd get right back up and do it again. Then to mock it she would do tricks over these obstacles with a smile on her face. She overcame every obstacle except one. The thing she wanted most... "What happened to that filly? Why does she live alone, in a little apartment? Why does she run a shop and fix things all over town yet barely charges enough to make a living wage? Why does she punish herself so much?" Rainbow Dash paused but Scootaloo remained expressionless. "Remember when you went to the doctor's office before high school to find out about your wings? You were so nervous, I went with you, held your hoof the whole way." Rainbow Dash wiped a tear from her face. "After... oh Scootaloo, I was so torn up inside. But you just shrugged it off and went on your way. I knew that you were trying to be tough, but you must have been devastated. I followed you, watched you go home, get your scooter and ride to the clubhouse to be alone. I never, in my life, cried so hard." She wiped another tear from her eyes with a foreleg. She could see Scootaloo had tears in her eyes too but she didn't go to her. "Then through high school you seemed to have done well, especially after getting your cutie mark. Then after graduation, Sweetie Belle left for her vocal school in Los Pegasus and you and Apple Bloom drifted apart. She worked on the farm and you… you left to run your mechanic shop. "I was proud of you for making your way out in the world. So proud. It can be scary for a young pony out there but you charged into running this shop, and you did it so well. Again, you overcame every obstacle and got this thing up and running. It seemed your life was really turning out to be something good, you were happy... or I thought you were. But over time I noticed that behind each smile was a sad little filly, all alone in this big world. That's when I realized it: you're lonely... so, so lonely. "You've been alone so long that you don't even know it, but I'm sure you can feel it. I've felt it many times." Rainbow Dash took a slow breath then exhaled, moving closer to Scootaloo as she did. "You don't even realize how much of a rut your life is in, you charge so little because you don't feel like you are worth anything." She wrapped a wing around Scootaloo. She pulled her into a tight embrace. "I messed up badly, so horribly. I was a terrible role model. More concerned with myself, I was so self centered. All the times I cancelled or rescheduled a visit with you to hang out with the Wonderbolts. And after Sweetie Belle left and you were all alone, you needed me more than anything but where was I? Trying out for the Wonderbolts... it was my last try and I got in. I actually got in." "Wait, you got into the Wonderbolts?" Scootaloo spoke for the first time, looking at Rainbow Dash with a confused look. "I did, I finally made it. But I turned it down a little while later –" "You turned it down? Why? Rainbow, that's been your dream for like ever." "I thought it was but as I celebrated I realized something. I realized what was really important to me. I didn't need to be a Wonderbolt, I have saved the world a few times and been on some crazy adventures, all with the ponies I love more than anything. I realized that you needed me, and I should be with you, not flying around performing tricks. I turned it down for you Scoots, because I love you. “Except I was too late. You were in pain, you were lonely. I couldn't get close to you anymore. You were so guarded. I couldn't tell you what I wanted to tell you because I feared losing you completely." Rainbow Dash took a rattling breath, her body shaking a little. "Of course at this point I was in over my head. You needed help and didn't know how... I asked Applejack for some guidance and she came up with the idea of just spending more time with you, doing the simple things. I can't believe I didn't think of it. She arranged to have a get together, for just her, Apple Bloom and me. Part of that conversation was overheard and Apple Bloom took matters in her own hooves, thinking your business needed serious help. Then I had to upset you by telling you how to run your business." She paused, tightening her grip on Scootaloo. She could see she was weeping softly. "I wish there was a way to say how sorry I truly am. I've been a horrible sister to you. I don't deserve you." Scootaloo sniffled, looking Rainbow Dash in the eyes. "You're the best big sister I could ask for." Scootaloo wrapped her forelegs around Rainbow Dash's neck, hugging her tightly. She buried her face into Rainbow Dash's mane, bawling. She shuddered as Rainbow Dash messaged her back. "I-I'm s-s-so sorry Rainbow. I know you w-w-ere trying to h-h-help me b-but I–" "Shhh, it's okay... it's okay. You've kept things bottled up in in there for too long." Rainbow Dash continued to hold Scootaloo as she cried into her mane, soaking it completely. "This, this is all I wanted to do... just hold you and tell you everything is going to be okay." She held her tightly, rocking side to side. Scootaloo took solace in being held. It felt as if she found something that had been missing for so long, so long that she almost forgot what it was. With some effort she pulled herself together and released her grip from Rainbow Dash. "I'm sorry Rainbow. I know I said some hurtful things. I always felt bad after, then the next time I'd see you, you would be