Her Only Child

Chapters

Prologue: Mistakes of the Past
The Missing Ingredient
Exploring Ideas
Everything at Once
Spa Day
The Birds and the Bugbears
Letting Everypony Know
It Takes Three
Such Wonderful Friends
Gender Reveal?
The List, The Refusal, and The Ray of Hope

Prologue: Mistakes of the Past

“Are you seriously still here?”

A cream colored earth mare stirred slightly, trying to shield her eyes from the light that suddenly radiated the room.

“My head is killing me.” She groaned to herself.

“That’s all very well and good, but it’s time for you to leave.” The mare didn’t recognize the stallions voice.

Another moment passed and the young mare opened her eyes. The room was unfamiliar, the pounding in her head made it hard to focus.

“I told you last night my marefriend was coming by this morning. I need you to leave before she finds out about this.” The mare looked for the voice and found a unicorn stallion by the door. His coat was a stunning shade of white, it was almost harder to look at than the blinding light just above the bed

“Who are you?” The mare gave the room another look around, her head still throbbing. She was in a bedroom, but not one she recognized. “Where am I?” Her voice cracked with a hint of panic as she tried to make sense of the situation.

“Son of a….” The unicorn trailed off, “How much did you have to drink last night?” His irritation and impatience obviously growing as he began to stamp his foot.

The earth mare closed her eyes, trying to think, “What happened last night.” Her mind was blank, she was getting nothing from last night. She tried thinking back a bit further. “Yesterday was graduation.” Suddenly a vague memory came back, it was her and Lyra’s graduation party. An older friend had offered them alcohol and a place to party.

“All I can remember is a party.” Her eyes darted back and forth around the unfamiliar room, searching for a connection, “Lyra kept giving me new drinks to try. I’d never had more than a beer before.” She closed her eyes again and bit her lip as she tried to remember something else. Everything else remained a darkened blur. “That’s all I can remember.

“Just great.” The stallion rubbed his head. “Well sorry to break it to you, but last night at that party you started flirting with me. You came at me rather desperately really. I guess it must have been all the booze. We came back here to my place and had our own party in my bed. Now you have to get out before my marefriend shows up.”

The mare pulled the blanket covering close as tears filled her eyes. She pleaded silently to Celestia that this was all a dream.

Irritated that she was ignoring her his obvious hints, the gleaming stallion used his magic and violently ripped her covers away simultaneously opening the bedroom door. With a flick of his head he gestured for her to get out.

Finally catching on, she quickly made her way out of the bedroom and followed him to main entrance. She opened the door and started to leave before turning back. “What did you mean by another party in your bed?”

He pushed her through the open door. “Sex.” He responded flatly before slamming the door.

Her last bit of hope crushed, the sullen mare wandered off in the direction she thought might lead to home.

…

Bon Bon sat alone in her room, tears pouring down her face. This couldn’t be happening, she was too young for this. It must have been a false positive. She just couldn’t be pregnant; she couldn’t even remember what happened. If she couldn't remember it how could it be true.

A sudden knock broke her from her thoughts.

“Bon Bon are you in there? Lyra is here to see you.”

“Just a minute.” She hoped the panic in her voice went unnoticed. “I just need to straighten up.” Bon Bon replied as she frantically searched for a place hide the test.

Before she could do anything her the door magically unlocked and a mint green unicorn mare came barging in.

“Where have heck you been? I haven’t seen you since the party. And what’s all that? HOLY CELESTIA IS THAT A PREGNANCY TEST?” The unicorn shrank away from her friend when she realized the severity of her outburst.

“Keep your voice down my parents will hear you.” Bon Bon replied staring daggers at her friend.

“Sorry, just calm down. You didn’t tell me you had a stallionfriend. Do I know him?” Lyra responded giggling.

“Lyra this isn’t funny. I got really drunk at the party a few weeks ago and woke up in a strange stallion's house. He kicked me out because his marefriend was coming over.” She looked at the test again, hoping in vain that maybe the results had changed. “He said we had sex, but I can’t remember that night at all.” She glared at her friend again. “Except that you kept shoving drinks in my face.”

A cold shiver ran through Lyra’s body. “So, ummm... what did the test say?” Her giggles now replaced with a sense of shame and nervousness.

As if a dam had burst as tears once again poured from the earth mare’s eyes.

Lyra quickly crossed the room and brought her friend into a comforting embrace. “Oh Bonnie please don’t cry, you know I can’t stand seeing you cry. Lyra is right here for you. I promise we will figure this whole thing out.” She stroked her friends back gently as she fought to soothe the sobbing mare.

“I’m scared Lyra I’m not ready to be a mom. I don’t think I can do it myself, and what about my dreams? I can’t go to confectioner school and raise a foal at the same time.” She buried her face in her friends mane as tears continued to stream from her bloodshot eyes.

“Oh Bonnie, the first thing is you got me so you wouldn’t be alone, even if you wanted to. Second there are always other options if you really don’t want to have the baby.” Lyra stroked her friends mane softly.

Bon Bon pushed away and shook her head in disgust. “Lyra don’t ever mention that to me again. Its not the poor foals fault that I made a mistake. I couldn’t take its life away from it before it even began all because I’m afraid.” She gave her friend another sharp look.

The unicorn stepped back, giving her friend some space. “That may have come out the wrong way. I was actually talking about adoption.” She found her friends favorite brush returned to the distraught mare.

“Oh, well yes, that’s an option I suppose.” Bon Bon watched as her friend casually ran the brush through her split colored mane. “Its important that we keep everything a secret though Lyra. Think what everypony would say about me if they found out.”

Lyra Tired not to smile as she brushed her friends mane. Bon Bon’s level of innocence never ceased to surprise her. “Well you could always just leave it on a nice family’s doorstep, I suppose.” Lyra said with a chuckle.

…

Bon Bon stared out the window of her shared apartment. She hadn’t left it in the last two and half months, that was when she started showing. As she gazed longingly out the window a group of ponies caught her eye. A unicorn couple and their teenage daughter slowly trotted past. Each seemed so happy, even the daughter who was clearly a little embarrassed by her parents’ enthusiasm. What struck Bon Bon about the family most had been the daughters beautiful white coat. A white coat that reminded her of the one that started all her problems.

…

“AHHHHHHHH!!!” Bon Bon screamed as another contraction passed.

“You’re doing great Bon she’s almost out. Just a few more minutes”

Bon Bon closed her eyes and tried to bear the pain. It would be over soon.

…

Bon Bon crept quietly through the darkness. Her movement was soft and slow to not wake her sleeping child. It was still warm, even though the sun had set long ago, and for that warm night Bon Bon thanked Celestia. Time seemed distorted to Bon Bon as she slid through the shadows. The journey could have taken mere seconds, or possibly hours. From the moment she laid eyes on her foal she knew what had to be done. She couldn’t give this filly a happy home, but she knew a family that could. That loving unicorn family was perfect for this foal. This way she could have both a mother and a father to love and cherish her. She would even have a big sister, something Bon Bon had always wanted for herself. Knowing she could give her daughter that made everything easier.

Bon Bon stopped and stared at the doorstep taking a deep breath. She carefully placed the bundled baby on the stoop. After a final look at the sleeping bundle she pounded heavily three times on the door. As she turned to run the foal started to cry; the thunderous knocking having jerked her from her peaceful slumber. Bon Bon gave the filly one last look as a light flickered on in the house. She trotted off, leaving only a cloud of dust and a trail of tears.

…

A loud knocking crept through the house jarring Pearl from her slumber.

“Who could that be at this hour?” She pondered flicking on a light.

Her husband didn’t even stir.

She shook her head. It was best to just let him sleep and investigate the noise for herself.

“A train wreck wouldn’t wake him up.”

She slowly made her way to the front door. As she approached the entryway, the distinct sound of crying caught her attention. A shiver ran down her spine and she sprinted to the door. The door was nearly ripped from its hinges by her force and haste. There on the doorstep was a bundled up foal crying. This foal was much too small to be on its own, clearly not even a day old. She quickly looked around for some sign of the mother, but there was none. This poor foal had been abandoned on her stoop.

Carefully she picked up the bundled foal and tried to soothe the filly to sleep. As she rocked the newborn softly back and forth a note fell from the blanket’s grasp. Hesitating only briefly pearl picked it up with her magic and read it silently to herself.

You don’t know me, and I don’t really know you, but I saw your family and how happy you three were on an outing you took a few weeks ago. I’m not ready for motherhood and this filly deserves more than a poor, single mother. She deserves a full loving family. Please take good care of her and love her like she was your own, that’s all I can ask.

Signed
Too Young for a Foal

P.S. I named her Sweetie Belle, but seeing that she's your child now if you would prefer something else that's up to you.

The Missing Ingredient

Bon Bon barely contained her excitement as she stood at the end of a cobblestone walkway. It led to the front entrance of a cozy little house. It wasn’t fancy house, even by ponyville standards, just a small two bedroom house with a large kitchen, but it was everything Bon Bon had ever wanted. She dug through her saddlebag in search for her keys as she made her way to the door. It only took her a moment to extract the key and open the door to her new home.

“I do hope Lyra gets her soon with the moving carriage, I want to have everything inside before sundown.” Bon Bon spoke to the empty house as she stood in the living room awaiting her friends arrival.

A few minutes passed before a carriage pulled up being lead by a pair of stallions,one a unicorn the other a pegasus. Atop the carriage sat a familiar unicorn mare.

“Thank you both so much. I never would have gotten this heavy carriage here without your help.” The mint coated unicorn dismounted the carriage and approached the stallions with a sultry look in her eyes. “I wish I had something to give your for all your trouble.” She chimed as she brushed her tail across the unicorns muzzle.

“Oh no, no mam, your thanks is enough.” The unicorn stallion stuttered as he tried to hide his blush.

“No if I let you do all that for nothing it would be shameful of me.” Lyra turned to face the stallions again. “How about once kiss each.” Before either stallion could reply she kissed each of them once on the cheek before turning and walking towards the small house.

“Lyra, did you really charm those guys into pulling that carriage for you? It was light enough a colt could pull it.”

“Not after I removed the weight reduction charm.” Bon Bon gave her a stern look. “Well how was I going to get two handsome stallions to pull me across Ponyville with a carriage a foal could pull? I’m here with your bedroom suite and on time why do you care how I did it?” The unicorn said with a pout.

“It’s not okay to use other ponies like that Lyra. Somepony might get hurt by your charm someday.” Bon Bon looked at her friend for any sign that she was slightly apologetic. There was none. “At least help me unload the carriage.”

The rest of the day was spent cycling between a couple different scenarios. The mares were either carrying a load in, or Lyra was flirting with a passing stallion whose assistance Bon Bon would then politely decline while glaring at her friend. They finished just as the sun began to set.

“It’s still early Bonnie, why don’t we go out for a drink to celebrate?” Lyra was using a magic mirror to apply a fresh layer of makeup as she spoke.

Bon sighed and shook her head.

“Lyra, no matter how many times you ask I will not go drinking with you. Besides I just want to curl in bed with a good book and read tonight. We’ll go out for a celebratory dinner Friday when everything is moved. I’ll even make my mint chocolate fudge you love so much.”

“You know I can’t say no to that fudge.” Lyra let the magic mirror fade from existence as she finished applying her makeup. “If you're not going with me at least wish me luck.”

“Lyra we have a lot do tomorrow. You promised you would help and I have to have everything out of the apartment in two days! Don’t stay out all night trying to pick up a stallion.” Panic grew in the earth mares voice as she pled with her friend.

“Bonnie if I was just going to pick up a stallion it wouldn’t take more than an hour. Don’t worry about me, just wish me luck. I’ll be at the apartment at ten tomorrow morning, just like I said I would.” Lyra made her way to the front door and opened it, stopping in the doorway for her friends response.

“We’re suppose to start at eight Lyra.”

Lyra’s tail twitched nervously at her friends insistence.

“I’m pretty sure I’d never agree to something as early eight. How about we meet in the middle and call it nine.” The unicorn quickly made her way out the door and closed it before her friend could protest further.

Bon Bon stared at the door angrily for a moment before releasing a sigh, she shook her head a few times before heading to her new bedroom.

Lyra arrived to the apartment at precisely nine the next morning with two cups of coffee. Her earth mare friend had stuck to the original schedule and worked the first hour on her own.

“Sorry I’m late Bon Bon. I tried to be here by eight after all, but first my alarm didn’t go off and then the mare making our coffee stopped in the middle to talk to her stallionfriend.” She handed one of the cups to her her friend.

Bon Bon gave her friend a cold look. Not showing up on time was one thing but such transparent lies were an insult to her intelligence. The unicorn didn’t even notice.

“Lyra, I know you’re lying for a few reasons. First the alarm on your watch is set for a eight-thirty.”Bon Bon took a long sip from the fresh coffee. “Second when you’re late you always forget to brush your mane, which clearly got some attention this morning. Finally I got you these mugs for Hearth’s Warming Eve last year.” The earth mare just shook her head as she finished her coffee.

“Well when I saw the carriage half packed outside I knew you must have started at eight despite telling you to wait until nine. I wouldn’t have tried lying if I didn’t see you like some sort of sister.” Lyra’s ears were flat she knew her lies only hurt her friend.

“I told you we don’t have time to waste. If you're not going be on time tomorrow I’ll have to hire some movers, and they will be getting the fudge I was going to make for you.”

Lyra’s ears perked back up at the mention of fudge.

“Curse you and your fudge Bon Bon, but with a threat like that I might even have to show up early.”

***

The sink was over filled with about half a dozen mixing bowls and nearly twice as many baking pans. The counter was lined with a strange variety of different ingredients. The table was covered with order boxes, so much so that they had overflowed onto the chairs. In the chaos of it all Bon Bon was hard at work sorting candies into even more boxes. She was just about to place the final candy into a large box of chocolate covered cherries, when the kitchen timer went off.

“Oh fudge, why couldn’t the fudge timer wait just ten more seconds.” The earth mare jumped up from her task, nearly spilling the box’s contents on to the floor in her haste, and ran to the oven. In a blur she removed the fresh order of fudge, leaving it to cool as she returned to finish her previous task.

“Bonnie you can’t keep living like this.” Lyra sat precariously on a stepping stool watching friend dart from task to task across the large kitchen.

“It isn’t that bad Lyra, remember what it was like back at the apartment? The kitchen there was so small I had to package the orders in your old room. I burnt more than a few orders trying to catch a forgotten timer there.” She was now packing a smaller box with peanut brittle.

“That’s true, but Bonnie I think it’s time you get that store you always talked about. You’ve been pulling in more than enough orders to cover it. Besides with a shop of your own you can pull in even more customers. Ponies walking down the street with saddlebags overflowing with bits will see your delicious displays and will stop in only to leave with empty coin purses and boxes of candies.” The unicorn had changed positions on the stool so she was now on her back staring at the ceiling.

“True, if I had a store it would mean more customers, but I don’t even know how to find a place.” Bon Bon let out a heavy sigh. Lyra had gotten her hopes up for a second.

“I heard a place opened up near Sugarcube Corner.”

The earth mare’s expression went from disappointment to puzzled.

“First question where did you hear that?’

“This stallion I’ve seen a couple of times told me about it.”

Bon Bon rolled her eyes at the mention of another generic stallion in Lyra’s life.

“I should have guessed. Second question, is it a good idea to open up a candy shop next to a bakery like Sugarcube Corner that is explicitly known for its sweets.”

“Oh Bonnie, to compare candy to cupcakes is like comparing carrots and potatoes.”

“I believe you mean like apples and oranges?” Bon Bon corrected with a sense of wonder at the thought her friend could be so far off.

“Nah apples are clearly superior to oranges. With carrots and potatoes both are equally delicious, just like cakes and candies.”

Bon Bon just shook her head in bewilderment. Sometimes you just have to let Lyra be Lyra.

“Maybe you’re right. I’ll make the call tomorrow.” There was a hint of nervousness in the earth mare’s words.

“So do you have any extra candy or should I leave for the bar already.”

“Good night Lyra.” Bon Bon pushed her friend a small box of assorted leftover candies and showed her to the door.

