The Love and Comfort of a Little Filly and a Pegasus Family

Well, maybe I should start by introducing myself.

I'm Emerald Jewel, Pegasus, twenty-two years old, of Ponyville. My coat is dark green, and my mane is lime-green, which should be obvious since my first name is "Emerald". I'm not really one who interacts with other ponies face-to-face. Most people see me as that random Pegasus that usually walks around Ponyville, shopping for his wife and himself.

I'm a rocket scientist, and I'll experiment with anything. So if ponies want to see me as that, I don't care. As long as I have my experiments and my science, I'm fine. Anyway, my cutie mark is a big red cross, indicating that my special talent is First-Aid. I can heal almost any external injury. Ponies wonder why I'm not a doctor, and I tell them the same thing every time.

I'm a high school drop-out. I failed my graduation exam three times because it was over math, and math is my worst subject. Had it been science, I would have passed with flying colors. I have no diploma, and college is far out of my reach. I was picked on for being a drop-out several years, and I was thinking about committing suicide.

That's when she appeared. Rainbow Dash, my childhood friend, and my wife. Rainbow Dash was great in high school. She earned her diploma after her sophomore year, which I didn't even know was possible. Anyway, she was respected for that, setting a record for Youngest High School Graduate in Ponyville. But, she stepped in and defended me, and I fell heavily in love with her. Even better, when I proposed to her at in Canterlot, I got to meet her friends, and their friendship is tight and ductile. She lives with me in my house, but her custom-made Cloudhouse is right above mine, just in case.

Now, my job. I really want to say that I work as a rocket scientist at Ponyville College or work with Nurse Redheart and Doctor Hooves as a doctor, but without a diploma, the best I could get was working at Ponyville Orphanage. I work for ten dollars an hour, seven hours a day, five days a week. I'm assigned to the foal room, where every foal is kept. Yes, every foal. Every two minutes, one of them would cry for some reason, and I would get very sleepy. My only break is lunch, which is only an hour.

My boss, Bloody Hoof, is very demanding. And yes, his name is literal. He beats any colt or filly that does anything wrong. He tries to get me to do it, but I can't stand putting my hooves on a child. I love and care about every child there, even though some of them don't like me. Being around some if the kids there makes me feel as if they were my own.