happy to see me and I’d be happy you were happy..." She trailed off for a second. "Did that make any sense?" Rainbow Dash nodded with a chuckle. "I never got to say sorry for all those times, for not seeing the bigger picture. You're right, I am lonely. I tried to convince myself that wasn't the issue, that I didn't need anyone... now the only friend I had is gone." "You don't have to apologize to me. You never have to apologize to me. It’s I who should apologize to you. I love you, little sister." Rainbow Dash hugged Scootaloo again. "Apple Bloom was just upset with you, but if you ask me I think she likes you a lot." "Come on Rainbow... she was pretty mad at me. I don't think she wants to see me anymore." "She cares. She dropped everything on the farm in the busiest time of year to help you. She's mad because you can't see how much she cares. She's hurt because you push her away, because you keep her somewhere between friend and lover." "Wh-what should I do? She doesn't want to see me." "Do you love her?" "What? Come on Rainbow, that's a silly high school rumor." "Yes it was. I remember the day you told me about it. You were so annoyed, a little too annoyed if you ask me." Rainbow Dash smirked at Scootaloo's rosy cheeks. "But I wasn't talking about that. I was talking about the way you light up when she walks in the room, the way you look at her, flirt with her. They way you stare at her when you think no one is looking." "I– I don't –" "Yes, you do." Rainbow Dash cut her off. "Last year at her birthday party. A few months later at your birthday party and all of the rare times you two saw each other. But it's a simple question, Scoots, do you love her?" Wow, I had no idea she paid that much attention. Do I love her? The way Apple Bloom made her feel, that spark she felt, like she could walk on air. No one had ever made her feel that way, ever. But do I love her? Why is this such a hard question to answer? But a voice in the back of her head was telling her the answer, the answer she knew all along. She looked Rainbow Dash in the eyes and gulped loudly. "Yes." "Then go to her."
To Change This Lonely Life.With each pant of breath, each hoof beat the ground mercilessly with the fury of thunder. Yellowing leaves swayed, rustling in nearby trees as an orange blur streaked down the lane leading to Sweet Apple Acres. Leaves danced gracefully, twirling in the wake. Getting to Sweet Apple Acres was the only thing important to her. Nothing else mattered: not the shop, potential customers or the fact that she left Rainbow Dash sitting in there. Her friend—her only friend—tried to help her, but she pushed her away. The worst part for Scootaloo was she knew exactly how Apple Bloom felt: the sting of not being good enough, the feeling of rejection. Yet she raced on, galloping as fast as her legs could carry her. She increased her speed as the first grove of apple trees came into view. Sweet Apple Acres was nice this time of year with the turning of the leaves and the delicious red apples that clung to the branches. The trees seemed to stretch on for miles atop soft grass-covered rolling hills. The branches canopied the grass below, forming tunnels so thick, even Celestia's sun had trouble penetrating through. Leaves lay in heaps around the trees and, propped up against a particularly thick knotted tree lay a lone leaf rake. The barn stood near the farmhouse, casting its shadow over the hill it sat upon. Scootaloo slowed her gait to a walk when she approached it. She remember all the times she had helped Apple Bloom and her family rebuild, renovate, repair and repaint that barn. She remembered hours of back-breaking labor, stacking bales of hay, laughing when Sweetie Belle showed up and levitated all the hay bales without even breaking a sweat. Pushing the nostalgia aside, Scootaloo passed the barn and made her way to the farmhouse. She paused on the slope, taking another glance at the barn. You know her better than that. She's not in the house. She turned about face and returned to the barn. The door sat ajar, as if asking Scootaloo to enter. Hoof marks littered the door's rustic finish, and the dirt below looked as if someone skidded to a halt and hastily opened the door. Scootaloo pushed past the entrance, entering the vast open barn. In the far corner lay stacks of hay bales, towering almost high enough to touch the ceiling. In fact, they seemed to be stacked in such a way that a pony could easily climb to the top. Somewhere from the hay bales, she heard a single sob, then another. Scootaloo hurried up the mountain of hay, ignoring the pain and the fatigue, because there was only one single thing that lay on her mind. Hold on Apple Bloom, I'm coming for you... I just hope I didn't screw it all up. She finally reached the top, heaving and panting. There, directly in front of her, was Apple Bloom facing the wall. She barely reacted to the presence of her friend "Hey." Apple Bloom spoke softly, vainly attempting to hide the hurt in her voice. Scootaloo took a seat next to her, and she noticed Apple Bloom—filled with great sadness—holding a picture in her hooves. Scootaloo recognized the picture... it was the last day all three of them were together, the day Sweetie Belle left. "Hey." Scootaloo responded softly. She moved a little closer and wrapped a foreleg around Apple Bloom's shoulder. "That was a sad