Chapters Author's Note
I have had this idea in my head for a while and thought I'd give it a go. Let me know what you think. Constructive Criticism is welcomed. I will continue it when I get the chance.
Edit: Chapter has been edited to reflect on my current writing standard. Errors have also been fixed.
Confrontation (Edited)
Clouds cover the sky over Canterlot as the town slowly wakes up as the sounds of car horns honking and chatter is heard at the local shops as they open for the day’s business with students from the local high school making their way to campus before the morning bell rings. Canterlot High is known for their campus as it is lush with green grass as well as a small bit of forest towards the back of the football field as well as a patch by the side of the school about thirty yards from the school building which stands two stories tall made with red and white brick with a one story building as its entrance and offices for the school. Within the small patch by the school stands a small green tent. Within the tent lays a teenage boy, he wears torn jeans, a tattered T-shirt with boots and a thick brown jacket. He lays on a sleeping bag that is torn in parts and next to him is a worn out book bag and next to him is a box in bright white wrapping and a metallic blue ribbon and bow. Next to it is a red envelope and in front of it is a picture of a man, woman and two boys, one older than the other with the other being a newborn wrapped up in a blanket in the woman’s arms. Drops of rain hit the leaves that fall on to the tent. The light tapping on the tent causes the teen to stir from his sleep and wakes up. He sits up in the tent with his eyes half open before stretching his arms. The sound of chatter is in the distance, though still audible before he peeks out of the tent seeing silhouettes of students in the distance.
"Guess I have to get moving." He says before getting up to put his jacket on.
He doesn't see anyone before he goes back inside and quickly packs his bag and slings it over his shoulder before going out and disassembling the tent. As he is about to start disassembling the tent he hears a crunch of a fallen branch. He looks around and sees a female figure in the distance though he can't see much of her. He panics and leaves the tent and runs from the area.
"Wait come back!" She shouts.
"How was I found, hell, how was I careless not to double check?" He mumbles to himself as he flees.
He makes it to the other side of the patch and runs away from the school as more chatter in the distance is focused around the patch he was staying in. He slows down to a walking pace, hiding his face as he goes further from the patch.
Back at the school a girl in a leather jacket, jeans, sneakers and a red and yellow tie dye shirt with auburn hair is in the principal's office with two older women behind a desk one of them is tall with long light blue, green, and pink colored hair in a tan suit and another woman who is shorter with dark tan skin and blue hair wearing a dark blue suit stand around a desk in the room with the card that belongs to the teen boy sitting on top of the desk.
"Is this all you found Sunset?" The taller woman asks.
"Yes Principal Celestia, I saw him while taking my shortcut to school to beat the rain, I wasn't able to get a good look at him before he ran though, so I went to where he was and saw some old cans around the tent and I looked inside the tent I saw this, it didn't get that wet thankfully."
Sunset twists her hand and points casually to the card.
"I see, if anything he will most likely come back when he feels the heat has died down."
Principal Celestia sits on her chair and leans back.
"Then what?"
"Then we wait on the outside of the area for him most likely, we'll have a better chance at catching him without him getting seriously hurt at least, this card is the bait and even if he manages to run we still have leverage with it." Sunset explains.
“Why not call the police?” The other woman objects.
“Because if this is the Peanut Butter I think it is, then he’s not going out of hiding if cops are involved, it’s best to keep this internal and there will be no leverage Sunset, if he gets away again we will have to go with Luna’s idea and let them catch him their way, at least we have a name, though the history of that name isn't the best."
Celestia adjusts her chair to have her look towards her computer and types on the keyboard. she then turns the screen of her computer towards Sunset. She reads the article as her eyes look away from the screen as a small frown appears on her face. After she finished reading she looks at Celestia.
"Wow that's something." Sunset says.
“It is, poor child.”
“Is it possible to have my friends help too, with strength in numbers and all?”
“Sunset, if you want to you can have your friends help in this as well, it's best to have numbers on our side. However keep it under wraps from everyone else.”