I've always wanted my own foal, but unfortunately, I won't be getting one the natural way. Rainbow Dash is infertile. No matter how much her and I... do it... nothing happens. Rainbow Dash was in a flying accident, damaging her uterus, destroying her egg cells, making it impossible to have a foal. She was pretty torn up about that, and so was I. We've been trying to get over it, but it's hard, because we've always wanted to be a family.

~~~~~~~~~~

The annoying sound of my alarm clock sounded off. I fumbled to turn it off and rubbed my eyes a few times. I finally had a good night sleep. Usually I don't, because I get too wrapped up in an experiment to the point where I'll stay up all night. Anyway, I looked over at Rainbow Dash, who was laying on her back, sleeping deeply.

"Dashie", I said, "Time to get up". Rainbow Dash grumbled and rolled over. I tapped her shoulder. "Come on, Dashie. You don't want to be late for Weather Patrol, do you?"

"Leave me alone, Emerald", Rainbow Dash said, yawning.

"Am I gonna have to give you a morning tickle again?", I said.

"Don't!", Rainbow Dash said, burying herself in the covers, separating herself from me. I sighed and shook my head. She sure was lazy.

I got out of the bed and walked into the bathroom, closing the door behind me. I walked over to the toilet, raised the seat, and emptied my bladder into the toilet. After relieving myself for a few seconds, I reached down to shake a few times and flushed. I then walked over to the sink, grabbed my toothbrush, placed some toothpaste on it, and brushed. It was hard to brush with my hoof. Sometimes, I wish I was a Unicorn, so I could just levitate things. Once I was finished in the bathroom, I walked downstairs and into the kitchen.

"Breakfast time", I said, "My way". All my life, I've been trying to invent a machine that automatically makes breakfast, and today, I was giving it another try. Every time I have tried the machine, it has failed, and I would end up soaked in pancake batter or egg yolks.

I walked over to the control panel and placed my hoof on the start button. I took a deep breath and pressed it. The machine started while I took shelter under the table. I watched everything it did. Eggs cooked perfectly, hay bacon, and hashbrowns did also. Last came the pancakes, which was the part that usually failed. I clenched my hooves together, hoping it wouldn't explode.

Sure enough, it didn't. The green light flashed on, saying it was finished. I walked over to the plate everything was set on and tasted everything. I smiled as I knew it finally worked. The machine that I had been trying to build for seventeen years finally worked. I sat down at the table and enjoyed my breakfast. Soon, Rainbow Dash came downstairs, a little groggy.

"Morning, Emerald", she said, walking over to me and smoothing my lips.

"Morning, Dashie", I said, rubbing my muzzle against her's a few times, "Finally awake I presume?"

"Yeah...", Rainbow Dash said, "So, I see you're eating breakfast. Did your machine finally work?"

"Yep", I said, "Finally".

"That's cool", Rainbow Dash said, "You know, if you make more of those and sell them, you could make a fortune".

"I don't think so", I said, "It took me two years to build this, and another fifteen years to perfect it. I don't think the other ponies would have the time".

"I guess not", Rainbow Dash said, "Well, are you gonna hog it all? I'm starving here".

"I'm done", I said, giving her the remains of my plate, "I need to get going before I'm late and my boss bites my head off".

"Alright", Rainbow Dash said, eating her breakfast, "See you later, Emerald".

"You too, Dashie", I said, smooching her cheek, "I love you". I walked out the door, locking it behind me.

I was two minutes late to work. I stopped at Sweet Apple Acres for a mug of hard cider. I'm not much of a drinker, but when it comes to hard cider, I can't help myself. Anyway, I walked into the orphanage and clocked in. Next thing I knew, Bloody Hoof walked up to me, stern look as usual.

"Jewel!", he said, "You're late!" He always called me by my last name, and I don't even think he knows my first.

"I apologize, Mr. Hoof", I said, "I needed to-"

"I don't give a damn about what you had to do!", he cut me off. He was really foul-mouthed, even around the kids. I don't think he gets the idea that the younger kids are picking up words from him. "Show up late again and that's your paycheck!"

"Yes, Mr. Hoof", I said.

"Now, get your ass to your station!", Bloody Hoof said. I walked off into the foal room and closed the door.

Now, whenever you work around little kids, you always have a favorite, and I do. There she was, sleeping in a box in the corner, with  a small sheet over her. She was an orange Pegasus, with a purple mane. Her name was Scootaloo. She was four years old, and the cutest little thing I've ever seen. She wasn't a baby, but I usually talk to her as if she were, and she loves it when I do.

She may have been cute, but her past and her current situation wasn't. Her parents drowned, and her brother, Rumble, was taken to a foster home on purpose to separate the two from each other. She was forced to sleep in a box in the corner in the foal room. Her parents died while she was going through potty-training, so she uses diapers, and that's the reason she was forced to sleep in the foal room. Even worse, she gets beaten worse than any other kid here. She was starved, abused, and force to clean up messes that weren't her's. She barely gets sleep, because the crying foals would usually keep her up. No matter how sleepy she is, no one here lets her go back to sleep. Everypony treats her like garbage, but me, I'm very nice to her.