day." Apple Bloom nodded. "It sure was." "I didn't want her to leave. The three of us were the best of friends. I know we still are but not seeing her and only reading her letters... we are no longer in her life, sharing experiences with her. It's like we're no longer a part of her. We don't know her anymore." Scootaloo paused to take a deep breath, but Apple Bloom didn't react. "I fear losing you in the same way, Apple Bloom. I fear we will no longer have things to talk about, no common ground. I don't want that. "I'm sorry for how I treated you earlier—I’ve got issues, I know. But Rainbow helped me realize just how lonely I've become. And I don't want to lose you because... because, I care about you." Apple Bloom’s sadness slowly dissipated as the tears flowed less and less. Loneliness, that evil that slithers in when one least expects it, was being cast out, and a tiny smile broke through Apple Bloom's face as she leaned her head against Scootaloo's shoulder "Aw Scoots, that was sweet. Ah know that wasn't easy to do, especially for you. Ah'm sorry too. Ah overreacted." "Maybe a little, but it's only because you care for me. I realize it now and I have to say—" She broke herself off abruptly. It's not that Scootaloo didn't want to say it, she just didn't know how to say it. It's just three words... three words. Apple Bloom looked at her with hopeful eyes, as if she knew what she was about to say. "What?" Apple Bloom spoke softly. "What do you have to say?" She moved her face a little closer to Scootaloo's. "I-don't-well... remember that rumor during high school?" "Ah remember many rumors from high school." Apple Bloom said with a giggle. Scootaloo's stomach turned and her heart thundered from within. She's going to make it hard for me. "You know the-the one about us?" "Ah think Ah know of that rumor..." She trailed off, smiling warmly. Apple Bloom ran a hoof through her thick mane a few times then removed the band holding her mane. Her beautiful wavy red mane hung freely, covering her neck. With a hoof she brushed her long forelock back over her ear. "Is this the one?" Scootaloo's words were right on the tip of her tongue, except her mouth hung open, cheeks flaming as her heart skipped a few beats. It had been years since Apple Bloom let her mane down, not since high school. "Apple Bloom..." Scootaloo trailed off, trying to find the right words. "You are so—" She stopped when Apple Bloom wrapped both of her fore-legs around her neck. She shuddered as Apple Bloom pulled her in closer. Their noses were almost touching when she whispered, "so beautiful.” Both of their eyes closed and their noses connected. They enjoyed the soft touch as they shared breath for a brief moment. Scootaloo tilted her head slightly, and their lips connected. Scootaloo's heart melted like a drop of fire, and she put her fore-legs around Apple Bloom's back. Apple Bloom pushed her tongue forward, onto Scootaloo's. They connected and danced around each other, each trying desperately to explore the other's mouth. She moved her hoof, and softly, gently, down it traveled over Scootaloo's withers, down the curve of her back, blindly stroking over the contour of her hind quarters. Her hoof gently rested on her cutie mark for a second, then she softly stroked over her flank, in the gentle caress. Scootaloo moaned into Apple Bloom's mouth at the touch of her sensitive flank. She broke the kiss, panting, and she planted small kisses on Apple Bloom's lips. As Apple Bloom continued to caress her, she pulled her closer. Feeling the warmth they shared, Scootaloo's heart ignited like wildfire with burning desire. As their lips reconnected, Scootaloo realized her life, her lonely life, was so... empty. She pushed herself against Apple Bloom as hard as she could, causing her to moan. With a soft moan, Apple Bloom pulled her face back form Scootaloo, to gaze into her gorgeous sad eyes. She studied her face in the dimly lit barn, taking note of her rosy cheeks. She ran a hoof over them, feeling the softness and warmth as she once again closed the distance between their noses. Closing their eyes they exchanged one last breath before continuing to kiss and caress each other. As Scootaloo continued to push herself into her, Apple Bloom fell over onto her back. Scootaloo stood over her, admiring the contrast Apple Bloom's mane had to the golden hay below her and the loose bits that were tangled in her mane. With only a soft nod, Apple Bloom adjusted her position, leaving nothing to fantasy, and Scootaloo laid herself atop of her. She brushed that thick mane out of her beautiful face, held it in her hooves, and took a moment to gaze into her eyes as Apple Bloom did the same. Their eyes locked onto each other's like they were gazing into their very souls as their bodies began to move in perfect rhythm. Never for a second did Scootaloo doubt what she was doing. Maybe it was the way Apple Bloom held her, caressed and kissed her. Or maybe it was the way she called out her name softly between each kiss or peppered small kisses down her neck. All she knew was it felt right, that this is what love felt like. And to share it with someone special was the most intimate thing she had ever experienced. They both lay on their sides, panting, gazing into each other's eyes, mutually sharing a gentle embrace. In this perfect moment, the sun shone through the gaps in