***

Nervous would barely begin to describe the cream colored earth mare as she stood in front of the door holding a sign. On one side the sign simply read closed. On the other the word open was surrounded by various candy pieces. The earth mare composed herself with a deep breath before placing the sign in the door’s window so that those outside would know the new little candy shop was now open for business. No sooner than the mare had made her way back to the counter that the door creaked open and the bell placed above it let out a little ring. Bon Bon turned to look at the door and in doing so tripped over her own footing and hit her head on the side of the counter.

“Oh, did I startle you? I’m very sorry. Here let me help you up.”

An older blue earth mare was quickly at the fallen mares sides with a helping hoof and a warm, motherly smile. Her pink mane was a striking contrast to her coat. Bon Bon recognized her as Mrs. Cake from the near by Sugarcube Corner.

“Thanks, its not your fault I tripped. I’m think I’m just nervous, and I’ve always been clumsy. Thanks for helping me up. You’re Mrs. Cake from Sugarcube Corner, what are you doing here?”

“Since this is a candy shop I suppose I’m here to purchase some candy.” The older mare let out a warm chuckle.

“Oh, of course. I just meant, with you running Sugarcube Corner and it being known for its sweets I just I wasn’t sure.” The younger mare’s face gained a pink tint as she fought her embarrassment.

“Oh deary, are some of those nerves from the thought of competing with Sugarcube Corner?” The warmth in Mrs. Cake’s voice helped wash away the embarrassment the younger mare felt, even if it did little for her nerves.

“Maybe a little. Everypony loves the sweets your shop offers.” Bon Bon tried to to stand still, but was unable to contain her fidgeting.

“You’ll have trouble keeping customers if you don’t get a hold of those nerves. Don’t you fret even an itty bit about competing with Sugarcube Corner. Everypony knows there is a big difference between candy and baked sweets.”

“My friend Lyra tried telling me that too, but it’s hard for me to take anything she says seriously. So what can I get you today, Mrs. Cake?”

“Oh please call me Cup Cake, we’re friends now. I’m actually looking for some chocolate covered cherries. I can’t seem to get enough of the things! I usually order from another shop, but they closed down for a few weeks to relocate or something. I just can’t wait any longer, so when I saw you were finally open I rushed right over to see if you had any.”

“You wouldn’t happen to order from Bon Bon’s Sweet Treats would you?”

“Oh you’ve heard of them?”

Bon Bon giggled, finally over her nervousness.

“Yes actually I have. Welcome to Bon Bon’s Sweet Treats.”

The pair of mares broke out in a giggle fit like a couple of school fillies.

“Well Cup Cake, I just finished a fresh order of chocolate covered cherries this morning how many would you lie?”

“I’m going to need at least a dozen to fend of my built up cravings, and a dozen more to keep me going for a while. So give me two dozen if you got that many that is.”

“Sure thing. I’ll be right back out.” Bon Bon made her way to the back room only to return a few moments later with two small boxes. “At three bits a dozen your total comes to six bits.”

“Oh, but they usually cost five bits a dozen.” The blue earth mare asked a bit puzzled.

“Well Cup Cake, it usually cost me two bits for shipping.” Bon Bon chuckled.

“Silly me. I didn’t think about that. I’m going to save a fortune with you next door then.” Mrs. Cake handed over six bit. Sure that her transaction was finally complete the blue earth mare tore open of the boxes and quickly ate three of candies from inside.

“It really is nice to see the enjoyment on a pony’s face while they eat one of my candies, or should I say three.” Bon Bon gave the older mare a wink to show that she was just teasing.

“The satisfaction of seeing somepony enjoy your hard work is a nice reward isn’t it.” Mrs. cake agreed. “It was nice meeting you Bon Bon, but I should probably get back. I left my husband with the shop and the foals and well a mother worries. See you soon.” The older mare carefully placed her treasured boxes of candies in her saddlebag and departed the shop.

“I guess I know I'll have at least one repeat customer.” Bon Bon said to herself.

***

Bon Bon flipped off the lights and switched the open sign to closed. It had been a slow day and things were unlikely to pick up. It was a bit of a blessing really, it gave her extra time to run her errands. Lyra was less forgiving about lateness than herself on that sort of thing.

After a quick look her keys she found the one for the store and locked up before turning toward Sugarcube Corner. She put her keys into her saddle bag that was otherwise empty save for a special box of candy.

The familiar chime of a store bell rang as she entered. It was identical to the one above her own door next door. Mrs. Cake appeared from the back with a friendly wave.

“I’m just about finished with your order I’ll be back out in a minute.” The mare spoke with that warm motherly tone Bon Bon had grown fond of.

“No hurry Cup Cake. I told you when I’d be by but I’m little early. I’m just gonna take a seat. Been on my hooves all day but you know how that is.” A similar warmth hung in the younger mares voice but at the same time it was different, it was like comparing the warmth of a nice fire on a chilly afternoon to the warmth of the sun on your face after it had been hiding behind the clouds all afternoon.

The older mare gave her a look of understanding as she retreated back to the kitchen. A pleasant humming came from the back room as the baker pony worked her magic, so to speak.

Bon Bon enjoyed the tune it was one she often hummed herself as she worked on perfecting fresh batches of candies. Disappointment flooded through her when it was interrupted by a heavy thump followed quickly by another and then crying.

“Don’t cry babies Momma is on her way!” Mrs. Cake was little more than a blue and pink streak as she ran out the kitchen and up the stair to the living quarters above the bakery.

Guilt flooded through Bon Bon as she realized the interruption had come from Mrs. Cakes newborns possibly hurting themselves.

A moment passed and Mrs. Cake came back down the stairs wearing an ingenious contraption that allowed her to carry both foals on her back. It was much like a saddle bag but it allowed each child sit comfortably inside and be ferried around together on an adult pony’s back.

“Sorry about that outburst deary. I had put the twins down for their nap and expected them to sleep till my husband got back from a delivery. The little rascals woke up, and it seems Pound threw some of Pumpkin’s toys on the floor. So she started crying which made him start crying. If it had been anypony’s cake but yours I’d have let it wait till Carrot got back to keep an eye them; but nopony got hurt so it doesn't matter.”

“Oh Cup Cake you didn’t have to make an exception just for me! The twins are more important than Lyra’s cake. To be honest I half expect her to gorge herself on my mint chocolates and forget about the cake.” Bon Bon paused as she considered how rude that sounded out loud. “Not that there is anything wrong with your cakes. It’s just she always stuffs her face on my candies first and then she won’t eat anything sweet for a week.”

“It’s okay dear, I wanted to work on your cake cause we’re friends and I’d promised to have it done in time. I would have too if Pinkie Pie hadn’t vanished mysteriously right before she was suppose to make that delivery. That’s neither here nor there though. I just have a few final touches to add to your cake. If I put the twins in their playpen do you think you could just keep an eye on them? They seem to behave themselves better when somepony is watching and you can just holler for me.”

Without waiting for a reply the blue mare pulled a fold up playpen out of a storage closet and popped it into place. She carefully placed each of the twins on the padded mat inside and gave them a kiss on the forehead.

“Mommy just has to finish one more cake and then you two little cuties will have all her attention. Now you two be good for Bon Bon. I’ll be just a minute.” The warmth in her voiced seemed magnified when she spoke to the foals, almost surpassing the warmth of the sun.

Bon Bon watched the foals as they played with their toys and giggled at each other. Just watching them play together something inside of her felt really good, but it was accompanied by a certain sadness. The sadness of knowing she once gave this feeling away. Even though she did it with everypony’s best interest in mind, knowing she gave this happy feeling away left her feeling very bittersweet.

“I can see it in your eyes Bon Bon. Just watching children play it really brings you joy doesn’t it?” Mrs. Cake had appeared at her table with a cake box while she had been distracted. “You’ll make a great mother someday Bon Bon, and with looks like yours it will be the most adorable little thing.”

A fresh wave a guilt flushed through the cream colored mare but she hid it fairly well. The other mare hadn’t even the slight nervous twitch of her tail as her attention was drawn back to the twins. Her foal had been adorable, even with the unmistakable resemblance to a certain stallion who could only be described as repulsive.

“I’ve never really given much thought to being a mother. I’ve never felt comfortable in a relationship with anypony.” Bon Bon neglected to mention a certain repulsive stallion who had brought upon the disillusioning of a romantic relationship. “I do feel a certain warmth inside when I see foals though.”

“That’s the mother inside you just waiting to get out. Even without a special stallion modern medimagic has made it easy to have a foal.”

“Oh I didn’t mean I like mares if thats what you thought.” Bon Bon said with a blush. “Not that there is anything wrong with two mares in love. I even dated a few mares myself, as well as a stallion or two, it’s just romance isn’t for me.”

“I didn’t mean to imply sweetie and it’s not that hard for a single mare to qualify for a magic induced pregnancy, and there is always adoption. I just think you would make a great mom. That and it would be a little nice to have another mom to talk to.”

A wave of nervousness and guilt flooded the young mare. She fought her body’s desire to turn a nice shade of pink as memories flooded through her. She nearly let out a wince. Unsure how long she could contain her emotions Bon Bon decided she needed to make a hasty exit.

“Well Cup Cake I don’t mean to rush off but Lyra is probably waiting for me. I’ll see ya tomorrow.” Bon Bon stammered as she placed the cake carefully in her saddlebag and trotted towards the door.

“The way she caters to that friend of hers I wouldn’t be surprised if they were an item.” Mrs. Cake said to the twins after she heard the familiar chime of the door’s bell. “But don’t you two adorable foals tell her mommy said that.”

***

Bon Bon let out a heavy sigh. She had just passed Dinky and Derpy as they made their way through Ponyville. Since her little chat with Cup Cake the other day it seemed like everywhere she looked it seemed like there was a filly or colt out with their mom. They all seemed so happy. Normally just seeing a happy pony made her happy, it was part of the reason she loved her own special talent so much. The happiness her treats brought to everypony just made her happy, but this was a different kind of happy one she couldn’t really share in on.

“Maybe I really do want to be a mother after all.” The words so quiet she was unsure if she really spoke them aloud at all.

Exploring Ideas

Author's Note

After a long absence I came back and finished my other story. Now I want to do something with this one. This went a different direction than what I originally planned but I want to see what I can do with it.

Exploring Ideas

"I'm terribly sorry to have to tell you this but there's just not much we can do at this stage." The orange unicorn said reviewing several files on her desk. Her voice was solemn but still filled with warmth and kindness.

Bon Bon's heart sank as the doctor's words sunk in. She had spent the past few months and a rather hefty sum of bits applying for a treatment that would put her on the path to motherhood. But now she sat here in the specialist hearing the second worst news of her life or was it worst.

"I don't mean to pry but there is something I need to ask." The doctor began. "For the most part, everything is fine, you're in generally good health but there was one major complication. Part of your womb shows signs of untreated damage. It's nothing overly abnormal it would have been easily fixed with proper postnatal care. Have you had a foal before? There's nothing in your records to show that but I can't think of how else it would have been caused." She had the same warm tone as before.

New emotions began to overtake the cream-colored mare replacing the feeling of hopelessness. Panic and Shame. She always knew this was something that might come up but she had hoped to avoid it. She had to lie to the doctor. She could never admit her mistake to anypony else.

"Please don't try to lie about it. I just need to be sure I understand the situation correctly." The unicorn was firm but her kindness never faltered. She could see the unease her question brought the mare across from her.

"I..." Bon Bon began before breaking off, she could feel tears wanting to form. She had to lie but if she let out her tears they would give her away. She closed her eyes hoping to send them away, a disastrous attempt. When she opened her eyes again it was like a dam had burst tears flooded out. "Yes. I gave birth to a beautiful little filly several years ago but a lovely family adopted her and have raised her as their own." A moment of relative silence followed the confession. Only the sounds of Bon Bon's light weeping filled the air.

"And the lack of records?" The unicorn asked sweetly when her patient had seemingly calmed down enough to handle the question.

"I was young and stupid. I didn't want anypony to know about it. My best friend acted as a midwife and helped with the delivery. Not long afterward I found her a good home and we all agreed to keep everything very private." Bon Bon recanted the version of the truth she came up with while she wept. None of it was a lie exactly. It was better than saying the agreement had been a note not revealing her identity when she left the foal on their porch and ran away and the confirmation was that they had been raising the child as their own ever since.

"That's just heartbreaking." The unicorn smiled hoping to offer some reassurance. "It's good you found her such a loving family. And while your actions were somewhat careless I can hardly fault a scared teenager for being a bit reckless when everypony came out safe and healthy."

Bon Bon felt as if a heavy weight she had been carrying for years was suddenly lifted. It was quickly replaced with a new weight. A question that needed to be asked.

"You won't tell anypony will you?" Bon Bon asked sheepishly she didn't want her secret revealed to everypony even if it had been a relief to share it with someone more serious than Lyra.

"I couldn't if I wanted to deary. Doctor-patient confidentiality applies here." The unicorn smiled to reassure the earth mare. "I will need to update your records but I can list that it has been explained without having to put in the details. If it's ever an issue with a different doctor you have them call me and I will work through any and all of their questions with only medically relevant information ." She hoped her answer would relieve the mare of unnecessary worry.

"Thank you that means a lot." BonBon smiled. "Getting back to the big question are there no options. Is there not some surgery or treatment to repair the damage?" The doctor had said not much they could do but there had to be something and there was no cost she wasn't willing to pay even if it meant she had to wait and save a little longer.

"I'm sorry but at this time the technology and research so far are lacking for someone in your condition. Surgery would be a dangerous and needless risk to your life with no virtual chance of fixing anything. There's not a doctor worth their salt who would even consider it. There is a newer treatment that shows promise but unfortunately, it's only compatible with unicorns. It's a device worn on the horn through the entirety of the pregnancy that channels magic into an isolated spell where that's constantly working to repair the cells involved. Even it has flaws outside of being species exclusive. Because their magic is constantly being focused for them they have to go through the pregnancy without using any other forms of magic. There are also cases where the device stops working or becomes damaged and the mare isn't able to maintain the spell herself and loses the foal."

Bon Bon stopped was only half listening as the unicorn explained the finer details of treatments for unicorns. It was great her doctor was so well informed and up to date on all forms of treatment but it didn't help her situation so what was the point.

"Of course, adoption is always an option." The unicorn said cheerfully. Just because there was nothing medically she could offer didn't mean she wasn't willing to explore all options with her patients.

"I don't think I could." Bon Bon said sounding a little defeated.

"You made it this far into the treatment process and adoption agencies tend to look at a lot of the same criteria that got you here. All signs point that you would be a wonderful mother and there not nearly as strict about single parent adoptions as they once were." The doctor reassured.

"I mean I don't think I could take it. Raising a foal that wasn't mine when I gave my own up. It would like some cruel joke." Bon Bon explained. She had briefly considered the option alongside this one and come to this conclusion already.

"I'm sorry I didn't mean..." The unicorn started to apologize but was interrupted.

"No, thank you. I appreciate you exploring my options it's just I had considered it already." Bon Bon said it was her turn to reassure the unicorn.

"With everything discussed, I can only think of one other option. A surrogate." The doctor offered.

"A surrogate?" Bon Bon asked, she had heard the word before but wasn't sure she knew how it worked in this context.

"Well since there's nothing wrong with your eggs outside of their inability to properly develop in your own body we can transplant them into another suitable mare. Besides that extra step, the process is more or less the same as what you were seeking for yourself." The doctor explained. "I must warn it can be difficult to find a willing surrogate. You are asking her to carry a foal full term. Monetary compensation is almost always involved. The only real exceptions tend to involve a family member or very close friend acting as the surrogate. Even then it is a lot to ask anypony it takes a very generous heart to offer such a service to somepony whether bits are involved or not."

"I'm not sure there's anypony I could ask." Bon Bon responded when she fully grasped the concept. The only mare in her family was her mother who was too old for such a task. As for friends, Lyra wasn't even an option she lived a lifestyle ill-suited for carrying a foal and wouldn't be open to the idea. The only other mare she felt close enough with to consider would be Mrs. Cake but that would be too much to ask since she had a business her own family with the twins to take care of asking if she would go through a pregnancy with all that on her plate would be beyond selfish. "Is there by chance any sort of system for candidates for this sort of thing."