Sunset nods.
"Yes Principal Celestia."
"You may leave now."
Sunset walks out of the office towards her next class as the door shuts Luna looks at Celestia with a confused look.
"Why don't we have just the police handle this and save us time, Celestia?" She asks.
"Like I said before, we’ll cause him to return into hiding and we won’t get another chance and neither would them.”
Celestia gets up from her chair to make some hot tea. She grabs an electric kettle and a bottle of water from her desk and pours the bottle of water into a small electric kettle and turns the hot plate on the bottom of the kettle on and gets two cups from her desk and brushes them off.
"Why hasn't he opened the letter?" Luna asks.
"Sentimental value probably, you should know all about that, you haven't opened mom's birthday gift to you since she passed away three years ago, you were such a train wreck that I had to get our friends together for an intervention to snap you out of it, actually the more I think about it you and him may not be too different, yet you are the skeptical one about this."
Celestia takes out two bags of tea leaves and places them in the cups.
"It's procedure that I'm skeptical about, there are right ways and wrong ways to do things, this feels like the wrong way to do this."
The water in the kettle starts to boil causing it to whistle as Celestia takes the kettle off the hot plate it's on and pours the water into the cups and hands one to Luna. Luna looks down at the tea with misty eyes. She can barely see her reflection ripple in the tea as she moved the tea bag by the string it is attached to. Celestia drinks her tea softly and looks at Luna from time to time.
After five minutes of silence with the occasional sound of Celestia sipping her tea Luna looks up.
"I'll go along with this plan, as much as I disagree with it, who it is and his probable instability it would be a better for us to handle it first."
Celestia nods as the bell rings for the end of the period.
"Such an eventful morning I'll say." Celestia admits.
"Indeed."
Luna finishes her tea and taking the card and going to her office.
In the hallway right before lunch period Sunset Shimmer meets up with her friends as they walk to a quiet part of the school where no one was around. They all give her a confused look towards her as they notice the direction they are going. They soon reach a dark corner of the school where no one would hear them as Sunset explains the situation to them.
"So let me get this straight, you want us to help catch the guy that was in that forest patch behind of the school?" Rainbow Dash asks.
"Not catch him, more like track him without him figuring out what we are doing, we're waiting for him to go back there before we try to talk him into coming with us."
"I understand what yer trying to do sugar cube, but ya haven't told us his name." AppleJack says.
"His name is Peanut Butter.".
Just then Applejack and Rarity look down with a depressed look on their faces. Sunset tilks her her head slightly with a raised eyebrow as well as Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy.
"What's wrong with you two?" Rainbow Dash asks.
Applejack looks at Rarity before they both nod and look at her friends.
"We used to know Peanut Butter quite well back in elementary school, we were probably his only friends there since he was usually quite shy at times more so than Fluttershy, no offense, we were very good friends with him until..." Rarity explains as she starts to feel a tear rolls down her face.
"It was after the accident that he changed, he became more distant and wanted nothin' ta do with us or anyone fer that matter, we tried ta help him at first when we heard what happened, but he kept avoidin' us and one day he was just gone, I'll help ya for his sake." Applejack explains.
"We heard he ran away and at one point we tried looking for him, but we had no luck and got lost ourselves, count me in as well."
Rarity takes out an old ragged picture of them and showing it to the others.
"That makes two, how about you three, are you in?" Sunset asks.
"Yep yep yeppers, sounds like he could use a smile and a bunch of friends."
Fluttershy gives a small nod as her way of saying she'll join.
"Count me in too, no way I'm missing out on this." Rainbow says with a bit too much enthusiasm.
"Thanks girls, but this stays between us got it?"
The others nod in agreement just before they go to lunch.
Meanwhile Peanut Butter is huddled underneath a tree in the park on the other side of the city as he opens his bag to check his belongings.
"Everything seems to be here," Peanut Butter says until he starts to move his hands frantically through his bag.