the barn's planks. They didn't dare speak—words weren't needed—or move, or anything to break the perfect silence the two lovers shared. They simply basked in each other's embrace, not wanting to let go, not wanting to stop the gentle caressing. Their lips came together in a tender kiss. Apple Bloom bit onto Scootaloo's lower lip as they pulled apart. "Ey" Scootaloo tried to speak, finally breaking the silence. Apple Bloom released her lip and they both giggled. "I love you," she said softly, nuzzling the crook of Apple Bloom's neck. "I've been in love with you... for so long." She peppered tiny kisses up her neck and kissed her cheek. "I was so lonely. Ever been one way so long, you don't realize it? I thought I was fine... but I was wrong. Oh, Celestia I was wrong. I would trade those years for anything so we could've fallen in love sooner." "We have each other now. Ah ain't goin' nowhere." Apple Bloom tightened her grip on Scootaloo, one fore-hoof still caressing her flank. "Ah guess Ah was lonely too. That's why Ah wanted to help your business. Ah just wanted the company more than anything. But Ah kinda ruined that..." "You can come back to the shop anytime, and we can run it together. I promise I'll charge better prices, work less hours and eventually move out of my crappy apartment." Scootaloo ran a hoof though Apple Bloom's mane, from her ears down to her withers, making her tremble from the touch. "Be patient with me... I have a lot of changing to do." "You're worth it." Apple Bloom said smiling brightly. Scootaloo gently held the back of Apple Bloom's head as they shared a passionate kiss, their tongues dancing around the other. Their lips separated and Scootaloo playfully nibbled Apple Bloom's ear. "Hey, so what did you mean you already had something planned for the winter?" Scootaloo asked, suddenly remembering. "Well... Ah didn't want to keep working with you, because Ah kinda hoped we'd be...um, together." She said bashfully. "I don't get it." "Well, if we are together, then it would be weird to work for you. But if we run it together, like the Cakes run Sugarcube Corner, Ah think it can work. But my first responsibility is the farm." "I understand... you know... it might be easier if I moved my shop here, so we can fix things here too." "That's a great idea!" Scootaloo nuzzled Apple Bloom, giggling to herself. "It's funny how things turned out. All because Applejack wanted to have a get together, so Rainbow could be close to me again." Apple Bloom's head shot up, her eyes wide with sudden realization. "My sister's party! Scoots, that's happening right now!" She jumped to her feet, brushing her mane quickly with a hoof. She shook her body to get all the hay off then hastily put the band back in her mane. "Oh, no, Ah hope we aren't too late. How do I look?" Scootaloo was overcome with a fit of giggles as she slowly rose to her feet. "You look like you just... you know." With a hoof she brushed more hay out of her mane and tail. "There, better. Let's go." They climbed down from the mountain of hay bales, side by side they left the barn. They stopped dead in their tracks. Before them a few feet away were Applejack and Rainbow Dash sitting on a picnic blanket. Scootaloo and Apple Bloom looked at each other with a feeling of dread, wondering if they had been overheard. Without any words they moved on, walking as casually as possible. Unfortunately for them, Applejack spotted them walking out of the barn. "Well there ya two are! Ah was beginnin' to wonder if anyone was going to show up at all. What in tarnation were you two doing in there?" Scootaloo felt her stomach tighten: there was nothing she could say that wouldn't sound bad. They would never believe just talking would they? "Scootaloo was helping me move the hay bales around and checking to make sure Ah did a good repair job on the hoist." Few, nice save. "And it works perfectly." "Well that's a good thing." Applejack eyed them both suspiciously. Rainbow Dash's eyes met with Scootaloo's and she gave her that knowing smirk. "Can I talk to you for a second?" She asked Scootaloo, gesturing with a hoof that she wanted a private word with her. "Sure. Be right back." She followed Rainbow Dash a few feet away from the picnic. "Hey kid, so I just wanted to say, things back there got kinda... real. It's still hard for me to express things like that." She looked Scootaloo in the eyes. "I just want you to know, that I'm always here for you, even if I don't always show it." She smiled at Scootaloo with that same knowing smirk. "So, I take it, your apology with Apple Bloom went well?" "Yeah..." Scootaloo's heart fluttered and she looked away. "Did you two... kiss?" Rainbow Dash asked. Scootaloo nodded, smiling bashfully. "I told you everything would be okay, didn't I?" She hugged the mare tightly. She pulled some hay out of her mane. "So you guys were moving hay bales? Just how were you two moving them?" Her cheeks flamed red as Rainbow Dash flashed her that knowing smirk and a wink. "You two have something special... and all that mushy stuff." Rainbow Dash gave Scootaloo a quick hug. "My little Squirt is all grown up." She whispered in her ear. To Scootaloo, it sounded like Rainbow Dash was close to tears. The way she said that, with such pride, yet with a hint of sadness. "Hey, you are The Rainbow Dash! I'm just Scootaloo, the little filly that