"Not locally no. They might have something in a metropolitan area if the need on both sides is high enough. Searching too far out would have further difficulties as it's recommended for the mother and surrogate to spend as much of the pregnancy together as possible somepony would need to relocate." The doctor explained. She wanted to do everything she could to help this poor mare. "It's important not to give up hope though. Consider friendly acquaintances as options as well as close friends. There's little to be lost in just asking and so much that can be gained."

***

Bon Bon sat alone in the living room still pondering the idea of a surrogate. She didn't feel hopeless about her chances but still wasn't sure where she could look for somepony she could ask. She sighed and stood up. She was tired and figured it was best not to dwell on it at the moment. As she made her way through her quiet empty home something the doctor said rang through her.

" It takes a very generous heart to offer such a service."

"Who in Ponyville could be generous enough to help her in her endeavor?'" It was the final though she had as she closed her eyes and drifted off to sleep.

Everything at Once

*knock knock*

Bon Bon gave the door two sharp taps as she took a moment to compose herself.

This is a totally normal situation. I'll explain everything and see how she handles the information and then I just ask her directly. What's the worst that can happen? She's a sensible mare I'm sure it will all work out

Bon Bon's thoughts were interrupted as the door flung open almost violently. The pony in the doorway was not who she expected to see.

"RARITY SOMEPONY IS HERE" The little white unicorn filly screeched after giving the earth pony outside a quick glance.

"Yes, Sweetie Belle I gathered that when I asked you to open the door." Rarity said sounding rather exasperated as she stepped into view through the door frame. "Oh, Bon Bon what a pleasant surprise. What brings you here of all places today?" The older unicorn asked the visitor excitedly when she realized who had knocked.

Oh sweet Celestia. Why is she here now of all times?

'Is something the matter darling?" Rarity asked when Bon Bon didn't reply.

"Oh. Sorry, I'm fine." Bon Bon responded realizing she was being awkward. "I just wasn't expecting that."

"Yes my darling little sister, well let us just say she won't be getting her cutie mark for her talents as a doormare." Rarity gave a small chuckle at her own joke. "So what brings you by this morning?"

"Oh right." Bon Bon had regained herself enough to remember why she was here. "Is Twilight here?"

"Oh that's right Twilight did mention she was expecting some candy to be delivered but I had expected the mailmare to drop them off."

"That's what I need to talk to her about. There was an incident." Before Bon Bon could finish explaining the unicorn stepped out of the library and shut the door behind her.

"Please tell me the chocolates are okay." Rarity pleaded with a batting of her long beautiful eyelashes "This event is so important for Twilight so a agreed to lend a helping hoof not realizing I would be babysitting Sweetie Belle today." She paused for a moment. "And well truthfully there have been a few setbacks. Shelves have been knocked over books are misplaced Twilight is doing her best to cope but I shudder to think what would happen if the candy she planned to hand out fell through."

"Derpy stopped by earlier to pick up the delivery." Bon Bon saw the glimmer of hope fade from the unicorn's eyes as she spoke. "The chocolates I made for the event were destroyed and my kitchen was left in such a state I couldn't make anymore."

"That pony's picture must be in the dictionary next to the word accident. Don't worry I'll break the news to Twilight. The least I can do is spare you from seeing the ensuing panic attack this news will bring." Rarity lamented.

"Well, I do have another solution." Bon Bon watched as the unicorn perked up at her words. "I have everything I need to make enough candy to fulfill the order." She gestured at the full saddlebag she was carrying. "I was just gonna ask if it would be alright to use the kitchen in the library."

"Absolutely not!" Rarity exclaimed. "I mean we simply can not let Twilight know there has been another issue." Her tone softened as she continued. "Even one with such an easy fix, the poor dear won't be able to handle the added stress." Rarity quietly opened the library door and ignited her magic until a small silver key appeared. She closed the door again softly "This is the key to Carousel Boutique you can use my kitchen for your work and we can just pretend nothing ever went wrong." She handed the key to Bon Bon before giving the earth mare a sudden friendly hug. "Just make sure the candies are here before the event. I'll work things out here and make sure everything goes smooth from this moment on." With a final wave, Rarity retreated back into the library.

Bon Bon placed the key in her bag and began the short walk to Rarity's house. She couldn't help but laugh at the absurdity of the situation.

Even though messing up the order in the first place can't be considered my fault I am indirectly fully responsible for all of Twilight's troubles today. It's not like there was no way I could have planned it, but ultimately my decisions did lead to Sweetie Belle being at the library and causing a mess of trouble for both Rarity and Twilight. I'm not sure how but I'll have to do something special to make it up to them.

***

*Knock Knock*

Bon Bon gave the door at Golden Oaks Library a pair of sharp taps for the second time that day.

"Oh good the candies are here," Twilight said excitedly opening the door.

"Sorry, it's a little more last-minute than your probably expected." Bon Bon apologized. It seemed things had calmed down since her early visit as the librarian seemed to back to her normal friendly demeanor.

"No need to be sorry. The candy is here everything else is already set up and guests should start showing up for at least another half hour. Everything is going exactly as planned."Twilight said cheerfully. Bon Bon could swear she saw the mare's eye twitch and nostrils flare but it happened so quickly she couldn't be sure.

"I brought five dozen chocolate. It was just easier to round out the assortment that way. And I won't take a bit more than what your original order was for. Consider it a donation." Bon Bon had followed Twilight inside and to a table where some juice boxes were set out and unloaded the boxes from her saddlebag. "Is Rarity still here?" Bon Bon inquired before hastily adding, "She had mentioned she would be helping you when I talked to her the other day." She decided to stick with the plan of pretending she hadn't stopped by earlier, at least until she had a better idea of what Rarity may have said.

"Oh, I hadn't realized you two close," Twilight said with a hint of surprise before magically procuring a notebook seemingly out of thin air. She quickly jotted something down and just as quickly as it appeared the book was gone. Bon Bon once again questioned if what she thought she saw had really happened.

"I wouldn't say we're especially close or anything. We've just run into each other more often recently." Bon Bon said truthfully before realizing Twilight wasn't listening.

The librarian had unboxed the chocolates and was now frantically rearranging the refreshments table carefully trying to create an equal number of every possible pairing between the several distinct flavored juice boxes and the variety of chocolate candies Bon Bon had delivered.

"Oh, how delightful the chocolates have arrived." Rarity entered the main hall of the library from a closed-off section in the back. "I told you it was nothing that needed to be stressed over Twilight." She gave Bon Bon a wink as she realized Twilight was fully entwined in her new organization project. "I'm gonna take Bon Bon into the kitchen for a glass of water dear." She said to Twilight before becoming the earth mare to follow her through a different door than the one she came out from.

"Well, it looks like you managed to get things sorted around here." Bon Bon said as they each took a seat at a cozy little table. "Twilight still seems a little stressed but the way you described it I expected her at missing a friendship lesson levels of worked up." She added recalling the time the librarian caused a city-wide uproar when she hadn't procured a weekly friendship problem report for Princess Celestia.

"Oh believe me I think we were approaching it but convinced Twilight to take a short break for tea. I used it as an opportunity to slip her a little something for nerves and she's been much more relaxed since then." Rarity said casually. "I also managed to set up Sweetie Belle with some arts and crafts supplies and that's been enough to keep her from getting under hoof again."

"Wow." Bon Bon wasn't sure what else to say to a confession like that.

"Oh, darling don't take that the wrong way." Rarity exclaimed turning a shade of crimson. "They're prescription. I on occasion succumb to my own fits of anxiety. I just hate seeing my friend so worked up so I broke up a part of one of my pills and mixed it in her tea. Now that I stop to think about it maybe it wasn't the best idea after all." The unicorn looked a little sullen now after reflecting on her earlier decision.

"I didn't mean to imply you did anything wrong." Bon Bon said trying to reassure her new friend. "You clearly had good intentions and just wanted to help. The same can't be said for when Lyra tries to slip me something." It was her turn to blush she hadn't meant to add that last part. "I mean in her own way I'm sure Lyra means well. She's just trying to get me out of my shell when we go out somewhere." She was saying too much but she couldn't stop herself. "I had a bad experience at a party once so it's hard for me to let loose and enjoy myself but Lyra is my best friend and she likes to drag me along. I agree mostly to make sure she doesn't end up overdoing it but it has encouraged her to try to swap out my drink for something alcoholic or slip in one of her party-favors" She put a clear emphasis on the last part.

"That's horrible." Rarity exclaimed her complexion still bore a red hue but it was one of anger, not embarrassment. "I have half a mind to go find that unicorn and give her real tongue lashing right now."

"She's out of town for the week." Bon Bon said with a strange mix of emotion. She was embarrassed about revealing so much to somepony she barely knew, but also she felt flattered that Rarity was so passionate about sticking up for her. "Besides it's nothing to worry about. I'm smart enough to know all her tricks and if I even begin to imagine she might have slipped past my defenses I just replace my drink with a fresh one." She said trying to reassure the unicorn.

"I know you're perfectly capable of taking care of yourself, but you shouldn't have to work so hard to protect yourself from someone you call your best friend. If she was a real friend she wouldn't try to change you to suit her needs." Rarity retorted showing no signs her anger was wearing off.

"I guess I never really thought about it like that." Bon Bon admitted shakily. Lyra had been her best friend, her only friend actually since they were fillies. It never occurred to her how little they had in common or how poorly compatible they were as friends. "I don't have any other friends though and it's not all bad. She always lends me a hoof when I actually need help."

"Don't be ridiculous darling." Rarity butted in. "Of course, you have other friends. I see you talking and laughing with Mrs. Cake all the time at Sugarcube Corner. Plus we're friends now after all." The unicorn batted her eyelashes in that dramatic way Bon Bon was quickly becoming accustomed to. "Also I didn't mean to imply Lyra wasn't your friend or even that she was a bad friend. I only mean it seems like she can be a bad friend at times. Just talk to her, make your feelings perfectly clear about going out to places like that. And if you do find yourself in a situation where you need to go somewhere like that check with me. Assuming my schedule is clear I'd be more than happy to keep you company. If Lyra sees we're already having a good time she might be less inclined to try anything."

"No no I could..." Bon Bon began.

"You simply must darling." Rarity said cutting her off. "It wouldn't be an inconvenience at all. Believe it or not, I know the kinds of parties you're talking about. I think I can safely say we've probably already been at the same party a time or two before. I can't say I enjoy that scene myself but it's great for networking. Sometimes a potential client asks me to come along to a party. They introduce me to their friends which expands my potential client pool. I'll indulge in the occasional drink or two but never anything more. If I have to be dragged out another one of those events I'd much rather it be to help out a friend."

"Well, when you put it that way." Bon Bon said. She had to at least consider the generous offer her new friend was making. "I still think it would be best to use your first suggestion and talk to Lyra about dragging me to the parties, but if I find a situation where I think I still need to go along for some reason I will check to see if you can come too."

"Of course, it is much better to avoid the whole situation if possible but it never hurts to have backup plans." Rarity agreed just before the door burst open to reveal an excited unicorn filly covered in paint and glitter.

"Rarity look. Look. Look." Sweetie Belle was levitating a piece of paper with something on it Bon Bon couldn't see.

"Calm down Sweetie I'll look at your picture. But you do know it's rude to interrupt when grown-ups are talking." She took the filly's art project and began to look it over clearly at a loss for words.

"Of I'm sorry Miss Bon Bon." Sweetie Belle said just now noticing the other mare. "And I'm sorry for being rude when you were here earlier too. I was just cranky cause Rarity woke me up early to come help Twilight and she had been yelling at me for messing things up."

"I wasn't yelling. I was scolding you." Rarity corrected the filly. She still couldn't make heads or tails of the picture she was looking at. "Your picture is very unique Sweetie but I must say I'm not sure exactly what you're trying to convey."

"Isn't it obvious?" The filly said confused. She took the picture and laid it flat on the table.

Bon Bon looked at the picture on the table. Five large glittery blobs were in a box. Four of the blobs were bunched together on one side with the fifth blob separated to the other side by a series of little brown stars.

"It's a picture of our family. See this is us." She pointed at the group of four blobs. "And that one over there is actually Miss Bon Bon."

Hearing that Bon Bon felt a sharp pain in her chest. The picture made perfect sense to her all of a sudden. Sweetie Belle and done a somewhat abstract painting of a family outing to her candy store. The star shapes between them were the chocolate stars Bon Bon had guessed they were her favorite since that was what she ordered the few times she was in but the picture all but confirmed it.

"Seeing Miss Bon Bon stop by earlier made me think of candy and I wanted to do a picture of the four of us doing something fun so I painted us at the candy store."

"Hmmm." Rarity said she still couldn't see it. "But why are there stars between us and Bon Bon.

"Those are chocolate stars." Bon Bon responded before Sweetie Belle could speak up.

"See she gets it." Sweetie Belle said sounding a little frustrated that Rarity didn't get it.

"And you were going for an abstract appeal?" Rarity asked squinting as she looked at the picture again?"

"Abb what?" The filly asked not understanding the word.

"I'll take that as a no then." Rarity said flatly.

"I think you did a wonderful job, Sweetie Belle." Bon Bon reassured the filly. "Abstract is an art style where the subject is created in a way where it's not left entirely clear what you're supposed to see."

"But it's obviously five ponies and some chocolate stars." The filly remarked.

"Art can be subjective. Not everypony always agrees on the intended style or meaning." Bon Bon said sweetly. She understood Rarity's confusion considering the picture looked like something a much younger foal would have produced with the same intent as Sweetie Belle. She had been confused at first as well. But once she realized what it was supposed to be she couldn't see it as anything less than a masterpiece of art.

"Well, I don't think Rarity likes it very much," Sweetie said sadly before her eyes suddenly lit up with excitement. "But you like it Miss Bon Bon would you want to keep it?"

"I, uh." Bon Bon was at a loss for words. She couldn't take something so personal as a family portrait from the filly. But when she saw the sparkle in Sweetie Belle's eyes start to fade she found her voice again. "That's very sweet but if Rarity doesn't want it maybe you should just give it to your Dad or Mom." That last word stung worse than a bugbear bite but Bon Bon maintained her composure.

"They already have lots of pictures I did. I want you to have this one since you like it so much and you're even in it." Sweetie Belle said her excitement returning as she realized Miss Bon Bon didn't dislike she just felt bad taking it.

"Are you sure?" Bon Bon asked hesitantly. Sweetie gave her a reassuring nod. "Are you okay with that Rarity?" Even if the filly didn't think Rarity was interested in keeping it she didn't want to accidentally offend her new friend either

"Why wouldn't I be? Sweetie Belle wants you to have it so you should be the one to take it." Rarity said cheerfully. She leaned in close to whisper something to the other mare. "Thanks for being so nice about this I know it's a little weird taking something like that from a filly you barely know but she seems so excited that you understood her drawing it would mean a lot to her."

Bon Bon didn't know what to say. She couldn't admit how much the picture meant to her without making the situation truly awkward and possibly causing a bit of hysteria from everyone involved. Instead, she gingerly rolled the drawing up and placed it in her bag. That's when she spotted the whole reason she had stopped to talk to Rarity in the first place. She retrieved the silver key and another candy box and placed them on the table where the picture had been.

"With all that's happened I almost completely forgot to return your key and that I had made you some special candies as thank you for letting me use your kitchen earlier." Bon Bon said she was excited to show the pair the new experiment she had made. "I've never really made these before so I hope they turned out okay." She opened the box to reveal what appeared to be three clear bluish crystals arranged in the design of Rarity's cutie mark.

"Wow, those look just like the gems on Rarity's cutie mark." Sweetie Belle exclaimed excitedly. "Are they really candy?"

"Yes. Although I will admit these are just plain sugar flavored. I didn't have any extra flavorings on hoof when I made them."

"Can I try one? Please, Miss Bon Bon." Sweetie Belle asked excitedly.

"You have to ask your sister. I made them as a gift for her." Bon Bon said politely.

"Well, there are three candies and three of us. We should each have one." Rarity said she used her magic to remove one of the candies and brought it up to her face for closer inspection. "The craftsmareship is outstanding even up close they look remarkably like real gems. Go ahead girls help yourselves."