"Scootaloo?", I said, giving her a small nuzzle. She yawned and woke up, looking at me with those cute little purple eyes of her's.

"Mr. Jewel?", she said, her voice sounding sleepy. She calls me "Mr. Jewel", even though I told her she can just call me "Emerald", but I guess that's just her way of showing respect.

"Yes, Sweetie", I said, using her favorite nickname, "Time to get up". Scootaloo yawned, threw the sheet off of herself, and stretched, passing a bit of gas as well. Scootaloo blushed a bit.

"Excuse me", she said, fanning herself with her tail.

"That's OK, Scootaloo", I said. Scootaloo held her hooves out to me, smiling. I too smiled and picked her up, cuddling her gently. I then felt a bulge in the back of her diaper. "I think someone made a little surprise in her nappy". I poked the back of her diaper, making her blush as she felt her excrement squish against her flank.

"Change me, please?", Scootaloo asked.

"Sure", I said, laying her on the changing table. Luckily, Scootaloo wasn't the filly that made the stinkiest of diapers, so it was easy to change her. Trust me, changing her four times in one hour was better than changing just one of the other foals once. After changing Scootaloo, I threw her soiled diaper in the trash and wiped my hooves with a moist towelette.

"Mr. Jewel?", Scootaloo said.

"Yes, Sweetie?", I asked.

"I'm hungry", Scootaloo said, rubbing her stomach. I really wanted to say, "Then let's go out and get you something", but all I could say was, "Breakfast is about to be served".

I heard her groan loudly. I knew that she hated the food they served almost more than anything. She couldn't even swallow it. They serve the same thing every day: loaf. And I'm not talking about hayloaf or loaves of bread, just loaf. It was brown, mushy, flavorless, and just simply disgusting. It hurt me heavily to see Scootaloo starve to death, so every once in a while I would sneak down to the kitchen and get her an apple or a cookie or a stick of goat cheese, which she really liked. Scootaloo walked out of the room and went to breakfast, while I changed the many diapers of the foals and kept them from crying.

Soon, my lunch break started, and I was happy as can be. I loved getting to leave that orphanage for an hour, or at least away from my boss. Plus, it gave me an excuse to go to my lab in the basement at home.

Before leaving, I thought about Scootaloo, and the fact that she refused to eat her breakfast, again. I looked over at her. She was laying in her box, rubbing her empty tummy. An idea came to mind, as I walked over to her.

"Scootaloo?", I said. Scootaloo looked at me.

"Yes, Mr. Jewel?", she said.

"My lunch break started", I said, "And I was about to go home for a bit. Would you like to come with me?" Scootaloo instantly sat up.

"Yes!", she said, "Yes please!" I smiled, picked her up, and carried her to my house.

Once we got there, I used my key to unlock it and open it. I walked in and placed Scootaloo on the couch.

"Now", I said, "You wait here for a bit, and I'll make you something to eat, OK". Scootaloo nodded. "Would you like to watch TV?" Scootaloo nodded again. I picked up the remote and turned the TV to the cartoon channel. Then I walked into the kitchen.

While making Scootaloo's lunch, every once in a while I would look over at her. Every time she would laugh at a cartoon she was watching or relax against the couch. She was so happy. It made me happy as well. I couldn't resist this moment, so I walked over to Scootaloo and sat down next to her. The next thing I knew, Scootaloo laid down in my lap, sighing loudly.

"You're snugly", she said, burying her face in my coat. My heart went soft as I pet her mane.

"So are you, Sweetie", I said. Before I could enjoy the moment, the microwave beeped. "I'll be back, OK?" Scootaloo nodded and sat up. I went back into the kitchen. I made her some lasagna with the goat cheese she likes, along with a brownie, and a glass of milk. I placed everything on a tray and carried it into the living room. "Here you go, Sweetie". I set the tray in her lap. She smiled big.

"Thank you, Mr. Jewel!", she said.

"No problem, Sweetie", I said, ruffling her mane. "You eat up, and I'm gonna go down to my lab in the basement, OK?" Scootaloo nodded and ate, while I went down to the basement.

My lab was my favorite place ever. It took a total of eight months to build it, paint it, tile the floor, and buy the science materials and equipment. I dropped 100,000 bits, but to me, it was worth it.

I was working on an experiment with a deceased rabbit corpse and hydrochloric acid, pouring it into a beaker full of water drop by drop with a turkey baster. I may have loved experimenting, but it scared me sometimes, especially if I was working around hydrochloric or sulfuric acid.

"Careful", I said to myself, trying very hard not to add too much, "Just a few more drops and-"

"Mr. Jewel?", Scootaloo said, making me jump. Luckily, I didn't spill any acid. I set everything down and looked at Scootaloo.

"Yes?", I said.

"Oh...", she said, "Sorry if I messed with you".

"That's OK", I said, "It can wait. So, how do you like my lab?"