"Oh no, this can't be real, this can't be happening, no no no no no no," Peanut Butter exclaims dumping the contents of his bag onto the ground and looks through it.
"It's missing, oh fuck me, now I have to go back and get that card back, how did I forget it?" Peanut Butter exclaims to himself before breaking into tears, pressing his legs against his chest.
After classes have ended at Canterlot High the rain has stopped though the sky remains grey. As most of the students are on their way home, to after school programs, or jobs, Sunset Shimmer and her friends start what Pinkie dubbed "Operation: Super Sneaky Trap" as they spread out through the city to find Peanut Butter.
In another part of town Peanut Butter packs his bag before he slowly makes his way towards the patch of forest he was in this morning. The first person to notice him is Sunset Shimmer who is sitting on a bench across the street and has most of her face covered by a newspaper as she sends a quick text to the others to be at the forest patch and be hidden before contacting Celestia and Luna.
Throughout the city Sunset follows him until he enters the patch and lets the others know to get into position around the patch. As they take their places Peanut Butter reaches the center of the patch where his tent is and looks around for the card.
"Where is it, where is it, come on it has to be here, I don't care if it's destroyed I just need it back." Peanut Butter says fighting back the tears building up from his frustration.
On the outside of the patch to his left Applejack is the closest to him from her position and hears his frantic searching and rustling around the tent. She takes a step to get a better look not realizing she is stepping on a branch. As she completes the step a loud snap is heard from a branch breaking as Peanut Butter looks around and sees them around the outside. He quickly looks around as the others reveal themselves. Celestia is in front of him on the outside of the patch.
"We're not going to hurt you Peanut Butter, please don't run." Celestia says in a calm yet loud voice.
Peanut Butter looks towards his left as he turns on his heel and charges to the edge. Going through everything besides the trees that is in his way. The crunching of branches become constant as he charges towards the edge.
"AppleJack he's heading your way." Sunset says.
Applejack sees his silhouette rush towards her as she starts to get into position to tackle him by widening her stance and her arms out away from her sides. Her eyes widen for a second before Peanut Butter passes her. She shakes her head and turns on her heel to give chase, she slips on the wet grass and falls to the ground. She looks ahead and sees his back as he runs off. Applejack gets up and starts chasing him. Peanut Butter looks behind him and sees her getting closer. He drops his book bag as he runs. As he sees the road he starts to smile and picks up the pace before Rainbow Dash catches him off guard and tackles him onto the grass then pins him down as the others follow to hold him down.
"Let me go!" Peanut Butter demands as he struggles.
"No chance on that." Rainbow Dash retorts.
Peanut Butter struggles trying to get free. Rarity and Applejack walk towards him with squinting eyes and slight frowns on their faces as Applejack helps pinning him down.
"Is this how you treat people now Peanut Butter, you just run whenever you're seen?" Rarity asks.
"When you're greeted with a trap followed by a tackle what else would you expect Rarity?"
"Oh now ya talk ta us after about what, five years?!" Applejack shouts.
"Well sorry if I was in a dark place back then and wanted to be alone."
"By the sounds of it you are still in that dark place after five years." Rarity remarks.
Peanut Butter stops struggling though Rainbow Dash, Sunset and Applejack are still pinning him down.
"You don't understand what it's like to lose everything Rarity, so don't act like you know." Peanut Butter says.
"You're right, I don't know, but that's no reason to shut out your friends the way you did."
Luna and Celestia stand in front of them and look down at Peanut Butter. He looks back up at them with a hint of anger and exhaustion in his eyes. After his struggling he's grown tired.
"We can do this two ways, either you can come with us or we turn you over to the police for trespassing, your choice." Celestia says.
Peanut Butter looks down silently with a sigh not sure what to say.
"Peanut Butter please we wanna help ya, but we can't if ya don't budge, if anyone knows about what you're feeling it’s me, we haven't seen each other in five years, things have changed and I moved on with ma life, besides I think that picture of us three could use an update don't ya think?" Applejack explains.