was lucky enough to get to know you . To call you a friend, sister, someone to lookup to. Next to you... I'll always be that little filly, that little squirt." "Aw, come here you." Rainbow Dash hugged her tightly. "Dang you, making me get all emotional." She let a few tears fall as she held the mare in her fore-legs. She planted a kiss on her her forehead. "Rainbow?" Scootaloo said softly, leaning her head against Rainbow Dash's neck. She could see Apple Bloom and Applejack sitting on the picnic table laughing. A pink mare bounced around the picnic happily with perpetual energy and Twilight sat next to Applejack sharing a laugh. "Yes, Squirt?" "How do I make it work? I'm scared I'll mess it all up for her." "Well... it's a risk you have to be willing to take. She loves you and as long as you love each other, then you got nothing to worry about." Rainbow Dash said with difficulty. "I know it sounds pretty cheesy but it's like—it's like when you fix things. The little pieces matter most." It hit Scootaloo like a ton of bricks when she realized how simple it was. It was the little things that made it work, that made it love. Like all the little parts in a wagon, right down to the bolts, pins and bearings, they all came together to support the wagon. Without them, it wouldn't be a wagon; it'd be nothing. "You're a genius, Rainbow." "I still have my awesome moments. I guess there a few things I can still teach you kid." She released her embrace smiling in her usual brash expression. "Well, lover girl. Shall we get back to the party?" Scootaloo simply nodded, following her lead back to the picnic. "You two are together?" Pinkie Pie exclaimed as Scootaloo and Rainbow Dash returned to the party. "You and Apple Bloom?" "Um..." Scootaloo looked over to Apple Bloom who smiled at her. Such a pretty smile... "Yeah, we are." "This calls for a... wait for it!" Pinkie Pie paused long enough to take in a massive amount of air. "A PARTY!" She dived into a nearby shrub retrieving a party cannon. "I keep party cannons stashed all over town. In case of party cannon emergencies." She pulled a lighter out of seemingly nowhere and lit the fuse. It exploded with a loud 'bang' that echoed throughout the orchard. Confetti exploded out of the barrel, followed by a cake, a bowl of punch and the right amount of plates and cups. Scootaloo sat next to Apple Bloom with her cup of punch and slice of cake. She took a bite then offered Apple Bloom a bite. "Wow, Pinkie, this cake is amazing. Where did this come from anyways?" "From the bakery, silly. And ponies think I say funny things..." "It's best not to question it." Apple Bloom said, taking a bite of the cake. "Mmmm, this is good." She put a foreleg around Scootaloo, kissing her cheek. "Aw, look how cute they are!" Pinkie exclaimed. "Settle down Pinks." Applejack said, smirking. This is going to be annoying, but for her... a little teasing and gushing is worth it. "Hey Apple Bloom." Scootaloo said quietly so only she could hear. "Yeah?" Scootaloo moved in closer and whispered in her ear, "I love you." "What are you doing?" A groggy Apple Bloom asked. "Got to open the shop." Scootaloo responded. She was half sitting up but a fore-leg was extended, pulling her back into her warm bed. "You should take the day off." "I wish but—" Apple Bloom forcefully pulled Scootaloo back down into the bed interrupting her. She nibbled Scootaloo's ear then whispered in it. Scootaloo gulped, her face crimson like the rising sun. "I-I think I'll take the day off." "Good, now go back to sleep." "But-but you said..." "Ah know what Ah said. We have all day don't we?" Scootaloo smiled as she snuggled against Apple Bloom, closing her eyes. There was no chance of riding her scooter that day. Indeed, the sun was shining through a patchwork of dark clouds, and golden leaves of autumn were so inviting, especially in the cool morning breeze. Things still weren't perfect but she found someone special and she couldn’t be happier. As Scootaloo lay in her lover's tight embrace she felt less inclined to move, taking solace in the warmth provided. And with clouds so sombre threatening another soaking downpour, she couldn't think of another place she'd rather be.
Another Broken CartThere was no chance of riding that day. Indeed, the sun was shining through a patchwork of dark clouds, and golden leaves of autumn were so inviting, especially in the cool morning breeze. However, last night's rain, so penetrating, left the roads full of puddles and deep ruts from the wagons loaded down with fresh produce. And with clouds so sombre threatening another soaking downpour that would cause everyone to run for shelter, riding simply wasn't possible. Although she didn't want to go out in the weather, Scootaloo knew she would have to get out there, and not being able to ride her scooter didn't help motivate her the slightest. While she lay in her bed considering taking the day off to relax in front of the fire and drink cider as the rain poured relentlessly... maybe even curl up with a blanket and a good book. It certainly was the season and the weather almost begged her to stay in. So Scootaloo wished, but she chided herself at the mere thought. It was the time of year when ponies needed her most. She wasn't the type to let anyone down and she really needed the bits, if she was going to keep a roof over her head. The hardest part