"I like it", Scootaloo said, "But, it's stinky in here".

"That's only because I was working with a deceased rabbit corpse", I said, "It should end in a minute. Anyway, let's go back upstairs. It's too dangerous for you to be in here, because of sharp objects and dangerous chemicals". Scootaloo nodded and I walked back upstairs, Scootaloo following. I sat down on the couch to see an empty tray. Scootaloo had eaten every single bite, and I don't blame her. I set the tray on the table next to me and relaxed my back against the couch. Then, Scootaloo sat down right in my lap, smiling.

"I wanna snuggle some more", she said.

"Go ahead", I said, "I won't bite". She smiled and buried her face in my coat. We sat there and watched several cartoons. Having Scootaloo sit in my lap made me feel like she was my own filly. She was sitting in my lap, watching and laughing at the TV. I smiled as I pet her mane gently.

"Mr. Jewel?", Scootaloo said, looking at me again.

"Yes, Sweetie?", I said.

"Thank you again for the food", she said, "My tummy is full now".

"I'm glad it is", I said, "I thought it was about time you had something good to eat, so I decided to feed you". At that point, an idea came to mind. I wanted to play with Scootaloo a bit. "You know, Scootaloo, I know a monster that used to live with me. He's not scary, but he makes me laugh. Can you tell me who he is?" Scootaloo blushed, knowing what the answer was.

"The Tickle Monster?", she said, embracing herself.

"Yep!" I pinned Scootaloo to the couch and tickled her tummy as fast as I could. She squirmed and laughed loudly, trying to get me to stop.

"M-Mr. J-Jewel!", she said, giggling very frequently, "OK OK OK! Stop it! Please! *he he he!*" I stopped for a bit.

"And what's his favorite food?", I asked Scootaloo.

"R-raspberries?"

"Raspberries!" I blew raspberries on Scootaloo's tummy, making her squirm and laugh even harder. After a while of that, I stopped, letting Scootaloo catch her breath.

"Mr. Jewel!", she said, still giggling, "You made me tinkle in my nappy!" I saw a big yellow hue in her diaper and laughed. It was always fun to tickle Scootaloo so hard to the point where she would accidentally pee herself.

"Umm...", I said, "Sorry?"

"He he! OK". Scootaloo sat up and sat down back in my lap. I cuddled her and kissed her cheek, making her blush heavily. She looked up at me and smiled. "Mr. Jewel?"

"Yes?", I said.

"I love you". She snuggled into my coat and sighed. My heart melted after what she said. She said she loved me, for the first time. A tear ran down my face, and I didn't care if Scootaloo saw it or not.

"I love you too, Sweetie", I said, kissing her muzzle. Before I could enjoy my time with Scootaloo, my watch beeped, telling me that my lunch break was about to be over in ten minutes. I went from happy to sad, know that Scootaloo had to go back to the orphanage, where she wasn't respected. It hurt me to say this: "OK, Sweetie. We have to go back to the orphanage". I could see the sadness in her eyes as she looked back up at me.

"Do we have to?", she said, trying very hard to get out of it. But what I wanted to say couldn't be said.

"Yes", I said, having trouble talking, "I have to go back to work, and I can't lave you here alone". Scootaloo buried her face in my coat, starting to sniffle. It was hurting me seeing her so sad, so I decided to make her feel a little better. "Wait here". I walked upstairs and soon returned with a little piece-offering.

It was my stuffed skunk that I've had for several years. I call him "Stinky Pete", or "Pete", for short. My mom made him for me straight from scratch, and it was love at first sight. I was so attached to that skunk, that I never went anywhere without it. I didn't even let Mom wash it unless I spilled something on it. She said she put her "love in every stitch", and that's all I have to remember her by. (She's not dead if that's what you're thinking. She's in the Army, and I haven't seen her for ten years.) Scootaloo looked at the skunk and wiped her eyes.

"What's that?", she said.

"This is Stinky Pete", I said, "He's my friend. My mom made it for me, but now, I want you to have it". Scootaloo took the skunk and held it in her hooves.

"Really?", she said, "But you said your mommy made it for you".

"I know, but I want you to be happy. If I'm not around, you have have to remember me by". Scootaloo smiled and hugged the skunk.

"I love him. Thank you... umm... Emerald". I smiled as she finally said my first name.

"No problem, Scootaloo. Now, take good care of him, OK? He's my best friend". Scootaloo nodded and I placed her on my back and walked back to the orphanage.

Once we got there, Bloody Hoof stopped me at the door, unfortunately.

"Where the hell have you been, Jewel?!", he said.

"I was out to lunch", I said.

"There are crying foals in there", he said, "And it's your duty to shut them up!"

"I know, Mr. Hoof", I said.

"And why is that piece of shit with you?!", Bloody Hoof said, pointing at Scootaloo.

"I brought her to my house and gave her a small snack", I said.

"Are you out of your goddamn mind?!", Bloody Hoof said, "You know if you start doing that, then the other kids here will want to do it too!"

"I know", I said, "But she's my favorite, and I didn't want her to starve".

"I don't care", Bloody Hoof said, "Get in there and quiet those fucking foals before I fire your ass!" I walked off, carrying Scootaloo on my back.