"No, I couldn't they are a gift I made for you." Bon Bon declined.

"Exactly they are mine and I want to share them with my friend and little sister." Rarity said with a bat of her eyelashes.

"Ww ths rr swt." Sweetie Belle tried to say something but her mouth was filled with the candy she took while the older mares weren't paying attention.

"Sweetie Belle please don't put the whole thing in your mouth!" Bon Bon scolded the filly as she looked at the horrifying sight. The candy's shape size and texture made it an exemplary choking hazard.

"Oh, I'm sorry." Sweetie Belle apologized after spitting the cand out into her magic. She missed the panic in the older mare's voice. "Rarity always scolds me for talking with my mouthful too."

"That wasn't the issue Sweetie Bell." Bon Bon said her panic had faded. "With large hard candies like these, it's really easy to choke if you accidentally swallow them. And with these in particular the design has some sharper edges that would make a bad situation that much worse. I just don't want to see you get hurt."

"That's a keen sister like instinct you have Bon Bon. Do you have any siblings?" Rarity asked as she took a quick lick of her candy gem. It was just on the borderline of being too sweet for her but delicious in its simplicity.

"No. I'm an older child although looking after Lyra can feel like foalsitting triplets sometimes." Bon Bon said with a chuckle. "Although when I went into the candy-making business I did take a fair few classes on food and general safety health and safety." She picked up the remaining candy and gave it a gentle suck. A little sweeter than she intended but she was satisfied with how they turned out.

"That makes a lot of sense." Rarity remarked simply.

"These candies are so good Miss Bon Bon. Do you keep them in your shop?" Sweetie asked she was now imitating the way Bon Bon was slowly sucking the candy after her previous mistake.

"No chocolates are my specialty so that's what I make mostly. I sometimes try out new recipes I learn that aren't chocolates and offer them as daily specials but mostly everything else is special order only. I would be happy to make them for you again sometime." Bon Bon explained. She was surprised at how much easier it had become to interact with the filly. There had been hiccups of course but one of her biggest reservations in considering Rarity as a surrogate candidate had been it might force her to be around Sweetie Belle and she wasn't sure she could handle it. That fear seemed to be unwarranted after all.

"Oh cool, can you make them in different colors?" Sweetie asked excitedly.

"Absolutely this is how they come out naturally but with just a little food coloring we could do any color you wanted and as I mentioned earlier it's possible to add different flavors than just pure sugar." Bon Bon smiled at the filly.

"Here you guys are." Twilight's voice called as the door opened. "You missed the story reading but there are some refreshments left over. Everypony else has already left. I thought maybe you guys had gone home early or something." It was only then that she noticed Bon Bon was here as well. "Oh, I'm glad you're here too. Everypony just loved the chocolates you made. I was planning to stop by your shop tomorrow to thank you again. Sorry if I was a little rude earlier I tend to get a little wound up preparing for things and I think I might have spaced out in the middle of talking with you earlier. So thanks again and sorry."

"It was no trouble. I had asked about Rarity just as she was walking into the room. You said wanted to focus on setting up so we excused ourselves in here and just lost track of the time." Bon Bon said bending the truth a little. She hadn't been offended when the mare had got distracted and she didn't want her stressing over where or not she had come off as rude when everything worked out okay.

"Oh good. I was a little fuzzy on how our interaction ended." Twilight said sounding relieved. "We had enough copies of the book to give to all the foals who attended. I saved a copy for Sweetie Belle but I still have one extra that's already been paid for. Do you know anyone with a foal who would want free children's book, Bon Bon?"

"I suppose Mrs. Cake might be interested in having it for the twins." Bon Bon suggested.

"No Pinkie Pie was here for that," Twilight said wracking her brain for who else might be able to use the book.

"What about Scootaloo?" Rarity offered. The look on Twilight's face gave her the impression not finding the book home might be enough to set her off again.

"Rainbow brought her by," Twilight said her brow furrowing further.

"Was Apple Bloom here too?" Sweetie Belle asked.

Twilight just nodded.

"I missed an unofficial meeting of the cutie mark crusaders." Sweetie Belle said with a tone that was a little overdramatic, something that had likely rubbed off from spending time with Rarity.

"Couldn't you just add the copy to the library?" Bon Bon offered.

"We already have a copy," Twilight replied.

"Well an extra copy for the library to lend out wouldn't hurt anything would it?" Bon Bon suggested.

"Two copies?" Twilight pondered. "If we had two copies we could lend it out to twice as many ponies at the same time. Brilliant. It's so simple. It's simply brilliant." Her mind was racing at this newly discovered possibility. "We could add second copies of every other book as well. Sure some of the rarer books might take a while to acquire and I'll have to find a way to double our budget but I can do that."

Rarity exchanged a nervous look with Bon Bon while Twilight was distracted. The exchange swiftly turned to smiles and then the pair broke out into a fit of laughter.

"What's so funny?" Twilight asked the high from the thought of doubling the library's book supply abruptly fading.

"Twilight you don't need two copies of every book." Rarity said suppressing laughter. "You wouldn't even have space for that many books. But if the occasion arrives, as it has in this case, it's okay to have more than one copy of something."

"We could expand. I'm sure Mayor Mare would approve the permits." Twilight tried to rebuttal.

"You would simply work yourself to death trying to complete a task that large. If you want to expand the library's collection that way you could order additional copies of books that get a lot of traffic but you shouldn't overdo it." Bon Bon said sternly. She had accidentally created this mess and she felt it was only right she try to resolve it.

"You're right," Twilight admitted sadly. "I was just organizing a simple book drive today and I almost got carried away. Doubling everything at once is too much. I'll take things slow and start with books that are almost always checked out."

Rarity and Bon Bon exchanged another private glance. They could tell the box wasn't completely closed on this one right now but it seemed like it would be at least contained for now.

"Rarity can we go home now?" Sweetie Belle asked with a yawn. Her seemingly boundless energy had finally worn out.

"I really should stay and help Twilight clean up." Rarity said. "You can nap in the reading room until I finish though."

"You don't have to stay and clean up," Twilight interjected. "Tomorrow's our scheduled bi-weekly day. Spike will help me scrub the treehouse from top to bottom. There's barely any extra work it will be no trouble at all. You go on home and put Sweetie Belle to bed."

Light snoring broke the brief silence after Twilight stopped speaking. The three adult mares turned to the table to see Sweetie Belle was already asleep.

"She's already asleep Twilight. I insist you let me stay and clean up." Rarity said in a whisper.

"Nonsense. Leaving her sleeping like that for too long will leave her sore in the morning. You've helped enough for one day and Sweetie Belle should be in her own bed." Twilight whispered back.

"I suppose your right." Rarity sighed. "You're absolutely sure it's not an inconvenience?"

"I'm sure," Twilight said sternly still careful to keep her voice down.

"Okay but it's such a shame I'll have to wake her so soon but there is no way I'd be able to carry her to the boutique without dropping her." Rarity said sadly looking at the sleeping filly.

"Um." Bon Bon spoke up.

"Hmm?" Rarity seemed surprised at the mare's sudden interjection.

"I'd be happy to carry her back to your house if you could get her on my back without waking her. I'd just need you to carry my saddlebag but it's not too heavy." Bon Bon offered in a whisper.

"No, I ask you to do that." Rarity declined she couldn't inconvenience her new friend that much.

"You haven't asked me to do anything, I'm offering to help." Bon Bon reassured. "It's barely out of the way even and us earth ponies are built to carry heavier loads with ease." She added to ease any arguments the unicorn might try to make.

"You seem pretty set on this so who am I to argue." Rarity agreed. She used her magic to take move Bon Bon's saddlebag from the earth mare to herself before very lightly placing the sleeping filly on the other mare's back. "Have a good night Twilight." She whispered as she lead the filly packing mare slowly out of the quiet library.

***

"Thank you so much. You really didn't have to." Rarity said in a somewhat hushed tone.

"It was no trouble at all." Bon Bon assured standing at the door to Carousel Boutique. Sweetie Belle had been tucked away in the extra bedroom where she often spent the night as the older mares were saying their goodbyes. "Who could have looked at such an adorable sleeping filly and let her get woken up for no reason when there was such a simple way to help."

"Still you must let me make it up to you." Rarity said her eyelashes fluttered again. "I could treat you to lunch tomorrow if you're not too busy."

"That would be nice." Bon Bon said hesitantly. "But I'm not sure tomorrow is a good day. I'll need to spend the morning getting my kitchen back in order. So I might be a little behind." She didn't want to mention she had put off some of her own tasks today in her bid to be helpful but she also didn't want to come off rude and flat-out decline.

"Oh, it completely slipped my mind you might be a little behind after everything that happened today." Rarity said sounding a little guilty.

"Don't blame yourself." Bon Bon was quick to interrupt the unicorn's thoughts. "I had a lot of fun trying out those new crystal candies and getting to know you better, and your little sister is just beyond precious. We can just do lunch this weekend instead of tomorrow. Assuming that works for you of course."

"Oh, that gives me an even better idea. Would you be able to take a few hours off on Saturday around noon?" Rarity asked a look of pure excitement on her face.

"I don't have any special orders in and Saturday afternoons don't tend to be so busy that it would be big a loss." Bon Bon said puzzledly curious as to where this might be going.

"Every Saturday I have a standing reservation for two at the Ponyville spa. Normally Fluttershy would join me but she's going out of town to visit her parents. You should join me instead." Rarity exclaimed.

"Oh no that seems a bit much spa appointments like that are incredibly expensive." Bon Bon protested.

"Nonsense. You were a tremendous help today you more than earned it. Plus it's already paid for I'd be losing money if I couldn't find somepony to join me." Rarity insisted.

"Then I suppose could." It still seemed a bit much to Bon Bon but it felt wrong to turn down the offer a second time.

"Then it's a date. I'll pick you up around noon. Wear something appropriate." Rarity said jokingly.

Bon Bon laughed along with her new friend before saying a final goodbye and starting the short trot home.

***

The cream color mare stared up at the ceiling of her bedroom tears dripped slowly from her eyes. She looked at the painting sprawled out on the nightstand. The day's events hadn't fully registered until she got into bed. She was a mess of emotions. On one hoof she was the happiest she had ever been. For the first time in her life, she got to spend some quality time with her daughter and everything seemed to be falling into place for a wonderful new friendship with Rarity. But that also led to a sense of crippling guilt. Sweetie Belle she was sure had no idea she had been adopted and while Rarity had to know at least that much there was no way she could know who her real mother was. So all of these new relationships were being built on the foundation of a horrible secret. Then there was the faintest hint of excitement that Rarity might just be the one to help her with her surrogate plan but that was weighed down by the fear that Rarity might say no. That brought more guilt. Guilt for expecting something so huge from someone she was still just getting to know as well as the guilt that in doing so she was replacing the daughter she already had, the one that wasn't truly hers, for a foal she could call her own.

"Celestia guide me." Bon Bon muttered to the dimly lit room. She turned out her lamp and closed her eyes. Warm tears slowly dripped down her cheeks as she forced her way into the land of dreams.

Spa Day

The bell above the door dinged to signal the arrival of a customer into the small candy shop. Bon Bon was currently busy locking the display case so she couldn't see who had arrived.

"I'm sorry. I've just closed up for the day. I know it's early but I've just finished locking everything up." Bon Bon said politely. "I'm terribly sorry. If you want to leave your name and come back tomorrow I'd be happy to offer a special price for the inconvenience." She said turning the final key before standing up to greet the pony properly.

"Well, my name is Rarity. I'm a good friend of the owner of this shop. Will this new discount stack with the friends and family discount?" Rarity asked playfully.

"I don't believe we offer a discount like that." Bon Bon said flatly playing along with the joke.

"GASP! The horror." Rarity exclaimed dramatically while pretending to swoon. Both mares burst into a fit of giggles.

"Sorry, I couldn't see it was you from down there. In my experience, if you're polite and offer a discount before the customer can say anything rude you can usually avoid an altercation when a rude pony wants to be outraged over something silly like alternate hours." Bon Bon explained making her way out from behind the counter.

"Defusing a situation before it can spark, that's pretty clever." Rarity remarked. "I tend to have a more drawn-out experience with most of my clientele and take it on a case by case basis. If a pony is just being generally agitating I just go for the grin and bear it approach. On the other hoof if they are showing a sense of real malice about me, my work, or anypony else I send them right out the door and tell them exactly where they can shove their bits when they try to protest."

"There have been a couple of cases where the other party still wanted to push it furth. I tried asking them to leave but I'm not the best with confrontation so it didn't just end there. I was lucky both times somepony else was around. Once another customer stuck up for me and just realizing somepony else was there to see them unnerved them enough for them to stomp off. The other time almost resulted in Lyra getting in a hoof fight. Once she convinced them to go outside I locked the door and stopped her from going out there." Bon Bon recounted the less than fond memory as she gathered her saddlebag and gave the shop a final once-over.

"Oddly enough I had a similar situation happen with Rainbow Dash once. She came in and heard a model say a few impolite things about having to stand still for too long. She said something about taking it outside and I ended up locking Rainbow out instead. The poor girl I was working with was just having a blood sugar attack but Rainbow didn't know that." Rarity said following the other mare out of the shop and watching her lock up.

"I don't know Rainbow Dash very well but it sounds like she would get along with Lyra. Well, that or they would just get into a brawl." Bon Bon remarked causing the pair to laugh as they began the journey to the spa.

***

"I can't remember the last time I felt this refreshed." Bon Bon sighed happily as she sprawled out on the bench in the spa's sauna.

"It's important to pamper yourself now and again." Rarity agreed from the opposite bench.

The two had just finished the last treatment in the spa's deluxe day package and were finishing up with a thirty-minute private steam room experience Rarity had paid extra for. The standard package included a soak in the mineral hot bath, facials, full-body massages, and pedicures, and would normally end with thirty minutes in the public steam room unless a private room was available and a small upcharge was paid. Bon Bon had tried to talk Rarity into not spending the extra bits but the unicorn insisted.

Bon Bon took a breath. Now that they were here and alone she felt a new sense of calm and readiness. She knew if she couldn't get herself to ask now she would never have the courage again.

"Rarity, can I ask you something?" Bon Bon said softly there was a hint of hesitation but she was committed.

"Anything darling." Rarity said genuinely intrigued at what her friend wanted to know.

"Have you ever thought about having a foal?" Bon Bon questioned. It wasn't the question she needed to be answered but it was the start.

"You know I'm really not sure." Rarity said hiding her surprise. It wasn't the question she was expecting. "I suppose at some point every mare thinks about it at least as some far-off possibility in the future. But I suppose you're asking if I've given it full consideration and decided if it's something I want to work towards. To that, I have to answer no. That's not to say I don't want to just that I've not been ready to properly ask myself that question yet."

"Mmhm." Bon Bon agreed. She understood what Rarity meant growing up she had never really decided yes or no to the question but always had the idea that someday she would probably find her special somepony get married and raise a family but was just how she thought life was supposed to be. A filly's naive daydream of the perfect future. But then the incident happened and life became no foalhood fantasy and she thought for a while she never wanted a family of any kind. But things had changed and now she realized what she really wanted. "I want to have a foal but I can't. Not on my own at least."

"It can be hard to find your special somepony." Rarity remarked with a squeak in her voice. She was a bit flustered by the shift in mood but she still wanted to be there for her friend.

"I don't think I want a special somepony. I haven't really felt that way about anypony much. The only experience I've had in that regard ended horribly." Bon Bon admitted. "I'm perfectly content with being a single mother. I went through a long process and a bunch of tests so I could start pregnancy artificially but in the end, the doctor told me there is some damage and I'd never carry a foal to term."

"Oh, Bon Bon that's so sad to hear." Rarity said she could feel tears starting to form amidst the steam. "And there are no other options? What about adoption."

"It's a little selfish to say but I want my foal to be a part of me. I don't think I can explain it more than that." Bon Bon remarked.

"I don't think it's selfish. But I do know adoption can be a magical experience all its own." Rarity said as she rose to sit next to her friend. "Please keep this to yourself as very few ponies know this but Sweetie Belle is adopted."

Bon Bon had to fight the urge to tense as the words hit or ears. This wasn't news to her but she hadn't expected this to come up now.