of Scootaloo's day was actually getting out of bed. Especially on a day like this, where she wanted nothing more than to lay about enjoying the comfort and warmth a little while longer. Her bed has never been so comfortable as it was right now. The temperature of the room was cold but not cold enough for the blankets that covered her. Scootaloo stretched and rolled over, pulling some blankets with her. She wondered if other ponies were like this. Not lazy, just really hated getting up on a morning where everything seemed so gloomy yet so perfect. Certainly not Apple Bloom, she was an early riser, ready to conquer the day; no matter what the weather was. She also knew Sweetie Belle never liked to sleep in much but Scootaloo always figured the day wasn't going anywhere. With a groan, the tangerine colored mare rolled out of bed. Her hooves connected with the cold hardwood floor and she shivered. She turned back to her bed and straightened the blankets in a haphazard way; so it looked somewhat neat. She didn't find it necessary to make a big fuss, after all no one was coming over so it was good enough to her. She lived alone, Scootaloo, in a small one bedroom apartment just outside Ponyville. Ever since she earned her cutie mark in mechanics she has been the local handypony. She mostly repaired wagons for the local farmers but she also helped repair locomotives on occasion, whenever one happened to breakdown in Ponyville. She also fixed just about anything else in Ponyville that she was hired for: pipes, heaters, wiring, windows, sinks and other household items. But despite all the work, she barely scraped by. The work was never consistent yet she always somehow managed. Except in Autumn, the only time she had a heavy workflow due to the harvest season, wagons always needed repair. Her apartment was a single room, well almost, the bathroom was separated only by a half wall partition Scootaloo herself put in. Her small bed was placed along the far wall, in the center was a small table and two chairs, a bowl of fruit sitting atop of it. Along the other wall was a tiny stove with a couple of pots and pans and next to the stove was a sink, with a single bowl in it. Across from her bed was the door and a single couch that was covered in a thick layer of dust. It was nothing remarkable but it was nonetheless her home and she was content. With a sigh she made her way across the room, stopping at the table to pluck an apple from her fruit bowl, which she ate quickly. Today was going to be busy, she just had that feeling. The previous day she managed to repair a cart and the oven in Sugarcube Corner. With no pending or continuing projects the proverbial flood gates were open. Not that that's the way it worked but there seemed to be an ebb and tide to the workflow. Still, it was autumn and there hasn't been a dull moment yet. She never complained, not once. She liked fixing things, she'd do it for free if she could. It gave her life meaning to get into the inner workings of some machine or device, figure out how it worked and how to make it work again. It all started in high school when she finally wrecked her scooter so badly she had to rebuild it completely. It was then she received her cutie mark, as she beamed down at her new and improved scooter, it appeared on her flank. She was the last in her class to get it but since then she's been fixing everything she can. After school she started charging fees for her work until she saved up enough to open her own shop. Scootaloo was blasted with chill wind upon opening her front door, interrupting her thoughts. In the distance a low thunderclap could be heard, a storm was definitely moving in over Ponyville. She only wished she remembered to ask a pegasus when. As the chill winds of autumn rushed over her coat, making her shiver slightly, the sight before her was bleak at best. Rays of sunlight poked through the thick clouds and the air was opalescent with fog and smoke from near by chimneys. In the distance she could see the rolling hills of Sweet Apple Acres. If she looked carefully she could make out the red apple and arrow that topped the farmhouse. Or as she liked to call it, 'the thing that showed which way the wind was blowing.' With another shiver she tore her gaze from the distant scenery and stepped out her front door, making sure to lock it behind her, she set out on her walk into ponyville. The journey to her shop wasn't a long one, just a few minutes walk from her home. The ground below her made loud squelching sounds, her hooves sinking in the mud after each step she took. As mud splattered her fetlocks she thought about the road conditions and wondered if they would ever lay down cobblestone like so many other towns in Equestria have. They. Who are they? I could do it. Shouldn't be too hard. But as quickly as the thought came, she pushed it out reminding herself she was only a mechanic and someone else more important would do it. Upon arriving to her shop, a small garage, Scootaloo found a pony with a cart outside waiting. She recognized the mare instantly with that pale gold coat and orange mane and tail. It was Golden Harvest but most of the ponies in town called her Carrot Top. "Oh, Scootaloo. Thank Celestia you are here. My cart is... broken." Carrot Top had been a customer for Scootaloo a few times before. She had fixed her heater last winter