~~~~~~~~~~

Soon, my day at work finally ended and I went home. I was alone, because Rainbow Dash was out at the bar with her friends. I was sitting on the couch, watching some TV, trying to enjoy myself. But, I couldn't, not without Scootaloo. I could feel her soft mane on my hoof as I sat there, wishing she were next to me. I loved her and she loved me. My thoughts were interrupted when the locks clicked and Rainbow Dash barged in, slamming the door behind her.

"Hey, Emerald", she said. Her voice was slurring heavily, and she was walking funny. I could smell something funny on her coat, alcohol. She was drunk, and I hated when she was.

"Dashie", I said, "How many drinks did you have?"

"Only four mugs of hard shider", she said, "And three appletinies".

"Dashie", I said, "You're drunk".

"I know!", she said, sitting down next to me, "Besht feeling... eeeeever!" She heaved hard and puked into the wastebasket next to the couch. "Woohoo! Fourth load today!"

"Eww", I said, "Dashie, I told you to limit yourself with the booze".

"You drink hard shider", she said, wiping a bit of bile from her lip.

"Yeah", I said, "But not to the point where I'm drunk".

"Whatever, Emerald", Rainbow Dash said, standing up, "I gotta take a piss". She walked upstairs to the bathroom, running into every single wall on the way. I walked upstairs as well, as I was ready to turn in for the night. I got into the bed and covered myself up.

"Dashie", I said, "Come to bed whenever you're ready, alright?"

"OK, Emerald", she said, still in the bathroom. I rested my head against the pillow I was using and waited for Rainbow Dash. Soon, she came out of the bathroom and smiled. "Best piss ever!"

"Umm... OK?...", I said. She was very random when she was drunk, but I didn't usually mind. Dash got into the bed and laid down next to me. "Goodnight, Dashie".

"Waddya mean, 'goodnight'?", she said, sitting on top of me.

"What are you- mmph!" I was cut off when she leaned down and kissed me. I retched as I tasted a mixture of alcohol and vomit on her breath. She stopped kissing me for a bit.

"You know I get horny when I'm drunk!", she said, leaning down for another kiss, this time placing her tongue inside my mouth. I didn't want to discourage her, so I let her do what she wanted. She kept her lips on mine for a while, while I tried to ignore the taste of her breath and placed my hooves on her flank, which she liked. Right when she felt like going all out, I stopped her.

"Dashie, wait", I said. She looked at me.

"What?", she said, "I was just about to suck you!"

"I don't think I can do it tonight", I said.

"What are you talking about, Emerald?", Dash said, "You always have sex with me when I'm drunk".

"I know", I said, "But, something happened at work today, and I'm not feeling like I want to".

"*sigh* What happened?" Dash let me talk, but kept me pinned to the bed, just in case.

"Well, don't ignore me at all, OK?"

"I won't".

"There's this filly from the orphanage, named Scootaloo".

"That little squirt? I know her!"

"You do?!"

"Yeah! I don't have a bigger fan than her, trust me".

"Well, during my lunch break, I brought her here and fed her because I felt bad for her starving herself. She doesn't like the food they serve at the orphanage, so I made her a small lunch. Then, on the couch, we had this... moment, where she said she loved me, and I grew attached to her".

"So, let me guess, you want to adopt her?"

"I wouldn't say that, I just want her to live here, with us, where she's happy".

"Well, let her live here".

"Are you sure? She isn't potty-trained, and get's scared easily".

"I don't care. You know we've wanted our own foal, so why not?"

"Umm... OK...", I said, "Should I go get her?"

"No no no. I want a quickie first".

"*sigh* Alright, but only a quick one. I have to get there before the orphanage locks up". Dash giggled and arched her back.

"Great!"

"But, if you puke on me, you're sleeping on the couch". Dash ignored me and laid down on her back next to me.