"It's shocking I know." Rarity said with a smile. She could see the words had surprised her friend even though she tried to hide it. "Some poor scared mare left her with a note on our doorstep shortly after she was born. My parents never questioned for a moment whether taking her in was the right thing to do or not. They told everyone they knew it had been quite sudden and my mother didn't know she was pregnant till she went into labor. They did have to go through some legal paperwork so there exists a lawyer or two that must know the full situation but after that, they never talked about it again."

"You're parents are wonderfully generous." Bon Bon said wiping away a tear.

"Yes they are and they love Sweetie Belle every bit as much as they loved me." Rarity said adamantly. "But none of that makes you selfish for wanting your child to also be a part of you. I just wanted to share something personal since you opened up so much with me."

"But I am being selfish." Bon Bon said flatly. "I only admitted all this just because I wanted to ask something from you." She started to move away but the unicorn stopped her by grabbing her hoof.

"I'm here for you Bon Bon. We're friends if there's something you think I could help with you only have to ask." Rarity said unaware of the full weight of her words.

"WE BARELY KNOW EACH OTHER." Bon Bon shouted as she tried to pull away again but the unicorn held tight. She couldn't hold herself together and started crying her eyes out.

"Oh, Bon Bon." Rarity said softly she released her grip on the crying mare and gently stroked her mane. "It's okay. It's okay to cry. We are friends. We may still be getting to know each other but we are already friends."

"I. Know. But. You. Wouldn't. Be. My. Friend. If. You. Knew. Every. Thing." Bon Bon said each word punctuated by another sob.

"I'm sure I would." The unicorn reassured.

A long moment passed while the earth mare sobbed as the unicorn stroked her. When she finally gathered herself enough to speak clearly again she broke the pause in conversation.

"You only think that now." Bon Bon said.

"It's up for me to decide who I consider a friend. And there is nothing you could say to me that would make me think any less of you." Rarity said firmly.

"My insides are broken because I had a foal once." Bon Bon said she paused to give the unicorn a chance to speak or show surprise. Rarity just smiled as if asking her to continue there was no judgment on her face, not yet. "I had just graduated. There was a party. I woke up the next morning being thrown out of some strange stallion's bed. I soon found out I was pregnant. I was too young and unprepared to be a mother. I couldn't bring myself to get an abortion. The life growing inside me at least deserved a chance to live. I moved into a small apartment with Lyra and hid away through the pregnancy. I spent a lot of time just staring out the window watching every manner of pony go by outside. And then it happened I gave birth to a sweet little filly. She had the same white coat and horn as her father. It wasn't him I thought about when I looked at her though. I was reminded of a unicorn teenager I had seen out my window once with her parents. They had seemed such a happy family. I knew that family could give my daughter all the love and care she deserved. I found out where they lived and late in the night I placed the sleeping filly gently on the stoop and made sure to knock loud enough to wake somepony up. I ran away as the filly started to cry as the loud banging woke her up. I did everything I could to not look back."

Silence hung in the air when Bon Bon finished her tale. She didn't at Rarity she couldn't bear to see the look of disgust on her face after they had become so close so fast. I should just go. She thought as she moved to stand up. Rarity started to speak. She stopped to listen, she owed the unicorn at least the chance to let out her scorn. Better now than later.

"You?" Rarity only managed to get out a single word.

There was nothing in the delivery of the word that reflected contempt but Bon Bon knew it was coming. As soon as everything sunk in the unicorn would hate her

"Yes." Bon Bon answered flatly. "I'm Sweetie Belle's birthmother. I left a note with the name I gave her and saying it was alright to change it but your parents chose to keep it." She revealed a conclusive piece of evidence Rarity could use to confirm her story if she still refused to believe her. "Just ask your parents if you don't believe me." She added finally getting up the nerve to look at the unicorn again.

Tears were slowly dripping off the unicorn's cheeks as Bon Bon watched her. They weren't tears of anger or sadness. The unicorn wasn't looking at her with any amount of hatred bitterness or sorrow. She was smiling happily. Bon Bon didn't understand. The two just stared at each other for a moment. Rarity with a blinding sense of joy and Bon Bon a deep well of confusion. And then the unicorn embraced her lovingly.

"I always wanted to meet her. To thank her. To thank you." Rarity said her voice was choked up. "You gave my family the greatest possible gift. How could you think I could hate you for that.

"I just left her Rarity. I abandoned a defenseless foal. I'm a monster. Only a monster could do that." The earth mare stammered.

"You went out of your way to make sure she was somewhere safe. Somewhere you believed she would be loved. A monster wouldn't have done that a monster wouldn't have cared." Rarity hugged her friend tighter. "You're a good pony, Bon Bon. Don't let anypony tell you you're not. Not even you." She stroked her friend's mane as she loosened the embrace.

There was a sharp knock on the door.

"I'm so sorry but your time iz up Miss Rarity." One of the spa ponies called.

"Oh dear, I completely lost track of time." Rarity said suddenly realizing where this whole event took place. "We just need a moment to collect ourselves Lotus, I'm sorry for the trouble just put the extra time on my bill." She called.

"Yes. That iz fine. Please do try and hurry, we have another booking soon." The spa pony replied.

"I'm so terribly sorry we have to rush out like this. Do you still need a moment?" Rarity asked sweetly.

"No, I'm fine. Goodbye Rarity." Bon Bon said as she turned to leave.

"This isn't goodbye darling. I believe you had something you wanted to ask of me. We just have to move our conversation somewhere else." Rarity said making it clear she was determined to see this through.

***

"You're home is so cozy." Rarity said cheerfully looking around at the open-style living space that was nestled behind the chocolate shop. It consisted mostly of one large room, several sliding panels that could be used to divide the space were scattered about marking where sections could be closed off but everything was left open at the moment. "I don't mean it's small. A lot of ponies seem to think cozy means small or cramped when actually it's more about comfort and warmth. This place suits you just perfectly."

"Thank you." Bon Bon said nervously as she watched the unicorn bound around her home. She felt numb and fuzzy almost as if she was caught in a dream on the edge of waking up.

"Would you mind if I make us some tea?" Rarity asked looking towards the mostly closed-off kitchen. It and what she assumed was the powder room were the only spaces closed off by doors and walls. There was an adorable little opening below the cabinets and above the stove where you could see into the kitchen from the main room, or out from the kitchen if you were inside.

"Tea?" Bon Bon asked. She still felt lost by what was happening.

"I thought we should have something to drink while we finished our discussion from earlier. But if I'm over imposing we don't have to." Rarity said still very chipper.

"I believe I ran out of tea." Bon Bon said recalling using up the last of it the day before. She had planned to stop by the store for a few things after the spa but things had taken a different turn than she imagined "I believe there is some carrot juice in the fridge. I can pour us some if you like." She said as she moved towards the kitchen.

"Carrot juice sounds lovely but please allow me to get it. I may be the guest but today has been a bit harder on you than on me." Rarity said batting her eyelashes.

"Okay then. The glasses are just above the sink and the juice is in the fridge." Bon Bon said. She pulled out one of the two stools that sat near the small wooden table in the designated dining area and took a seat as the unicorn disappeared briefly into the kitchen.

Rarity entered the kitchen and carefully retrieved two glasses from the cabinet above the sink before turning towards the fridge. Her heart melted and she had to set the glasses down on the counter to wipe a tear that formed at the sight before her. Sweetie Belle's painting hung proudly on the refrigerator held in place by two magnets that looked like chocolate truffles. She never could have imagined what something like this must have meant to Bon Bon back then at the library but now it made perfect sense why she had been both so hesitant to accept it and so interested in it. She retrieved the juice and filled the two glasses before replacing the half-empty bottle in the fridge.

"Did you find everything okay?" Bon Bon asked as the unicorn returned.

"Yes, I just stopped for a moment to admire your lovely kitchen." Rarity said placing the juice on the table. She slid out the empty stool and sat opposite her friend. "So on to business. What favor did you want to ask?"

"I can't Rarity. Really, it's too much. You've already been so understanding about everything and that's more than enough."

"Bon Bon." Rarity said sternly. "I want you to ask me. It's for me to decide how much is too much to do for a friend.

"I..." Bon Bon started but trailed off. She looked at Rarity whose eyes were focused on her. The unicorn wouldn't let her get away with not asking. She considered the possibility of just ordering an extravagant dress from the seamstress, something outlandish and time-consuming. A large project that would justify how big a deal she made about the favor. She knew Rarity would just see through the excuse and force it out of her anyway. "I'm looking for a surrogate." She admitted. She felt relieved. It didn't matter that Rarity would certainly turn her down. She had asked and now they could put this bit behind them at least.

"A surrogate?" Rarity asked she wasn't quite sure what Bon Bon meant.

"When I had Sweetie Belle I did things haphazardly so nopony would know. I didn't get proper postnatal care and there was some damage. If I were to get pregnant I would lose the baby long before it could ever be born. The only way I can have a foal of my own is if I can find another mare to fill in for me. They would take my egg and use somepony else's seed to fertilize it before implanting it in the surrogate. She would then have to go through the whole pregnancy process from that point through delivery and proper postnatal care. See it's a silly thing to ask somepony it's just way too much." Bon Bon explained and then took a sip of her juice

"I'll do it." Rarity said.

"It's okay. I have somepony else in mind as well but it's not a good time for them and that's the only reason I even thought to ask you." Bon Bon said not even having listened to the unicorn denying her silly request.

"Bon Bon listen to me." Rarity said in a commanding voice. "You gave me my precious little sister. You went through a full pregnancy at a much younger age, and you did it alone. You didn't do it for yourself, you did that for Sweetie Belle and even though you didn't know it then you did that for me and my family as well. I want to do this for you. I'm going to do this for you."

Bon Bon stared at the mare before her. They both had tears forming in their eyes but the unicorn had a clear look of determination. She would do what Bon Bon had feared to ask and she would do it happily.

Dear Celestia if this is a dream don't let me wake up.

Author's Note

So I know to some the events in this chapter might feel a bit abrupt so if you want to to criticize my pacing please do. I'm happy with all forms of interaction. But I'll say right now I'm not great at dragging things out.

I'll mark the rest of what I have say in spoilers on the off chance someone looks here before reading the chapter

So originally I was just going to have Bon Bon ask Rarity to be her surrogate during the spa trip without having her reveal the secret. Rarity wouldn't have said yes but she wouldn't have said no or tried to put it off like with Octavia as a maybe later situation either. She would have just needed time to consider it properly.

Ultimately though she would have said yes just not in the spa chapter but most likely in the next one. Originally she would have agreed with out the knowledge about Sweetie Belle's true origins but because being a friend to Bon Bon was enough for her. But I just couldn't get that to work in a way that felt satisfying to me.

I then thought about just reversing it a little bit the secret getting revealed and Rarity's trust is violated and Bon Bon manages to ask anyway and still getting the "I need some time to think about it" response. Rarity would still ultimately agree but her motives wouldn't be as pure. With that direction I didn't feel it felt right to either character. Bon Bon wouldn't have been able to still ask with the weight of her secret out there and Rarity's help wouldn't be a generous thing.

That's when I got to this. Rarity is almost too pure here but her motivation isn't muddied and it feels less out of character. Bon Bon's completely in character, well at least in character for this story. She accidently backs herself into admitting the secrets of her past and continuously refuses to think she deserves to find her happiness.

So yeah a lot happens rather quickly and I can see that and why some might think things were a little rushed but if you've read through my ramblings I hope you can at least understand why I went the route I did.

The Birds and the Bugbears

"So Rarity is gonna be a mom?" Sweetie Belle asked. Rarity had invited her over today to share some big new favor about something. It was supposed to be something about a sugar coat for Miss Bon Bon and the filly had been excited to see how her sister would decorate clothing with candy. But instead of some new fantastic design, the grown-ups had told her Rarity was going to have a baby.

"Not quite Sweetie." Rarity said calmly. "Bon Bon is going to be a mom. I'm just going to carry it for her."

"Oh, because she helped carry me home the other day." Sweetie Belle remarked. "But wait then why did you say you were having the baby?"

Bon Bon couldn't suppress the giggle the filly's innocence brought out.

"Okay, let's try this again." Rarity said a little exasperated. "Bon Bon wants to have a foal because she wants to be a mother." She looked to see if was still following. Sweetie Belle nodded to confirm she was still listening. "I'm going to be her surrogate."

"That's not a coat made of candy is it?" Sweetie Belle interrupted. Rarity could make clothes but she was pretty sure you couldn't be clothing. It sounded less like sugar coat now that Rarity was going slow."

"A surrogate is like a substitute." Bon Bon explained.

"We had a substitute teacher when Miss Cheerilee got sick," Sweetie exclaimed excitedly. She wasn't happy her teacher had been sick but she was glad she understood what a surrogate meant. "So you're going to run the candy store for Miss Bon Bon while she has her baby."

Rarity brought a hoof to her face closed her eyes and took a deep breath.

"Sweetie Belle, how much do you know about where babies come from?" The older unicorn asked

"I know it happens when special two special someponies love each other very much." Sweetie Belle's eyes widened in shock at her latest revelation. "You and Miss Bon Bon are each other's special somepony." She said with an enormous grin.

"No Sweetie Belle." Rarity said her face had become ever so slightly pink. "When mare decides she wants to have a baby, usually with her special somepony but not always, she takes certain steps to become pregnant. Pregnant is when you have a baby growing in your tummy."

"Oh yeah. I knew that." The filly said matter of factly. "Twilight taught us that in health class when she subbed for Miss Cheerilee."

"Then why didn't you say that when I asked?" Rarity was growing more frustrated by the moment.

"I forgot." Sweetie Belle said oblivious of her sister's straining patience.

"Bon Bon is...." Rarity began trying to find the best words. "Sick."

"She's sick and you're going to substitute for her." Sweetie Belle said with a nod.

"Sweetie Belle." Rarity said flatly.

"Let me try and explain." Bon Bon chimed in. "I'm not sick exactly. I have a special injury that makes it where if I got pregnant the baby wouldn't be able to grow. Your sister is doing a very generous favor for me and she's going to be pregnant in my place. The doctor will take the part of me that would become a baby and put it in her where it can grow properly."

"Okay, I think I get it." Sweetie Belle said still trying to put everything together. "Rarity will carry the baby inside her so it can grow. So you two are having a baby together."

"In a way yes." Bon Bon said with a nod. The filly at least had a general understanding of the process and that seemed like it would be enough for right now.

"Will this make me a niece?" Sweetie Belle asked.

Rarity and Bon Bon exchanged an awkward look. It was an innocent question but the true answer to the question had a deeper meaning.

"If I were having my own baby it would make you an aunt, not a niece.' Rarity corrected the filly. "But after the baby is born Bon Bon will be its mother, not me."

"Oh." Sweetie Belle said with a hint of disappointment. "I think it would be fun to be an ant."

"Rarity will need lots of extra help and attention while pregnant. If you do a good job of helping out you can be the baby's honorary aunt."

"You mean how like Rainbow Dash is Scootaloo's big sister even though they're not actually related?" The filly asked perking up again.

"Yes, something like that." Bon Bon affirmed. "So will you help look after your sister for me so she doesn't hurt herself or the baby while she's pregnant?"

"Yes, Miss Bon Bon." Sweetie Belle agreed. "Is it all right if I tell my friends. Apple Bloom and Scootaloo will flip when I tell them I'm going to be an aunt.

"Not just yet." Rarity answered. "We still have a few things to do before the process can begin properly, talks with some doctors and tests to make sure everypony will be safe. For now, it's a secret just between us. If you go around telling everypony Bon Bon might not think your responsible enough to be an aunt." She looked at the earth mare to make sure she hadn't overstepped by saying that and received an affirmative nod. "You can tell your friends as soon as the time is right. We will let you know."

"Okay." Sweetie Belle agreed full of excitement. "Can I at least go play with my friends? Apple Bloom came up with a bunch of new ideas so we can try and get our cutie marks."

"You can go out and play but don't be gone too long and don't do anything dangerous." Rarity said but Sweetie Belle was already on her way out of the boutique.

"I'm not sure what exactly I was expecting, but I don't think that was it." Bon Bon said with a laugh.