and over the summer she installed an automated sprinkler system. She couldn't help but smile, seeing the troubled mare standing frantically in front of her shop. "Good morning Carrot Top, what seems to be the problem?" "Oh, it's just terrible. I had just finished delivering a ton of carrots in town when the cart got really hard to pull... and it was empty. Some stallion helped me drag it here, he said one of the back wheels isn't turning." Carrot Top said, worry in her voice. "I need this cart soon. I have more carrots to deliver." "It's probably just a seized bearing. It's common on these old carts. When the oil in the bearings dry up they get hot and melt." Scootaloo explained as she walked around the cart. She had already found the seized bearing, knowing the tell signs. This was the most common problem she fixed this time of year. "Oh no, is that bad? Do I need another cart? But you can fix anything –" Scootaloo held up a hoof to silence her. "I can fix it. It's easy. Fifty bits for the part twenty for the labor and another fifteen to check the other bearings and grease them. Let's just call it eighty bits. I should have it done tomorrow morning at the latest." "Oh thank you, you're the best." Carrot Top said with relief. "I'll be back tomorrow." She disliked getting out of bed but she loved opening her shop every morning. The sound of the metal garage door made is it rolled up along its metal track. No matter how much oil she used, she could never get rid of that awful squeaking sound the door made as it reached the end of its track. Like hooves on a chalkboard, she hated that sound, her ears would fold back as she cringed in a few brief seconds of agony. Then with a flick of a light, the shop was open and Scootaloo was ready to begin the day. Staring at the wagon in front of her shop, Scootaloo sighed. She has had her share of dragging broken carts in, but in times like these she wished she were a unicorn. She could then move the cart effortlessly in, but no such luck... not for a pegasus. Between the yoke was a harness which she donned. She knew the wagon wouldn't steer properly due to the non-moving wheel. The hardest part would be getting it centered on the lift. She dug her hooves into the ground, her head forward as she attempted to move the cart. Her hooves sunk in the mud and she grunted and snorted. She tapped into her reserve strength and finally the cart budged. And as she had anticipated the cart began to turn on the frozen wheel like it was a pivot point. Scootaloo countered steered then straightened out again, then counter steered again. Slowly, inch by inch the cart was making its way into the garage. Come on Scootaloo, just a little bit more. This is what you get for skipping out on exercise these past weeks. Scootaloo panted, her shoulders were aching and her hind quarters were strained but she didn't stop. "Hey, let me help you with that." An all too familiar, slightly raspy voice, said from somewhere outside the garage. "Oh- no, that's okay. I got –" Scootaloo broke off as she felt her burden become less. She quickly aligned herself with the lift then moved the cart over with ease. She hastily removed the harnesses. "Thanks Rainbow." "It was nothing." Rainbow Dash emerged from behind the cart. "Few, that thing is heavy, and you were moving it by yourself?" Scootaloo shrugged, "it's not the first time I've moved one of those things by myself." She stared at the cyan pegasus, observing her brash expression. She knew Rainbow Dash wasn't just stopping by, she could see beneath that brash-nonchalant expression was a pony that was really concerned. Misguided but concerned. "So you just happen to be in the area?" "Well... okay you caught me. I'm just checking up on you kid, I haven't seen you around lately." Rainbow Dash walked around the small garage, avoiding Scootaloo's stare. She casually picked up a wrench and observed it as if she had never seen one before. "I worry about you." "I've been busy." Scootaloo responded simply. She tore her gaze from Rainbow Dash to the control panel for the lift. She pushed her hoof over the switch activating it. There was a loud clanking of gears as four beams rose from the floor to the chassis of the cart, lifting it off the floor. She stopped the cart once it was high enough for her to stand under. "I can see that. Who's cart do you have here?" From a near by tool box Scootaloo retrieved a heavy iron pry bar. She returned to the cart and pried off the hubcap with ease. It hit the ground with a clatter. Next she removed the bolt that held the wheel on the axle. "This one is Carrot Top's. It's an older model, they stopped making these five years ago but they are sturdy. I don't get to work on these too often." Scootaloo responded as she jammed the pry bar behind the wheel. Her voice strained as she pushed with all her strength in vain to remove the wheel from the axle. "Need a hoof?" Rainbow Dash asked casually. She knew Scootaloo probably didn't, she just wanted to make conversation. Scootaloo dropped the pry bar panting. "No, I'll get it. These things are so well made, no pony has probably ever had to take it apart, ever... until now." She moved underneath the cart running her hoof on the underside of the chassis. The wood was smooth from wear and tear but the frame was perfect, intact and free of rust. This thing is in great shape! "I have a