Applejack takes out the same picture Rarity has and shows it to Peanut Butter. The picture was from a school trip they took to a soccer stadium. It has Peanut Butter in the middle With Rarity on his left and Applejack on his right sitting in front of a soccer goal with Peanut Butter holding a soccer ball with them smiling. Peanut Butter starts to cry as tears flow down his face. Just then Luna takes out the card Peanut Butter has held onto for years and shows it to him still unopened. She looks down at him with stern yet sympathetic eyes.
"Tell me Peanut Butter do you think they would approve of what you've become?" Luna asks.
Peanut Butter's nostrils flare as he starts to squirm again.
“Someone caught second wind!” Rainbow Dash exclaims as she and the others on him tighten their grip.
"How dare you try to bring them into this!"
"Will ya just answer the question." Applejack scolds.
Peanut Butter moves his head to one side with a huff.
"No they wouldn't."
"How do you think they would feel?" Luna asks.
He stays silent for a couple minutes before responding to Luna.
"I.....I don't know."
"I don't think they would approve of your choices if you ask me."
Rainbow Dash, Applejack and Sunset Shimmer get off of Peanut Butter as what lays on the ground now is a broken man. With a heavy sigh he slowly gets up on his mud covered knees and sits up on his knees.
"I'll go with you, the last thing I need is a record with the cops, but that doesn't mean everything is all flowers and candies now, I'm doing this for their sake alone." Peanut Butter says smugly.
Applejack stands in front of Peanut Butter and offers her hand so he could get up on his feet. Though he gets up by himself still feeling sore from being pinned down. Applejack has a frustrated look on her face as she uses her extended hand to hit Peanut Butter upside the head. He rubs the back of his head and gives a mean look at Applejack before picking up his book bag.
"I was tryin ta be nice ya know." Applejack scolds with an angry tone in her voice.
"If I wanted your help I would have asked A.J.."
"Let us get inside before it rains again, you girls go home, Luna and I will take care of him." Celestia explains.
They all nodded and said their goodbyes as Luna, Celestia and Peanut Butter head back to the school.
It has been raining for a good part of Applejack's walk home. As soon she enters the door she takes off her shoes and goes upstairs to her room. She throws her book bag on the floor and sits on her bed before changing into warm clothes. She takes out the picture of her, Rarity and Peanut Butter and looks at it with foggy nostalgic look in her eyes.
"It's good ta have ya back my friend." Applejack says before laying on her bed staring at the ceiling losing herself to her memories.
Applejack sits on her wooden chair in front of her desk as she does her homework while the events from earlier playback in the back of her mind as she works. She stares at an old class photo from second grade she has in a wooden frame sitting on her desk on a shelf. She stops writing out math problems and places her pencil down on her math book before grabbing the framed picture. She stares at the picture and cracks a smile.
Applejack gets off the bus with a smile on her face and a glow in her eyes as she enters the school heading to her classroom.
On her way to class in the crowded hallway she sees Rarity waving to her as she pushes her way through the other kids to get to her. She gives Rarity a pat on her right shoulder and hugs her before walking next to her causing Rarity to jump a little bit before turning around and smiling.
“How are you today A.J.?" Rarity asks.
"I'm doin' good, how are ya?"
"I’m doing fabulous, from what I heard we're getting a new kid in our class, I think those are just rumors, so I'm not sure if they are true or not."
They reach the classroom and enter. The walls are painted white though they are covered in art projects to make the room colorful. The desks lined up in rows with names on the desks. Rarity and Applejack make their way to their cubby spaces in the back of the classroom avoiding a couple of kids running around the room. They place their bags in the hooks before they sit down in the back left corner and gossip about it also being class picture day as well. Rarity gets up and shows off her white dress to Applejack with streaks of violet on each side with violet trim along the bottom of it. Applejack has a long denim skirt with jeans underneath for after the class picture is taken with a white top with fringe along the front and edges with little apples through out it along with a denim vest and her hat.
The teacher rings a small bell that is on her desk as everyone makes their way to their desks and sets it back down on her desk.