"Fuck me like a dirty filly!"

~~~~~~~~~~

After satisfying Dash, she fell asleep. I covered her up and walked out of the house and flew to the orphanage. Before I opened the door, I peeked in through the window that never closed and saw Bloody Hoof and his secretary, brother, and my good friend, Strict Rule, talking to the General Manager of all Equestrian Orphanages, Mega Moneybags.

"What do you mean we have too many kids?!", Strict Rule said.

"You can't have more than 200 kids here", Mega said, "It's the law".

"But we have only have 201", Bloody Hoof said, "You can't just let this one slide?"

"No I can't", Mega said, "Either you give up one kid by tomorrow or I will close down this orphanage, send your kids to foster homes, and fire all of your staff". Both Bloody Hoof and Strict Rule sighed and nodded as Mega Moneybags left.

"What are we gonna do?", Strict Rule said, "We don't have anywhere to put anymore kids. The foster homes are all filled up!" Bloody Hoof only chuckled.

"Everything will be fine", he said. Strict looked at Bloody with a raised eyebrow.

"Big Brother", he said, "Maybe you didn't just hear what Mrs. Moneybags just said. We getting closed down because we can't transfer one kid!"

"We won't have to", Bloody said, "All we have to do is erase a file... and take that kid's life!" I gasped quietly. Strict took what I was thinking.

"You want to kill one of the kids here?!"

"Why not. She didn't say we couldn't, did she?"

"Well... I guess not, but that's wrong, man!"

"Whatever, Little Bro. That's what I'm doing".

"*sigh* Fine. But which one are you going to kill?" Bloody smiled.

"Well, there's this pathetic orange Pegasus that sleeps in the foal room because she can't get her ass to the toilet in time. I'll kill her".

"Why?"

"Because no one here cares about her!"

"Emerald cares about her. He told me she's his favorite".

"Screw Jewel! I'm killing her tomorrow!" Bloody Hoof stomped off. I was frozen with surprise and fear. He was gonna kill my favorite! I looked back at Strict, who had his head low.

"I'm sorry, Emerald", he said, "I tried". He left.

I didn't have any time to mourn over that, so I quickly flew up higher to the window of the foal room. I opened the window and flew in, quietly walking over to the corner Scootaloo was in. It was very dark, but I could see Scootaloo thanks to the night-light in that corner. I saw Scootaloo, sitting in the corner, hugging Pete tightly, crying softly.

"Scootaloo?", I said, sitting down in front of her. She looked at me and hugged me tight. I pulled her into my lap and pet her mane lightly. "What's wrong, Sweetie?"

"I had a nightmare", she said, crying into my coat, "And Mr. Hoof hit me when I screamed!"

"Where did he hit you?", I said.

"*sniffle* On my bottom", she said. I pulled the back of her diaper down a bit, seeing a big bruise that looked like it was close to infection. Just seeing that made me upset.

"I can make that better", I said, "Let me get my First-Aid Kit". I walked over to the closet, turned on the light, and grabbed my spare First-Aid Kit that I keep here just in case. I brought it back to Scootaloo and pulled out the formula that I created to heal external bruises. I poured some into a small, paper cup and gave it to Scootaloo. "Drink it". Scootaloo slowly drank the liquid and wiped her mouth.

"Thank you, Emerald", she said.

"You're welcome, Sweetie", I said, "That bruise should go away in about twelve hours. Anyway, come on. We're going back to my house". Scootaloo instantly stood up.

"Really?!", she said, "For all day?"

"Yes", I said, "I'm letting you stay the night at my house tonight". Scootaloo quickly jumped onto my back, ready to go. I grabbed a pack of diapers, the changing supplies, and Pete for Scootaloo just in case. I then went back home.

Once we got home, I walked in and, once again, set Scootaloo on the couch. Scootaloo relaxed and rested her back against the couch, sighing loudly.

"Emerald?", she said.

"Yes?", I said.

"I'm hungry again", she said, "Can I have a snack, please?" I smiled.

"Sure", I said, "Let me see what I can get for you". I walked into the kitchen and grabbed two of the apple cupcakes Dash's friend, Pinkie Pie gave me from her birthday, one for me and one for Scootaloo. I walked back into the living room and gave Scootaloo a cupcake. "Here you go, Sweetie". Scootaloo took the cupcake and squealed lightly.

"I love cupcakes!", she said, "Thank you!"

"No problem, Scootaloo", I said, "And I'm glad you do". I turned on the TV and we watched more cartoons while eating our cupcakes. Scootaloo finished her cupcake, leaving a big glob of frosting around her mouth and face. I laughed as I saw what she looked like. "Looks like you could use a napkin". I grabbed a paper towel that was on the table and wiped Scootaloo's face clean.