"You're okay, right? I imagine that must have been difficult for you." Rarity said empathetically. The earth mare seemed happy but she knew how much her friend had done to bury certain emotions for so long that needed to be certain.

"I'm a little exhausted at worst." Bon Bon reassured her. "You helped me confront those emotions and move past the worst of it. I'll always feel a mix of sadness when I see her but now have a chance to have a different kind of relationship with her and that makes me happy. I hope I didn't overstep by saying she could be an aunty." Bon Bon was suddenly afraid he may have done something wrong.

"Know I think it's a great thing, really. She was so excited when you told her." Rarity beamed. "The only thing you could do to overstep would be to tell her the full truth."

"I would never." Bon Bon said a little defensively.

"Oh, I know. I wasn't trying to imply anything." Rarity apologized. "I just meant that Sweetie Belle isn't ready to handle that information. I think it would hurt her and that's the one thing I couldn't forgive."

"Of course." Bon Bon agreed. "I couldn't forgive myself for that either.

"Then we're on the same page and there's nothing to worry about darling."

Letting Everypony Know

"I must say this is just wonderful news." The orange unicorn beamed. "The last time we met you seemed down about your chances of finding somepony."

"Thank you. I haven't been close with Rarity for very long so I was really quite nervous about asking but what you said about just asking couldn't hurt helped me so much in building up the courage." Bon Bon polite replied. She didn't have it in her to tell the doctor that the experience had actually been quite hard on her. The important thing now was starting the process.

"Oh and I must thank you Miss Rarity. Bon Bon is such a sweet mare and what you're doing for her, well words can not express the generosity you are showing."

"Oh darling, stop." Rarity blushed as her cheeks turn the lightest shade of pink. "I'm always happy to help a friend. While it is true we only more recently got a chance to know each other Bon Bon and myself had a very powerful bonding experience and I consider her one of the dearest ponies to my heart. I know very well how big of a favor this is but I also know just how important it is to her and it would be a crime against our friendship if I didn't help."

It was the earth mare's turn to blush her beige coat taking a light crimson hue as she listened to her friend gush.

"Still it can't be overstated how draining and strenuous the process can be." The doctor reaffirmed. "Still it's always so wonderful when a match like yours is found. For now, what we need to do is start scheduling you for tests but judging by the medical records you've provided I don't see any obvious signs of complications."

Bon Bon and Rarity exchanged a smile while the doctor busied herself with scheduling appointments

***

"Oh my goodness Rarity that's so exciting, and doubly so for you Bon Bon," Fluttershy said in her usual soft-spoken manner. "Have you thought about how you'll manage the boutique at all through the pregnancy?"

"A little. We're still in the early stages of it all. So far I've just undergone a basic physical and nothing alarming came back. The doctor has me scheduled for a more thorough examination next week but everything looks good so far." Rarity said a bit nervously. In truth, she hadn't thought much about what might happen with the boutique, she had been so committed to helping Bon Bon that she hadn't thought about her work life. "I'll be able to work for the first few months and after that, I'll still be able to work on new designs through sketching." She was thinking out loud. "Once I start to show though I'll just have to take time off from taking on special orders and new clients." She resolved. She could afford to take time off if she started preparing now she could easily build a reserve of premade outfits for sale when the physically demanding seamstress side of things would have to be put on hold.

"It sounds like you have a plan then. If you do need any help with sewing or anything else I'm more than happy to lend a hoof." The pegasus offered softly.

"I hadn't properly considered how this might affect the boutique." Bon Bon admitted nervously. In the unicorns line of work, an extended absence could bear a heavy weight on her career. Still, she knew nothing would likely deter the unicorn from what she had already decided on. "I don't know anything about sewing or fashion but if there is anything I can do to help I will as well." Bon Bon stated.

"Yes if we all work together the boutique will manage just fine. I won't lose an ounce of the progress I've made in the industry and I won't do anything that could risk the baby's health." Rarity said resolutely. She was helping a friend and her friends would help her there was nothing to worry about at all.

The mares said their goodbyes and Fluttershy hugged the pair individually as they set off from her little woodsy cottage.

***

"That's cool." Rainbow Dash said in a bored-sounding tone as she rearranged the three small clouds she was working with.

"Did you even listen to what I just said Rainbow Dash?" Rarity growled in frustration.

"Yup." The pegasus replied as she applied the final touch to her project. She had arranged the clouds to form what looked like a target with a rather small bullseye.

"Then would you care to repeat it?" Rarity challenged as her friend made her way towards a make-shift ramp she had set up nearby.

"You're going to have a baby for Bon Bon," Rainbow said positioning herself for take-off.

"And all you have to say about that is cool" The unicorn nearly snarled the final word.

"Yes. It's cool of you to help a friend. But well I don't know Bon Bon very well and while I'm sure it means a lot to her I'm not really sure what more you expect out of me." Rainbow Dash remarked casually before sprinting down the ramp. When she reached the end she took off into the sky. She performed a few impressively acrobatic flight maneuvers before doing a tight dive through the cloud formation she had been working on landing with a stylish flick of her mane.

"You could at least have shown some tact and congratulated Bon Bon." Rarity said unimpressed with her friend's showy display.

"It's okay Rarity." Bon Bon said with a nervous laugh. She could understand where Rainbow was coming from. The two had barely interacted at all before now.

"I am sorry if I come off rude Bon Bon. It's just like I said we don't know each other that well. I really do think it's cool you and Rarity are doing this but I've just got to keep practicing if I want to land a spot on the Wonderbolts and I don't want to be distracted much by something that doesn't affect me very much."

"It's quite all right. I understand completely. And I believe you congratulated us in your own way." The earth mare said with a smile.

"See Rarity she gets it," Rainbow said dramatically flailing her forehooves.

Rarity was about to say something when the pegasus burst off in a sprint before flying away. She could only watch in dumbstruck horror as her friend left without a goodbye.

"I'm terribly sorry about her darling." Rarity said after regaining her composure.

"Would you get upset at me if Rainbow Dash made the Wonderbolts and I wasn't overly excited about it?" Bon Bon asked.

"Well no but that's obviously a very different situation." Rarity said taken aback.

"Not to her. Getting a spot on the Wonderbolts is her dearest wish."

"I guess when you put it like that." Rarity admitted. "In that case, let's just move along."

***

"Well howdy. That's some mighty big news." Applejack drawled. "Ah must say though I hadn't pegged y'all for a couple. So when's the wedding. Ah bet Pinkie Pie is excited to throw that wingding."

"Seriously Applejack you're as bad as Sweetie Belle." Rarity said followed by a long-drawn-out sigh.

"Are ya tryin ta tell me you don't plan to make an honest mare out of her first." The farm pony said with a challenging look at the unicorn.

"It's not that. We're not a couple Applejack." Bon Bon said nervously. "I have a medical condition and a foal wouldn't survive if I got pregnant. Rarity has graciously offered her assistance in that regard."

"Well, why didn't somepony just say so." Applejack said before bucking at a nearby tree causing the apples to fall loose into waiting bushels below.

"We did but you were too busy bucking apples to hear that part." Rarity said with some frustration. Maybe coming here right after dealing with Rainbow Dash had not been the best choice.

"Cider seasons bout ta start. I got to keep moving if ah plan to keep up with demand." Applejack said matter of factly as she bucked the next tree in line. "What ya plan on doing for that sweet mare is a mighty fine thing Rarity. And I think you'll make a great mom Bon Bon. Just remember taking care of foals ain't no picnic. I hope you got a good bunch of friends and family to help ya out if you really plan on doing it on ya own."

"Thank you Applejack." Bon Bon said sweetly. The last part had caught her a little off guard and she got lost in thought after her reply. She didn't have anyone to help her once the baby was born. Her parents were a bit on the older side and were retried in Tailahassee. Her friend group only included Lyra and now Rarity. Lyra was unreliable at best and she couldn't ask her to do more for her after the baby was born.

"Well it was nice chattin with y'all but I best be gettin back ta work." Applejack said picking up her pace as she moved to the next group of trees a little way up from where the other mares were standing. "Y'all come back now! Ya hear?"

"Is everything all right?" Rarity asked Bon Bon sensing a feeling of trepidation coming off her friend.

"What Applejack said about friends and family. I was planning to do this all on my own but what if she's right. What if it proves to be too much for just me?" Bon Bon said quietly in case the farmer came back.

"Well, that's just silly darling. You've thought all this through very carefully. Your business is going well and you have a nice amount of savings put back." Rarity said smiling sweetly. "You also won't be on your own. I'm certainly not going anywhere after the baby is born. I'll always be right there to help if anything were to come up. Mrs. Cake may have her hands full with the twins but I'm sure she would always be there for you in a pinch. You also promised Sweetie Belle she could help and while that might not be much at first I'm certain she will grow into a responsible young lady and prove plenty helpful as time goes on. You are ready for this Bon Bon. We're ready for this."

"You're right." Bon Bon agreed. She still felt nervous about what Applejack had said but Rarity's words had got through to her. "So where to next?"

***

"BON BON IS HAVING A BABY, A BABY, A BABY. BON BON IS HAVING A BABY." Pinkie Pie chanted excitedly.

"Calm down Pinie you don't want to wake up the twins." Mrs. Cake said sternly.

"But Bon Bon is going to have a baby. This is cause for celebration." Pinkie Pie chirped excitedly.

"Yes it is but can we can do it quietly for the moment?" The older mare pleaded

"You're right I just got so excited." The pink pony said more calmy. "But this means the twins will have somepony else to play with. Aunty Pinkie is gonna arrange only the best most funnerific of playdates." Her excitement was boiling over again.

"It will still be some time before that can happen." Mrs. Cake pointed out.

"That's true. We're still very early in the process and then there's the full term of pregnancy. You also can't just put a newborn into situations like that. It may be further away than you think Pinkie." Rarity explained.

"Oh, I know all that. But that won't stop me from planning it." Pinkie said, "Speaking of planning can I throw you guy's a baby shower?" She added abruptly.

"I suppose if you want to." Bon Bon said hesitantly.

"No surprise parties," Rarity added firmly. "You have to coordinate everything through me and Bon Bon to get our approval first. We wouldn't want anything sudden and jarring to happen while I'm pregnant and risk stressing the baby."

"Okey Dokey Artichokey." Pinkie Pie agreed. "Now who wants cupcakes?" She asked revealing a tray of cupcakes decorated with little foals.

"Do you always just have cupcakes like those ready?" Bon Bon asked a bit perplexed at the specificity of the designs.

"No that would be silly. Super exciting news like this doesn't happen every day." Pinkie said with a laugh like she heard the funniest joke.

"Then may I ask how you decorated them while were sitting here" Bon Bon inquired further.

"I made them just before you arrived. My left ear started to twitch and then both my nostrils flared followed by an itch just above my cutie mark. That had never happened before but I knew my Pinkie Sense was telling me to make these extra special cupcakes and now I know why."

"But..." Bon Bon started to ask before she was interrupted.

"Please don't question it." Mrs. Cake and Rarity said dryly in unison.

***

"Fascinating," Twilight said enthusiastically as she retrieved a notebook out of thin air. "Could you explain how your relationship reached this point so quickly?" She asked with a smile.

"Not you too Twilight." Rarity said rubbing her face.

"Not me what?" Twilight asked visibly confused.

"We're not a couple." Rarity explained.

"I know that. Who said you were?" The purple unicorn questioned.

"You did. You asked how our relationship developed. Sweetie Belle I could understand and Applejack just jumped to the wrong conclusion but I expected more reason from you of all ponies." Rarity stated.

"No, you two are just very good friends. I can see that." Twilight explained. "Until recently though I had you marked down as merely acquaintances. It was only the night of the book drive that I saw fit to bump you up to budding friendship. This level is a huge jump from that. Knowing what caused you to bond so quickly would be a major breakthrough in my research."

Bon Bon suddenly felt very nervous and could feel the color leaving her face. Thankfully no pony else seemed to notice.

"Twilight are you using that journal to track the relationships of the ponies around you?" Rarity asked raising her voice slightly.

"Notebook? What notebook?" Twilight said sheepishly as she caused the notebook to magically vanish.

"Twilight darling." Rarity said demanding the mare's attention. "It is not your place to evaluate the relationships between others and track them for your own motives. Nor is it your right to say what favors a pony can do for somepony else at any stage in a relationship. Nor is okay to butt into said relationships and ask how they developed. If somepony wants to tell you why they might be close to somepony else that is their right but you should never just ask something like that." The unicorn scolded.

"I'm sorry." Twilight stammered. "I didn't realize."

"But you should have." Rarity said sharply. "We had very special news we wanted to share with a dear friend and your first thought was to put our friendship under a microscope you should know better than that."

"Rarity." Twilight began.

"Let's go Bon Bon." Rarity said in a huff moving towards the library's front door.

"Are you sure we should leave like this?" Bon Bon asked as they stepped outside.

"It was clear she was making you uncomfortable. You went completely pale when she asked that deeply personal question." Rarity said perhaps a tad too bluntly. She was still riled at Twilight's total lack of couth.

"She did." Bon Bon nodded. "But it wasn't intentional. Twilight was just being Twilight and got carried away with what she thinks is a science. I'm only just learning this myself but friendship like cooking or baking can feel like a science with facts and measurements you easily follow that make sense. But at the same time they really aren't some factors and variables just don't add up and sometimes you try to figure out why and you just make a mess of things. You were probably right to scold her but you may have taken it too far. I think we should apologize too."

"Well, you certainly don't have anything to apologize for darling. But you're right." Rarity said she was impressed with her friend's resolve. "However I think it's best if I do this part on my own. You run ahead and find Lyra I'll meet you at your place after I talk things out with Twilight."

"Okay." The earth mare agreed. "I'll see you soon." She hugged her friend and headed in the direction of Lyra's house.

***

"You asked her of all ponies?" Lyra asked in disbelief. "You should have just come to me first. Of course, I'll do it."

"Lyra." Bon Bon said choking on her carrot juice. "Everypony here knows why that's a bad idea."

"What's that supposed to mean?" The mint-colored unicorn asked.

"Do you really want to make me say it?" Bon Bon challenged.

"Okay, you're right." She said leaning in so only the earth mare could hear what she was about to ask. "But is she the best choice?"

"It's okay Lyra she knows." Bon Bon said calmly.

"She knows?" What do you mean she knows." Lyra asked unsure of how much she could give away.

"She knows everything. She knows about Sweetie Belle. She knows I'm her mother. She knows what I did." Bon Bon said before taking another sip of juice.

"And you're both okay with that?" Lyra said sprawling on the floor.

"Of course darling. Sweetie Belle is the most precious little thing and I can't even begin to imagine how life would be without her." Rarity exclaimed.

"I've been forced to confront my past and while it's still a struggle at times things are getting better." Bon Bon explained. "Rarity has been very helpful with that as well." She smiled at her new friend.

"Does Sweetie Belle know?"

"No! and you're never to tell her." Bon Bon said forcefully. "We both agreed that it's best she doesn't know she was adopted."

"Why the heck would I tell her?" Lyra asked.

"Well, she does know that Rarity is helping and they both might be around. So if we're all in the same place I don't want you accidentally saying something you shouldn't."

"I'm not dumb enough to do something like that." Lyra declared. "Moving on then. Let's celebrate. This is all some pretty exciting stuff." The unicorn retrieved a flash from her saddlebag near the door and used it to refill her half-empty glass of carrot juice. "You want some Bonnie?"

"You know I don't" Bon Bon rolled her eyes.

"Relax I'm only teasing. What about you Rarity? This is some primo stuff pretty soon you'll be all knocked up and then Bonnie will get mad if I offer it."

"Lyra Heartstrings." Bon Bon huffed.

"No thank you, Lyra. I have on occasion indulged in a nice glass of wine or two but Bon Bon has an obvious aversion to alcohol so even if you had something more suiting to my taste I would still have to decline." Rarity said in a firm but polite tone.

"Oh, Bonnie doesn't mind. Right Bonnie?" Lyra asked.

"You're a grown mare Lyra I won't try to tell you what you can or can not do. Rarity is right though. I would actually appreciate it if you didn't drink around me."Bon Bon wasn't sure where she found the words but she was glad she had been able to say them.