"Now class it’s time to introduce you to your new class mate, his name is Peanut Butter, say hello to him class." The teacher announces to the class.
After everyone is seated the door opens to reveal a boy with two shades of brown in his hair carrying a blue book bag while wearing a grey jacket with a black shirt with a skull shaped by pictures of kittens on it with blue jeans and sneakers. He stands in front of the class with his head down as the teacher stands next to him.
"Hello Peanut Butter." Everyone in the class greets in unison.
Peanut Butter looks up slightly.
"Um, hi everyone." Peanut Butter says shyly.
The teacher directs him towards the back of the classroom to his cubby to put his book bag on and then to his desk. Applejack sits a couple desks away watching him sit a couple desks away from her before the teacher starts the first lesson of the day.
Just then there is a knock on Applejack's door causing her to shake her head a bit and blink before she places the picture back on her desk before she gets up and opens the door to see her sister Apple Bloom standing in front of her.
"Granny sent me here ta tell ya dinner is ready." Apple Bloom informs.
"I'm comin', go wash yer hands Apple Bloom."
Before she leaves, she smiles at the picture before leaving her room and shutting the door.
At the school Peanut Butter sits in Luna's office in a far corner of the room while Celestia and Luna talk in Celestia's office. He holds his head and groans while furiously scratching his head as he rocks back and fourth, shivering on occasion, this continues for a half hour before he stops and is resting his head on his bag and is softly breathing.
Peanut Butter shyly shuffles his feet outside of the classroom with his head looking down at his feet. He moved Canterlot over the summer from his old school since his father was offered a job that paid more his family had to move to Canterlot. When his mother dropped him off earlier she told him that she would have a surprise for him when he got home from school as a teacher led him top where he is now.
The door to the classroom cracks open as he shuffles his feet goes into the classroom and looks out towards the class as he looks down. The teacher introduces him to the class he shyly looks up towards the class.
"Hello Peanut Butter." The class says in unison.
"Um..... Hi everyone." Peanut Butter says.
He quickly looks back down before he is escorted to a cubby space with his name on it. He places his bag on the hook before being led to his desk. He sits down as the teacher starts the days lessons while he continues to look down at his desk.
A couple hours later everyone in the class is lined up to go to the gym for class pictures. Peanut Butter stands behind a girl with long violet hair and a white dress with violet trim on the side that matches her hair as he keeps his distance from her the whole time they are staying still. The line of students start to move into the hallway with a small amount of chatter from the others as they go to the gym for the photo.
They reach the gym and are instructed to stand on the bleachers set up for picture day. As they were being sorted Peanut Butter bumps into the girl that was in front of him earlier, he jumps back and hides his face.
“I’m sorry.” He apologizes.
“It’s alright, you didn’t mean to, my name is Rarity.”
Rarity holds out her hand while Peanut Butter slowly holds his hand out and shakes hers.
“N-nice to meet you.”
Just then the teacher claps her hands.
“Alright children, look forward and smile.” She instructs.
Just then a flash from the camera appears and fades just as fast. Peanut Butter rubs his eyes and shakes his head before getting back in line with the others.
During recess Peanut Butter sits next to the school and looks at the playground. The teacher sees this as first day nerves and leaves him alone.
A few minutes later a girl in denim jeans, cowgirl boots, A white shirt with a denim vest, and a hat straight out of a western movie walks up to Peanut Butter with a smile on her face.
"Hey, we need one more person fer hide an seek wanna join?" She says as she offers her hand to help Peanut Butter up.
"Um..... sure... what's your name?"
"Mah name is Applejack, nice ta meet ya."
Peanut Butter takes Applejack's hand as she helps him up before taking him to the other kids playing.
Peanut Butter sighs and smiles as he clings his book bag as he’s still asleep. It is an old and tattered bag as most of it is in near ribbons with many holes and patches of missing fabric. He's had it since he ran away. He starts to stir before his eyes crack open.