way with these things." A smile crept across her face and she planted her fore-hooves on the ground, raised her hindquarters and bucked her back legs. With a series of loud whacks, her hind legs connecting near the center of the wheel, there were signs of movement. Several dozen kicks later there was a loud pop and the wheel was ejected from the axle. It flew a couple of feet before crashing to the floor. "Well... that's um, one way to do it." Rainbow Dash tried to hide her look of surprise, hoping her smile would show she knew Scootaloo was going to do that all along. "It's one of my favorite techniques, works every time." Scootaloo rubbed the sweat from her brow with a foreleg. She had used that technique several times before. Inspired by Apple Bloom many years ago when she watched the farm filly buck a rusty pipe into place then casually say, 'that's how we fix things 'round here." Scootaloo liked the approach, she knew sometimes brute force was eventually what somethings needed. Over the latter years in school she had become more taken with the farm filly. She had always admired Apple Bloom but in the last couple years of school the feelings intensified. She knew what they were but for the sake of their friendship she never acted on those feelings. She had always suspected Sweetie Belle knew, that unicorn had a knack for knowing those things. She always knew who was together and who liked whom. Scootaloo believed Sweetie Belle never said anything for same reasons she didn't. It's one suspicion she would never learn the truth of. She just couldn't bother wasting a letter to Sweetie Belle on such nonsense. "Well, if it works..." Rainbow Dash trailed off. She picked the wheel off the floor, inspecting it for damage but found none, she set it aside. "I'm pretty sure I've seen Apple Bloom fix a couple of things doing that." Her face lit up with a grin upon mentioning Apple Bloom. Scootaloo furrowed her brow at cyan pegasus' grin. Great... one little rumor gets out like five years ago and everyone thinks it's still true. "I got the idea from her or one of the Apples a long time ago." She did her best to sound casual about it but she was holding back what she really wanted to say. Her voice strained a little in her frustration; however, Rainbow Dash didn't seem to notice. She crossed the shop to her workbench, removing a collection of tools from the wall in front of her. She grabbed a grease gun from one of the drawers along with a box containing the new bearing. The great thing about these older models... the bearings come in pieces! She opened the box and dumped out two large metal rings and some other smaller pieces, which she quickly sorted into neat piles. "So what are you working on now?" She let out an audible sigh, "the wheel bearing. I have to put it together, then pack it with grease." "Sounds complicated. I hope Carrot Top can afford it..." Rainbow Dash of course knew she wasn't charging enough, it had been an argument they had had many times before. "I'm charging her a fair price. The part is the most expensive thing, then I just charge her a little extra for the service." Scootaloo rolled her eyes as she pushed metal beads into the metal race. Next she grabbed the second smaller metal race and dropped over the bigger one. With a quick adjustment and a smack with a hammer, the bearing was sealed. "How much?" "Rainbow, it's fine. Okay?" "How much?" Rainbow Dash asked again a little more forcefully. "Thirty bits." Scootaloo murmured as she smeared grease all over the bearing. She used her hoof to rotate the bearing to work the grease into it. "Thirty? Are you crazy?" Scootaloo shrugged. "It's all I need. I already have this month's rent I only need a little bit to get food for the month." Rainbow Dash shook her head smiling. "One day you'll want to have some extra bits. You may wish to take a special somepony out on a date. And if it gets more serious, what then?" "I'm not dating, don't plan on it either." Scootaloo snorted in a mareish fashion. She worked with extra vigor packing the grease in the bearing. Her hooves gripped tightly as she used more force than necessary squeezing the grease gun, oozing out an excess her rag couldn't remove. With a frustrated groan she slammed the grease gun on the workbench causing several wrenches to bounce from the impact. Rainbow Dash's ears twitched from the noise of Scootaloo's outburst. "I'm sorry, I just thought that maybe you'd... you know... like to find a –" Scootaloo shot her a reproachful look that caused her to stop mid sentence. "You’re busy, look the real reason I came here was to check up on you and ask if you wanted to go to Applejack's little get-together tomorrow." Scootaloo maintained her glare causing her to speak softer and softer, caving under the pegasus' glare. "I – I'll leave you alone now." Slowly she spread her wings taking flight without a backwards glance. Scootaloo stared at her workbench as a single tear ran down her cheek. She didn't mean to lose her temper she didn't want Rainbow Dash to leave. She had no idea what it was but something inside her lost control. And for what? She was only trying to help me! She slammed her hooves on the workbench with a loud clatter making her tools scattered. With her foreleg she swiped the surface sending tools flying across the tiny shop as she slowly slid down to the hard floor, crying.