"Thank you", she said.

"You're welcome, Sweetie", I said, "So, how have you been liking Pete so far?"

"I love him!", Scootaloo said, hugging the skunk again, "He's so funny and snugly! Like you!"

"Thanks, Scootaloo", I said, "Would you like another cupcake?" She smiled and nodded. I got her another cupcake and she ate it quietly. Once she was finished with that one, she let out a very loud and long burp, even louder than Dash's after she drinks soda. Scootaloo chuckled lightly.

"Excuse me", she said, giggling.

"That was a big one", I said, patting her tummy, "Who knew a little filly like you could make such loud and big burps?" Scootaloo giggled again.

"You really funny!", she said, "Snuggle?" I smiled and pulled Scootaloo into my lap again and cuddled her, lightly patting her padded bottom. Scootaloo buried her face in my coat, sighing loudly. Once again, it felt good to hold her in my lap and feed her and treat her like my own. Once again, I felt like playing with Scootaloo.

"Umm... Scootaloo?", I said.

"Yes, Emerald?", she said.

"I think the Tickle Monster is back", I said, "And he likes little fillies". Scootaloo blushed again.

"Is he gonna get me?", she said.

"He already did!" Once again, I pinned Scootaloo to the couch and tickled her as fast as I could, and blew raspberries on her stomach, making her laugh loudly and squirm heavily. It felt good to do that, really good. It felt good just to hear her laughs. She was having a good time.

Soon, I stopped when Scootaloo passed wind and started messing her diaper. Scootaloo blushed deeply as she felt her mess enter her diaper. It may not have smelled pleasant, but it sure was funny.

"Looks like you really had to go", I said, rubbing her tummy as she continued.

"S-sorry, Emerald", she said, still blushing.

"It's OK, Sweetie", I said, "When you gotta go, you gotta go". Scootaloo smiled. "Now, finish up so I can get you changed". Scootaloo kept going for a few seconds, then exerted herself a bit, only getting another pass of gas.

"I'm done", she said.

"Alright", I said. I grabbed the supplies and a spare diaper and began changing Scootaloo.

"Umm... Emerald?", Scootaloo said.

"Yes, Sweetie?", I said, wiping her clean.

"Uh... can I call you "Daddy"?", Scootaloo said. I couldn't help but blush. Hearing her say that word made me happy.

"Of course you can", I said, "But why?"

"Because I love you like a daddy", she said, "You take care of me like a daddy". I finished changing Scootaloo and held her in my hooves like a baby.

"You really think so?", I said, starting to cradle her a bit.

"Mm-hmm!", she said, "I really do". I smiled and kissed her muzzle.

"Thank you, Sweetie", I said.

"You're welcome, Daddy", she said, "I love you".

"I love you too, Sweetie", I said. Then, I remembered what Dash had said. "You know, there's something I gotta tell you".

"Do I have to go back?", she said, looking sad.

"No", I said, "Never again, because this is your home now". Scootaloo was surprised as her ears perked up like a dog at alert.

"Really?!", she said, "You mean, I live here now?! I don't have to go back?!"

"No", I said, "You live here now, with me". Scootaloo hugged me as tight as she could.

"Thank you thank you thank you!", she kept saying, very happy.

"You're welcome, Sweetie", I said. At that point, Scootaloo yawned loudly, fluttering her eyes. She looked so cute when she was sleepy. "I think someone needs a night-night".

"Can I... sleep with you?", Scootaloo asked, between a yawn.

"Of course you can", I said. I carried Scootaloo upstairs into my room. Scootaloo noticed Dash in the bed also.

"Is that Rainbow Dash?!", she asked me.

"Yeah", I said, "She's my wife".

"You didn't tell me you lived with Rainbow Dash!", she said, "Rainbow Dash is the best flier ever!"

"Oh yeah", I said, "She said you were her biggest fan".

"Wait", Scootaloo said, "If you're my daddy, does that mean she's my mommy?"

"I guess so", I said. Scootaloo was as happy as she could be.

"Yay!", she said.

"Shh...", I said, "She's sleeping". Scootaloo covered her mouth with her hoof and nodded. I walked over to my side of the bed and tucked Scootaloo and myself in. She cuddled me and I placed Pete in the middle of us so he wouldn't be lonely. Scootaloo yawned loudly and buried her face in my coat again.

"Daddy", she said, "I love you".

"I love you too, Sweetie", I said, petting her mane gently, "Goodnight". Scootaloo instantly fell asleep. I smiled as my heart melted again. Seeing Scootaloo sleeping next to me made me happy. She looked so peaceful when she was sleeping. I gave her one last kiss on her muzzle before slowly drifting off to sleep.