Meanwhile Luna and Celestia talk in Celestia's office as Celestia sits in her chair as Luna stands by the window as the rain falls against the window with little taps back to back. Both holding their own cups, Luna's has coffee while Celestia has tea.
"Are you sure you want to take him in Luna, do you have a place for him to sleep?" Celestia asks.
"Yes I do, I have a spare bed in the guest room in my apartment, he'll be fine, at least physically, as for possible guardianship I'll have to call a lawyer on Monday."
"Do you think he'll try to run away?"
"I don't think he will, he knows if he runs he'll be much deeper in trouble than he already is, I need to get the apartment ready, can you watch him for about an hour?"
"I don't think that would be a good idea Luna, he's hurt as it is, what he needs is someone to trust, though that will be hard work as it is by the looks of it."
Luna stays silent for a few minutes before she sighs before taking a sip of her coffee. She sighs and looks at Celestia with a knowing look in her eyes.
"You're right, I'll take some spare clothes from the nurse and I'll take him home." Luna says.
With that Luna finishes her coffee places her cup down and heads to the nurse's office to get Peanut Butter some spare clothes. While the door closes Celestia sighs as she looks out the window. She stays quiet for a few minutes as she looks out the window and then tilts her head up.
"Please watch over them mom, Lulu might have a bitten more than she can chew and that boy needs someone like her around to get him back on his feet." Celestia says to herself as she stares out the window as the rain continues to rain quietly drinking her tea.
Author's Note
Hope you enjoyed this chapter. Sorry for it being short.
Peanut Butter waits for Luna to return as he takes back his parent's card to him from Luna's desk before returning to the corner.
After five minutes Luna returns to her office with the clothes and a trash bag. She enters her office quietly and sees Peanut Butter in the corner of the room staring at his book bag. The office is somewhat lit as she places the clothes and bag on a table near her desk before kneeling down in front of Peanut Butter.
"I got you some spare clothes, I'll be waiting for you outside of the office while you change, put your old clothes in the bag and come outside with your belongings and I'll take you to my apartment." Luna says.
Peanut Butter looks up at Luna with half open eyes with an unwilling look on his face and sighs before getting up. Luna leaves and waits outside her office. While Peanut Butter changes Luna places her hand on her chin with a finger covering part of her mouth as she stares at the floor.
Three minutes later the door opens to reveals Peanut Butter in grey sweat pants and a Wondercolts shirt. He stays silent as Luna checks him over before she points out the nearby trash can gesturing him to throw out his old clothes. He does so before Luna leads him to her car. The rain comes down hard as Luna and Peanut Butter exit the school. Luna takes out and umbrella and stops Peanut Butter by the door, still under an awning.
"Stay here, I'll bring the car around so you don't get too wet." Luna says.
Peanut Butter gives no response or any reaction to what she said.
Luna runs out to get into her car and drives to the front of the school to let Peanut Butter in her car. He gets in the car clinging to his bag trying not to get it wet. After he puts on the seat belt Luna drives home.
The way home is silent as Peanut Butter stares out the window. Luna focuses on the road though her eyes say otherwise. Peanut Butter lets out a sigh though he says nothing. Luna doesn't ask or try to snoop into his thoughts and just continues to drive home.
Luna and Peanut Butter arrive at her apartment after running through the rain. Luna unlocks the door and opens it. They walk inside as Peanut Butter sees a spacious living room painted white with a tan carpet. The room has dark blue furniture spaced out with a large TV against one of the walls.
Luna takes off her shoes and heads towards her kitchen. Peanut Butter closes the door though he stands at the entrance not moving. Peanut Butter leans back on the door before sliding down pressing his legs to his book bag, his eyes half shut. Luna checks on him and sees him curled up. Luna walks over and kneels next to Peanut Butter putting her hand on his shoulder.
Peanut Butter looks over at Luna then looks away not moving and not saying a word the only response is a sigh. Luna gets up and goes back to the kitchen to make dinner for them both.