"So wait me drinking around you really does bother you?" Lyra asked sincerely. "I always thought that was your way of messing with me for messing with you about drinking."

"No. I don't care for being around it at all it just makes me uncomfortable." Bon Bon explained. "I can and will still tolerate it but if you would at least not flaunt it would be so much more bearable."

"So if you don't know I'm drinking it's fine?" Lyra asked.

"Yes." Bon Bon agreed it seemed they may have reached a minor breakthrough at least and even though she might be able to suspect if and when her friend may be drinking around her she could at least take solace in some uncertainty.

"That much should be easy. I drink places where I'm not supposed to all the time. I just have to not let it get past a light buzz and no pony can tell the difference." Lyra admitted proudly. "So does that wrap things up here? I have plans with Vee, Tavi is out of town and we're gonna check out a mares club." She turned to Rarity. "It's okay they have an understanding, but don't tell Octavia I told you about that, or that I know about it. Just don't mention it at all."

"Goodbye Lyra." Bon Bon said flatly ushering the unicorn out the side door.

Bon Bon collapsed into her chair as soon as she returned to her other guest.

"I'm sorry about her.' Bon Bon sighed.

"Nothing to apologize for darling. It seems she can be a real hoofful, but at the same time she has a unique charm about her.

"Yeah. She wouldn't do so well with the mares and stallions if she didn't." Bon Bon agreed. "Honestly that went better than I was expecting. I never really expected her to take me seriously about drinking around me but it did sound like she would hide it and that feels like progress."

"I'll leave you to decide what you're okay with but if you ever need me to talk to her just say the word." The unicorn said. "It's been a long day and I'm sure you're tired as well." She gave the earth mare a parting hug. "Goodnight Bon Bon."

"Goodnight Rarity" The earth mare returned the hug before the unicorn let herself out.

It Takes Three

"All the results are back and as to be expected Rarity you are an absolute picture of health." The doctor explained. "Have you decided on a donor yet?" The question was directed at the earth mare beside the unicorn opposite her.

"Donor?" Bon Bon asked.

"Oh deary me. Have we come this far without bringing this up?" The orange unicorn said shuffling around the papers and folders on her desk. "I swear I'd forget my horn if it wasn't attached." She finally found the bulky pink folder she was supposed to have given the patients during the last visit. "As I'm sure you're aware it takes two to make a foal, well I suppose three in cases like this. To move onto the final stage we need two genetic samples. Your's and another pony's need to be bonded to develop into a new and unique foal." She explained passing the folder to Bon Bon. "That folder contains information on most of the donors whose genetic samples we can use. Since the samples can be stored long term in the right conditions and because the demand is high enough for a wide variety of candidates to be available we offer monetary compensation to those who wish to help provide this service."

"I suppose that all makes perfect sense." Rarity chimed. "So Bon Bon are you seeing anypony who sticks out to you." She asked as her friend had already started looking through the folder.

"There are other mares in here?" Bon Bon said quizically as she turned through the pages.

"Oh yes of course. I understand how that may seem strange. It's quite exciting really. Thanks to a rather recent breakthrough in the science and magic of reproductive health a process to modify the proper genetic samples between male and female states now makes it possible to offer both mares and stallions as suitable donors. It also allows same-sex couples the option to have a foal that's a part of each of them." The doctor explained enthusiastically. "It's quite the simple process and tests have even shown there is very little chance for the samples to become damaged during the change even when the same sample undergoes the metamorphosis multiple times."

"That's remarkable." Rarity exclaimed. "I had no idea such a monumental breakthrough had occurred."

"It's only been available for the last couple of years. Unless you follow science journals or you or somepony you know has had a direct experience with it is not surprising you wouldn't know about it." The doctor stated unsurprised.

"More options are always a good thing I suppose." Bon Bon said absently.

The earth mare was only half-listening to the unicorns' discussion as she read through the candidates. Each page in the folder gave a brief overview of two or three candidates depending on the level of detail. There were no pictures just a written description that always included the same basic information; Species, Gender, Mane/Coat Color, and Cutie Mark/Special Tallent. There was also a space for a name but Bon Bon noticed most of these were labeled Undisclosed.

"I think this one is Rainbow Dash." Bon Bon blurted out suddenly. She had come across an undisclosed entry for a blue pegasus with a multicolored mane and speed listed as a special talent.

"Donors are given the option on whether or not they wish to remain anonymous. If there is no name given I'm not at liberty to discuss the matter." The doctor stated directly. "However if the information provided sparks to mind somepony specific I would advise looking at other candidates just to be safe."

"I highly doubt you'd actually consider Rainbow Dash a suitable donor and I have to agree with the doctor even if we can't be sure if it's her or not it's best to consider other options." Rarity said. She looked over the earth mare's shoulder at the file and agreed it was most certainly Rainbow Dash. "Is it necessary to use one of the donors provided here or would it be possible to use somepony else?" The unicorn questioned.

"While it's not required by any means to use our donors it is recommended. When somepony offers us donated material they sign a contract that protects everypony involved from possible legal pursuits. So they can't suddenly try to seek paternal rights or the reverse it protects them from being pressed for child support. If a patient does wish to use their own donor similar legal paperwork should be completed but that would be done without our involvement." The other unicorn explained.

"This one seems good." Bon Bon said happily oblivious to the ongoing discussion. "Earth Pony, Mare, Coat Amethyst, Mane Light Yellow, Talent Sculpture." She read the required fields out loud. What had really caught her attention was the optional summary the mare had included.

Hello, my name is Amethyst Stonecutter. If you're reading this congratulations. We probably don't know each other and even if you find somepony else more suited to your needs I still think it's great you've decided to expand your family. I recently learned they had opened the donation process to mares and it sparked my curiosity. After reading up on the process I knew I wanted to make a singular donation. Art and creating something new and unexpected are my greatest passions and to me, this seems like a way I can do that while helping somepony out along the way. I hope that doesn't come off as vain. I promise I'm not like that. If you do choose me I'll have left my information available so that you are free to reach out but please don't feel you have to. That wraps up everything I wanted to say, congratulations again.

"Yes, I think I've decided." Bon Bon said after reading the attached message for the third time.

"Are you sure? The doctor asked. "I was supposed to give you the folder on your last visit so you would have more time to go over the options."

"I'm quite certain. The attached personal note she left as a summary really speaks to me and I quite like that she is open to contact if that's something I feel is necessary to do in the future." Bon Bon stated cheerfully.

"I agree she seems like a wonderful choice." Rarity said having taken the folder and read the memo for herself.

"In that case, let's schedule our big appointment." The doctor said with a smile.

Author's Note

A note on the process for those curious. While it would make sense that if you mixed two females you would only be able to get a female offspring. I decided because there's magic involved that this doesn't have to be true. What ever metamophasis the genetic material undergoes allows it to pass on the genetic pieces for a male or female to be born.

From out of story reasoning this has two causes

One in my basic understanding of biology XY= Male XX=Female and if changing the material didn't mess with the ability if two Stallions used the process would that allow a YY offspring and what would that be. I don't know and its easier this way.

Two more to the actual point and the primary reason is at the time of writing this I haven't decided if I want the foal to be one or the other and this lets me keep that option open for now.

Such Wonderful Friends

The small chime of the timer signaled it was time to fill the last batch of chocolates. Bon Bon carefully removed the mold from the freezer and placed it gently on the counter. Years of experience had graced her with speed and precision. She was just topping off the final candy with a strawberry caramel filling when a soft cry rang from the other room.

"Oh, don't cry baby, mommy is on her way." Bon Bon cooed as she hastily tossed her fill-bag to the side and hurried out of the kitchen.

As the earth mare crossed the threshold that separated her kitchen from the rest of her home she could easily make out the crib at the far end of the open space. The crying was coming from there. She walked with hasty but soft hoofsteps not wishing to disturb her precious little bundle anymore than they already were.

Suddenly the crying became more intense. Bon Bon broke into a trot. The situation had become much more urgent. She ran as fast as she could but the crib wasn't growing any closer. In fact, it seemed more distant now. The crying grew louder still. Bon Bon closed her eyes and put every bit of energy into her futile attempt to reach the child. A bell chiming interpreted the crying. Work wasn't important now though she had to find a way to escape whatever cruel force was holding her back so she could soothe her precious babe.

***

"Miss Bon Bon?" A childish voice broke the silence of the mostly empty candy shop. "Is everything okay?"

"My baby." Bon Bon said in a panic. She looked around she wasn't stuck running in place in the main part of her home, instead, she was standing at the counter in the attached shop face to face with a concerned-looking pegasus filly.

"Oh yeah, Sweetie Belle told me Rarity was doing something special so you could have a baby. That's so cool." The filly said her concern had turned to excitement as the mare behind the counter seemed to return to her normal self.

"Hello Scootaloo." Bon Bon said smiling sweetly, it had just been a silly daydream. Rarity had only undergone the in vitro fertilization process two weeks ago. It was still very early, the baby wouldn't arrive for some time yet. "Sorry if I worried you I must have dozed off for a moment." The mare said sheepishly.

"Yeah, you were just staring at the door with a scared look on your face." The filly said rather plainly. "But you seemed fine once I called out to you. As long as everypony is okay there's nothing to worry about."

"So what can I get you today?" Bon Bon asked assuming the filly had entered the shop with a reason.

"Oh," Scootaloo said her enthusiasm dropping. "I don't have any money today."

Bon Bon felt hot as a wave of shame rushed through her. She had heard the rumors of the filly's family was on the poorer side but she hadn't stopped to consider that before she asked. The cutie mark crusaders had been in for candy before but it was only now that she recalled they always pooled their money and split their purchase evenly. It made sense Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle had devised the tactic to spare Scootaloo the embarrassment of not getting anything.

"That's alright. I'm having a special offer right now where any child can come in and have two free sample pieces. Just pick out the two you think look best." She said warmly gesturing towards the display. She hoped the filly wouldn't pick up the impromptu nature of the offer.

"Oh cool, it's my lucky day," Scootaloo said her eyes going wide as she looked at all the delicious-looking candies. "They all look so good." She said carefully considering her options. "You said two right?"

"Yes the offer is normally for two but if you really can't decide..." She started to offer but was cut off by the filly.

"Nah two is plenty. I just needed to know so I could narrow it down." The filly said a little on the frim side. She didn't want anypony giving her special treatment. "In that case though I think I'll go with my friend's favorites. Apple Bloom really likes the apple pie truffle and Sweetie Belle's favorite is the white chocolate strawberry cream." She said pointing at each.

"Alright, but these candies are for you don't go giving them away. If you see your friends let them know they're welcome to come in and take advantage of the special themselves." Bon Bon said firmly she would happily give away a few extra candies to every filly and colt in Ponyville so Scootaloo could have something nice without feeling bad about it.

"Nah these are for me I just don't have a favorite. I think all your candies are super delicious it was just an easy way to decide." Scootloo said as the earth mare placed her candies in a small decorative bag. "That reminds me the whole reason I came in was to ask if you had seen the other crusaders. We were supposed to meet up near here but I couldn't find them so I decided to ask in the shops if anypony had seen them."

"I'm sorry deary I haven't." Bon Bon replied handing the filly her candies.

"That's okay I'll just go look around again and check Sugarcube Corner if I still don't see them. "Scootaloo said putting away her candies for later. "I'll tell them about the special when I find them so they may want to stop in before we go off crusading," Scootloo said as she made towards the store's exit. "Thanks again Miss Bon Bon."

***

"But Raaaarity." Sweetie Belle squealed. "Yooou Poooomised."

"I know Sweetie Belle and I'm terribly sorry I don't have them done yet. I've fallen a bit behind on work for the boutique with all the appointments and checkups recently and pretty soon I won't be able to do much at all." Rarity said without looking away from the intricate embroidery she was hoof-stitching. "It's imperative that I have this collection done before I go on pregnancy leave. For this design, I have to do all the stitching by hoof or it just won't look right. I only have a few more to do and then I can work on the outfits for you and your friends to play dress up. I'll surely have them ready for you tomorrow."

"It's not to play dress up!" The filly groaned. "We're going to be cutie mark crusader superheroes. Then we can get our cutie marks in crime-fighting."

"Yes, yes. I'm sure you three will be the cutest little helpers in town but I simply have to finish these first." Rarity said curtly she was finding it hard to focus with the filly causing such a ruckus.

"I'm your sister! You should be helping me with something I need not somepony you barely know!" Sweetie Belle yelled. "I wish Miss Bon Bon asked somepony else to be her surrogate!"

"Sweetie Belle." Rarity gasped. She could hardly believe what she had just heard. "That's an absolutely horrid thing to say." She sat the dress she was working on down and turned to face the filly. "Bon Bon has been nothing but kind to the both of us. It breaks my heart to hear you say something so mean-spirited towards her. And for your information missy, she didn't ask. It was my idea to offer my assistance when learned of her plight."

"It's still all her fault." The filly grumbled.

"That's it. Go to your room. You are grounded." Rarity said firmly.

"I HATE YOU I WISH YOU WEREN'T MY SISTER!" Sweetie Belle screamed and ran out of the boutique before the older unicorn could react.

Rarity stood to go after her but suddenly found herself feeling dizzy and unsteady on her hooves. She wanted to chase after the filly but quickly concluded she was in no state at the moment. Instead, she made her way to the couch for a brief lie down before getting back to work.

"She doesn't understand." Rarity said to the empty room trying to find a comfortable position. "It's best to let it go. She probably just ran off to play with her friends and she'll calm down." She reassured herself. It wasn't good for her or the baby if she let herself become too stressed over a filly throwing a silly temper tantrum.

****

"Stupid Rarity." Sweetie Belle grumbled to herself as she stomped away from Carousel Boutique.

"Hey, there you are," Scootaloo called dashing towards the unicorn on her scooter. "I've been looking everywhere for you."

"What has Miss Bon Bon ever done for us?" Sweetie Belle hadn't noticed her friend's approach as she bemoaned her situation to herself.

"Did you say, Miss Bon Bon?" The pegasus filly asked coming to a stop. "I was just at her shop looking for you guys. She's having a special giveaway any kid who comes in can pick out two free samples. I already got mine but you should stop by. I don't know if it's just for today or not."

"Huh?" Sweetie Belle asked suddenly snapping out of her foul mood when she noticed her friend was talking to her.

"Miss Bon Bon wanted me to tell you she's giving out samples," Scootaloo repeated. "Have you seen Apple Bloom?"

"Uh no. I thought she'd be with you." Sweetie Belle stammered, she suddenly felt embarrassed. Miss Bon Bon was giving out free samples to all the kids in town and she had just been saying mean things about her and even got mad at Rarity over it.

"Hop on my scooter and let's go find her. We can't have her missing out on free candy." Scootloo said adjusting her position so Sweetie Belle could ride with her.

"Go find Apple Bloom without me I don't deserve free candy." Sweetie Belle said sadly.

"Is something wrong?" Scootaloo asked only now realizing something was off with her friend.

"I got in a fight with Rarity and said mean things to her and about Miss Bon Bon because was too busy to make the costumes for us. I don't deserve free candy and I certainly don't deserve it from Miss Bon Bon." Sweetie Belle said half in tears.

"Oh yeah, we were supposed to try the superhero thing today. I completely forgot." The pegasus said. "Well, it sounds like you feel guilty so you know what that means. Right?"

'It means I can't take Miss Bon Bon's candy." Sweetie Belle stated.

"No, it means you have to apologize," Scootaloo affirmed. "Let's find Apple Bloom, go to Miss Bon Bon's store, and then we'll go talk to Rarity."

"I already said I don't deserve any of Miss Bon Bon's candy." Sweetie Belle said quizically.

"We're not going there for that, well Apple Bloom will be. You said something mean about Miss Bon Bon so you should apologize to her as well." Scootloo said.

"But I didn't say it to her." The unicorn said still not understanding.

"That doesn't matter. If you just apologize to Rarity you'll still feel bad about what you said about Bon Bon, right?" The pegasus asked.

"I think so." Sweetie Belle said unsurely. It wasn't that she didn't think she would still feel bad about what she said it was more that she was worried that the candy mare wouldn't forgive her.