"I bet you're hungry Peanut Butter, I'll make us something simple tonight, how about spaghetti and meatballs?" Luna asks.
Luna hears mumbling from Peanut Butter and goes back to him and kneels down next to him.
"What did you say?" Luna asks.
"No red sauce please."
"Okay, no red sauce it is."
Luna heads back to the kitchen. Peanut Butter stays curled up against the door. Luna checks on him every few minutes or so to make sure he's okay.
After a half hour she finishes cooking the meatballs and sets them aside to let the spaghetti finish cooking. Luna stirs the pot and looks towards Peanut Butter. She notices his back moving with his breathing. But nothing else and goes towards him. She crouches down and notices his eyes are closed and she smiles a little as she puts her hand on his shoulder and shakes him gently.
"Wake up Peanut Butter, dinner is almost ready." Luna says quietly.
Peanut Butter groans as he wakes up. He looks at Luna with tired eyes.
"Okay."
"The bathroom is the first door to your left in the hallway, your room is right across from it, please wash your hands before dinner."
Peanut Butter gets up and takes off his shoes before heading to the bathroom to clean up for dinner. He slowly treads towards the bathroom still in a sleepy haze.
When he enters the bathroom and sees the dark blue towels, Shower curtain and floor mats. He turns towards the sink and looks at himself in the mirror. His face looks tired and dirty as his eyes are half shut. He turns on the water of the sink and washes his hands. He looks up at the mirror again. He stares at his own reflection seeing himself for the first time in days. He sees how much he has changed in a short time. His eyes are bloodshot as his face looks like it has seen better days with the cuts he has gotten over time especially the fresh ones from earlier and a small scar about half an inch long on the side of his face.
After five minutes Luna knocks on the bathroom door.
"Are you okay in there?" Luna asks.
Peanut Butter snaps out of his train of thought and quickly washes his hands.
"Uh yeah, just give me a couple minutes."
"Okay."
With a sigh Peanut Butter dries off his hands and leaves the bathroom. As he makes his way to the kitchen he looks at the pictures of Luna smiling with Celestia at what looks like a party. He turns toward the kitchen and enters to see Luna sitting on a stool and an empty stool and a plate of food with a glass of water next to it. Peanut Butter sits on the stool and starts eating.
After a few minutes of silence Luna decides to try and talk to him.
"So Peanut Butter.....tell me more about yourself." Luna says.
Peanut Butter just looks up at her raising an eyebrow before going back to eating. Luna sighs before she picks up her fork and continues eating.
After a couple minutes Peanut Butter gives a frustrated sigh knowing which side of him won before looking at Luna.
"What do you want to know?" Peanut Butter asks in a frustrated tone.
Luna looks up and finishes her bite.
"What are your interests?"
"Writing or drawing depending on my mood."
"Oh, what do you write?"
Peanut Butter's face changing from frustrated to annoyed.
"Look I know what your trying to do and it's not going to work, I've ran into too many social workers through out the years. I'm not going to soften up and think that everything is fine and okay, so if that's what you're planing its not going to work."
Luna raises her eyebrow knowing that right now he's trying to push her away and thinking of a way to get him to lower his guard just enough to get him to give her any kind of interests of his she could use to help him transition into his new life.
"I'm not a social worker now am I?" Luna asks.
"Not that I know of, but you sound like one."
"I'm actually the vice principal of Canterlot High, my sister is the principal there, it's quite a nice place when nothing magical happens over there."
"So I've heard, so why take me in, why didn't you two just bring me to the cops?"
"Because we felt that this would be a better option for you, however we left the choice to you."
"It wasn't much of a choice."
"You still have a choice, but then you would be in the custody of the police and most likely be placed in a foster home."
Peanut Butter takes a bite of food and sighs.
"So this is pretty much a nice prison."
"Only if you think like that it will be."
Peanut Butter rolls his eyes and finishes eating.
"Thanks for the food by the way." Peanut Butter says.