Of course you would. Your just nervous about telling her." The other filly said seemingly reading her mind. "I'm sure Miss Bon Bon will forgive and understand you didn't mean what you said." She added reassuringly.

"Okay then." Sweetie Belle agreed. She was less certain than her friend but if Miss Bon Bon did get mad at her she probably deserved it. "Let's go find Apple Bloom so I can apologize to everypony." She said hopping on the back of the scooter.

***

"And that's why I'm here to apologize to you." Sweetie Bell concluded recounting her early fight with Rarity to the earth mare behind the candy counter. "So, I'm really sorry."

"Oh Sweetie Belle, it's very nice of you to come and apologize but you really should have gone to Rarity first." Bon Bon smiled at the three fillies in her shop. "She's probably very worried that you ran off like that."

"I know and we're going there right away." Sweetie Belle said as she turned to leave.

"Hold on a moment." Bon Bon stopped the trio before they could leave. "You and Apple Bloom haven't had your samples and since you are already here." She reached into the display case and quickly put together three bundles of candy with three pieces each, apple pie truffles for Apple Bloom, white chocolate strawberry creme for Sweetie Belle, and Rarity's favorite dark chocolate salted caramel hearts. "These are for you two." She handed the fillies their respective bags. "And give this to Rarity when you apologize they are her favorite." She handed the extra bag to Sweetie Belle "And what would you like for your third piece Scootaloo?"

"I thought we're only supposed to get two candies?" Apple Bloom questioned looking in her bag to see three of her favorite candies.

"You two have been such good friends helping Sweetie Belle out and she's being so brave to apologize I thought you all deserved an extra piece." Bon Bon said sweetly.

"In that case, I'll try one of the ones you gave Rarity." Scootaloo chimed. She watched the mare collect another of the cholate hearts and put it in a special individual wrapper.

"There you go Scootaloo. Now you girls run along, but be careful on that scooter." Bon Bon said handing over the chocolate to the excited filly.

"We will Miss Bon Bon," Scootaloo said exchanging the candy for three helmets that were in her bag. "Thanks again."

"Yeah, thanks a bunch." Apple Bloom added strapping on a helmet the pegasus handed her.

"Thanks, and I'm sorry again." Sweetie Belle said adjusting the strap on her helmet. "I'll apologize to Rarity and tell her you said hi." With that, the three fillies were out the door and balancing themselves on the scooter before taking off down the road.

"Sweetie Bell has such wonderful friends." Bon Bon said to herself wiping a tear as she watched the trio disappear down the street through the window.

Gender Reveal?

"Everything looks good." The pegasus mare said looking at the sonogram. "I see no signs of complications. The baby seems to be developing right on schedule."

"That's wonderful to hear." Bon Bon said cheerfully. She hadn't expected to receive any bad news but she still couldn't help but worry a little. Her grip on Rarity's hoof loosened as she relaxed. She hadn't even realized how tightly she had squeezed her unicorn friend.

"I told you there was nothing to worry about darling." Rarity said giving the earth mares hoof a reassuring squeeze. "I've been very careful not to overwork myself or get too stressed. It's still early and I know I'll have to slow down even more as time goes on but I'd never do anything that might hurt the baby."

"It's not you, you've been an absolute angel." Bon Bon assured. "There are just so many complications that can come about for no reason at all. I just can't get that silly little thought out of my head half the time."

"As long as Rarity keeps doing such a good job there's very little to worry about." The technician pony said. "We'll maintain regular check-ups to monitor growth and look for abnormalities. If something were to come up we would catch it early and be able to work on treating it before it could become something serious."

"You're right. I may not be carrying the baby but getting stressed out isn't good for my health either." Bon Bon concluded.

"Too true. Your health is just as important as anypony else's. If you neglect yourself you won't be ready when the baby comes." The unicorn said sternly.

"Well, now that that's all settled there is only one thing left to do." The pegasus said with a smile.

"Oh?" Bon Bon asked. She was certain they didn't have another test to go through today.

"I just have to ask if you want to know the baby's gender." The technician beamed. Not every mare wanted to know and more recently a lot of ponies had taken to throwing reveal parties so they didn't want to hear it directly from her so she didn't always get to share the exciting news. When she did get to share that moment with somepony it was her favorite part of the job.

"Oh, you can tell that already. I simply have to know darling." The unicorn gushed with excitement.

"You're having a precious litt...." The pegasus began but was interrupted.

"Wait!" Bon Bon interjected with unexpected force. Suddenly all eyes were on her after the abrupt outburst.

"Oh, how silly of me darling. I didn't even stop to think you might want to be surprised." Rarity apologized.

"Yes, this is your decision." The technician agreed, hiding her disappointment.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to shout like that." Bon Bon blushed. "It's not so much that I don't want to know, but sometimes when I think about the baby coming I picture an adorable little filly, and other times I see myself with its with the cutest little colt. I'm just not ready to give up on either of those fantasies just yet." She hoped her explanation made sense.

"Oh, that's just so precious." Rarity cooed.

"I must agree. Putting it that way there is a certain charm you wouldn't get back once you know." The pegasus agreed.

"So is it okay to put off the reveal a while longer?" Bon Bon asked.

'It's your special moment you can find out whenever you're ready." The pegasus said as she dug out an envelope and quill. "I'll just write it down and seal it in an envelope for when you're ready."

"No don't do that." Bon Bon said. "If I just have that information lying around I might just give in to curiosity and look right away. I also wouldn't want some pony else finding out and worry about keeping it a secret. You keep the information all to yourself and then you can share in the excitement with us later."

"If you're sure I suppose I can do that." The pegasus said now trying to curb her excitement. She wouldn't get to share the news now but was glad she had that moment to look forward to in a future visit.

***

"So what's the baby gonna be?" The three fillies that made up the cutie mark crusaders asked in unison as Bon Bon and Rarity entered the library.

"We don't know." Rarity responded caught off guard by the question. Twilight had agreed to watch Sweetie Belle for her for the afternoon and she must have invited her friends over as well. How they came up with asking the question was beyond her.

"But Twilight said you were far enough along that they would tell you." Sweetie Belle squealed.

"Actually," Twilight said appearing from behind a nearby bookshelf. "What I said was the technician would be able to tell whether the baby is a boy or a girl."

"Yeah, so they should know already," Scootaloo remarked.

"That's the way I see it too." Apple Bloom agreed.

"You three are not taking in one important variable," Twilight said matter-of-factly.

"Vara what now?" Apple Bloom asked.

"A variable is a part of an equation that can be changed. Each possible input could lead to different results." Twilight said almost sounding a little frustrated the fillies didn't understand something so basic.

"We still don't get it," Scootaloo said flatly.

"What Twilight is trying to say is that you didn't stop to think Bon Bon might not be ready to know if the baby will be a filly or colt yet." Rarity said taking a seat on a large plush cushion that was surrounded by dozens of scattered books.

"Exactly!" Twilight said. "Another variable that could have led to the same result would have been if the technician forgot to ask. Or if the machine had malfunctioned and the whole appointment had to be rescheduled. There are an endless number of factors that could have led to Bon Bon and Rarity not knowing. And that's why we shouldn't make certain expectations girls." Twilight said with a twitch of her eye nopony seemed to notice.

"Thank you so much for looking after the girls today Twilight." Bon Bon said politely. She got the impression the librarian had got more than she expected from agreeing to babysit Sweetie Belle.

"I'm always happy to help my friends." Twilight smiled.

"Still it was extra nice of you to let Sweetie Belle invite her friends over." Bon Bon said. She noticed Rarity had fallen asleep in what looked to be Twilight's preferred reading spot. "Would you mind if Rarity rested up here for a bit while Sweetie Belle and I walked her friends home?"

"Not at all." Twilight agreed. "I've been meaning to put all those books away. With her asleep like that, I won't be tempted just sit there and start something new instead." The unicorn reasoned out loud.

"Okay then." Bon Bon smiled ushering the fillies towards the door. "Sweetie and I will be back shortly." She called back as the unicorn began levitating and sorting books off the floor.

"This one goes in the study of ancient civilizations section," Twilight said pushing a book to the side. "This one goes in the romance section." She sorted the next book "Tragedy. Tragic romance. Tragic romances in ancient civilizations. Wait where did we move that section again." Twilight asked herself staring at the peculiar tome levitated just in front of her nose. "Spike will know." She reasoned and made her way towards the stairs to ask him.

"Spike keeps track of everything we do in the library. Nothing happens outside of his watch." Twilight said stepping into the upstairs bedroom.

The dragon was also sleeping peacefully. The girls had worn him out with a thousand questions on how to be cutie mark crusader library assistants. Twilight had suggested he take a break and read comics upstairs where he must have fallen asleep.

"Awe." Said softly staring at the adorable sleeping dragon. She grabbed his blanket and tucked him in. "I'll ask him later."

Twilight grabbed a book from her bookcase nightstand and took a seat on her bed. She quickly found the page she had been on the last time she had had the book and began reading.

"Wait a minute did anypony ever tell Spike?" Twilight blurted out to the quiet room.

Author's Note

A little bit of a meta joke there at the end. I was never really sure how Spike would react to the situation so I kind of just left him out. He may or may not get a scene for it I'm still not sure. Maybe he already knows and it was just a boring exchange not worth putting into words.

The List, The Refusal, and The Ray of Hope

Bon Bon looked over her list again, of the seven names she wrote down she had already crossed off four. It had been a couple of weeks since her discussion with the doctor and she had finally sat down to weigh her options. When she first sat down to weigh her options only a single name came to mind Octavia Melody. She was a friend of a friend of a friend. Specifically the mare friend of Lyra's number one drinking buddy Vinyl Scratch. Bon Bon had only met her a few times but to the best of her knowledge, Octavia didn't partake in the wild party lifestyle with Lyra and Vinyl. By all accounts, she seemed a perfectly sensible mare who was rather adept at keeping the others from getting too far out of hoof.

She was still at the top of the list and her name had yet to be marked off but Bon Bon had wanted to have more than one option so she wracked her name for anypony else she could at least consider. As she was about to give up and just call Octavia to ask the vital question an order form she received earlier caught her eye. It was a simple job request for four dozen assorted chocolates to pass out at the book drive to be held at Golden Oak Library the client was Twilight Sparkle.

At first, the idea seemed crazy to Bon Bon she had barely spoken to Twilight or any of her friends but the more she thought about the same was pretty much true for her other option. She had met Octavia formally like three times and seen her in passing maybe a dozen more. She had done business with each of the bearers in some form at least once. Was it enough to ask such a huge favor out of the blue, no but it was enough to consider them options, or at least she had convinced herself so she at least had options.

With the bearers, her list reached seven names, and no sooner than the seventh name was written she had narrowed the list to five. It was immediately obvious that two of the mares were ill fit for the task. The first was Rainbow Dash. Of the element bearers, Rainbow Dash was the one she was least acquainted with but it was her recklessness and daredevil attitude that got her name crossed off. Pinkie Pie was also immediately outed despite being the one Bon Bon was most familiar with. Pinkie was a walking conundrum that honestly gave Bon Bon a headache to be around. She was a sweet girl but strangeness seemed to follow her and she was perhaps too carefree for such a task anyway. She would be asking a lot of whoever was picked and she need to know that if they accepted the job would be taken seriously. Pinkie Pie was just too immature in her honest opinion.

Twilight was the next to be crossed off. Despite being the inspiration for the added pool of candidates it didn't take long for Bon Bon to see even she was ill-fitted for the job. The biggest reason being she would not be able to handle the stress. The order form that had sparked the whole idea was the fifth one in two days for the same order each time after the first requesting a whole different carefully planned and highly detailed assortment with a letter attached explaining the changes, none of which seemed at all important enough to go over in that much detail. Bon Bon had already decided to throw in an extra dozen chocolates for free given it was a charity event anyway and she could more easily adjust everything last minute if there were extras to work with. Plus with her being the Princess's personal student it seemed an even bigger thing to ask.

She had also crossed off Applejack. While overall a fine candidate as she was hardworking and dependable for the task if she agreed to it, the likely hood of her being able to shelf any of her responsibilities with Sweet Apple Acres and her family seemed an obvious reason to discount her as well.

So Bon Bon was left with Fluttershy or Octavia. Two perfectly reasonable choices. There was also Rarity but she was just there by extension of including all the bearers, a formality really, Bon Bon couldn't actually consider asking her of all ponies.

Fluttershy would be perfect Bon Bon thought the more she considered it. The wasn't a sweeter mare to be found anywhere in Equestria. She always seemed willing to help anypony. As the embodiment of pure kindness of course she would say yes. There was no way she could say no.

There was no way she could say no.

Bon Bon sighed and scratched Fluttershy's name from her list. The sweet little pegaus would almost certainly agree to it if asked but there was no way to know if she was doing it purely because she wanted to or just simply because she was asked a favor. Bon Bon couldn't live with herself if she felt she had somehow forced somepony into helping her even if they had seemingly willing agreed.

"Well, at least I tried to find somepony else to ask." Bon Bon said to the empty room as she threw the list in the trash. In the morning she would call Octavia and set up a lunch where the two properly discuss everything. If everything went well she may have found her surrogate.

***

Rain was pouring down as Bon Bon trudge solemnly along the muddy dirt path away from the restaurant. She shouldn't have had her hopes up it was always going to be too much to ask.

Octavia had handled herself perfectly. She wasn't cruel in her rejection just direct and honest. It was too much to ask when they barely knew each other and she was at a stage in her career where she couldn't afford to take that kind of time off and not expect negative consequences. She even went so far to offer they work on building a real friendship and in a year or two when she was more stable she would reconsider.

"She was perfect. She is perfect. She will be perfect." Bon Bon said to herself as the rain splashed around her. As painful as it would be to have to wait she could do it. But even still right now she couldn't help but feel sad.

"Excuse me miss, would you want to share my umbrella?" A voice asked as a beautiful unicorn mare stepped up next to the drenched earth pony levitating an umbrella the pair fit comfortably beneath.

"Oh. No. I'm fine." Bon Bon stammered trying to regain her composure. Rarity was the last pony she wanted to be around right now.

"Really darling, it's no trouble." Rarity chirped while batting her eyelashes. "You're Bon Bon, right? The confectioner with the lovely little chocolate shop across from Sugar Cube Corner. I'm just on my way to visit Pinkie Pie and there is no sense in you trudging through the rain if we're going the same direction."

"If you insist." Bon Bon couldn't think of a way to say no without making the awkward situation worse. With the matter settled the mare set off with Rarity expertly handling the umbrella so neither got any wetter all the while without having to invade each other's personal space.

"I simply must say I love your Mane." Rarity broke the silence after a few minutes of trotting along quietly.

"Thanks." Bon Bon didn't know how else to respond.

"It reminds me of my darling little sister's."

"Sweetie Belle." Bon Bon blurted out before she could stop herself.

"Oh, do you know her?" Rarity inquired with a hint of excitement.

"Know her?" Bon Bon repeated awkwardly "Oh no, not really, she's been in my shop before. She and those two friends of hers tried asking me about making chocolate once." It was a lie the cutie mark crusaders had never asked her such things, they had been in to buy sweets once or twice but not often enough to justify knowing their names. Her story felt like a sensible reason to have such knowledge. "I noticed the very slight similarity myself. I didn't know she was your sister though." Also a lie.

"It's a little more than slight if you ask me. The shades are different true, but the color pairings are quite the comparison. I dare say if she were walking with us we could all be mistaken as sisters." Rarity laughed.

"Yeah, you might be right." Bon Bon said before adding a convincing fake chuckle.

Just as awkward silence began to reform they reached the point of their separation.

"Thank you." Bon Bon said earnestly as she rushed under the awning outside her shop to separate herself from the unicorn.

"Absolutely no trouble at all dear." Rarity smiled warmly. " I would stay and chat some more but Pinkie is expecting me. Have a wonderful day." With a final wave, the unicorn turned to cross the street.

Bon Bon watched bitterly through the shop window as the unicorn entered the bakery across the street. She could ask her, and she might even say yes. It could save her years of waiting and even possible further heartache if Octavia's offer were to eventually fall through. But was it fair? Was it right to ask the mare her daughter truly believed was her sister to help her so she could have a child she could call her own?