"You're quite welcome, I'll show you to your room and I'd like you to take a shower, after that you may go to bed if you want, we'll get you your own clothes tomorrow."
"Okay."
Peanut Butter grabs his book bag from the door before Luna leads him to a medium sized room with dark blue curtains and a medium sized bed with dark blue sheets and comforter and a ceiling fan with an pine wood desk and chair on the other side of the room.
"Looks like I know your favorite color at least." Peanut Butter says entering the room.
"Guilty as charged, I'll grab you a spare towel to use."
Luna heads to her room and grabbing a spare towel. Peanut Butter sets his bag down and takes out the present and places it on the corner of the desk and takes the card and places it behind the gift standing it up against the wall. He smiles as he looks at them. He hears Luna returning and turns around to see her with a towel for him and a spare set of clothes from the school.
"Thanks." Peanut Butter says while looking down at the floor.
"You're welcome."
Peanut Butter takes the towel and extra clothes before going to the bathroom and closing the door. He lets out a deep sigh before taking off his clothes and getting in the shower. As the water hits his head he closes his eyes and listens to the water as it hits the floor of the tub. The sound of falling water has always been his favorite sound as it helps him feel at peace and able to think as his breath slows down. Or at least to stop thinking. In his mind many thoughts rush through his head at once causing him to be distracted, Forgetful and distant at worst. He sighs deeply as the voices of his thoughts are distant and they fade away from his mind. Finally at peace with himself for once as the only sounds he hears is the falling water hitting the bottom of the tub. His mind and body are tired as the events of the day play in his mind as the stream of the hot water fills the bathroom. He washes his hair as he recalls his actions and what he did wrong, intensifying his scrubbing as his thoughts start to race again. He starts to doubt himself as a war between two parts of himself get into conflict. Were his choices the wrong ones or is his own mind working against him because he feels it's about time to move on? He finishes washing his hair and body, scratch marks on his arm as he shuts off the water. He wrings out the water in his hair before grabbing the towel and drying off. He steps out of the tub and goes to the sink before wiping away the steam from the mirror. He stares at his reflection again. But this time without the dirt and dried up blood. He gives his reflection a stone like stare as he dries the rest of his body off and gets dressed in the clean set of spare clothes.
He walks out of the bathroom his previously worn clothes in one hand and the towel in the other. He hears Luna cleaning up as he opens the door to his room before entering and closes it quietly and locks it as he tosses his clothes on the seat of the chair and the towel on top of the back of the chair. He lays on the bed listening to the rain still pouring outside as he slowly starts to drift off to sleep.
Luna finishes cleaning the kitchen smiling at her work. She peeks into the hallway to see if Peanut Butter is still in the shower. She notices the hallway is dark and sees the door to his room is closed. She sighs hoping that he would have came out to talk a bit more before he went to sleep. But with the eventful day they both had Luna thinks Peanut Butter has the right idea. Luna goes to her room and gets into her Pajamas before opens up her laptop to look up adoption laws and to talk with Celestia about Peanut Butter. Luna updates Celestia on what happened after her and Peanut Butter got home and what she learned about him. After about an hour later Luna turns off her laptop and turns on the TV for a few hours before falling asleep with it on.
Author's Note
This chapter took me a while to do. But it's done. What does the next day have in store? You'll just have to wait and find out.
The morning sun rises over Canterlot as it's light peeks through the spaces between the curtains in Peanut Butter's room one of the beams of light hits his face. He rolls over in the bed, groaning afterwards as he falls off the bed hitting the floor with a loud thud.
"Ow!" Peanut Butter shouts after hitting the floor.
Just as he gets back up there is a knock on his door.
"Are you ok in there P.B.?" Luna asks.
Peanut Butter rubs his head and groans looking at the door.
"Yeah I'm okay."
"It's late in the morning, I'll make us breakfast can you please get ready, we are going to the mall to get you new clothes."
Peanut Butter gets the other set of clothes he wore yesterday and his towel and goes to the bathroom and relaxes his shoulders as there is still steam on the mirror and the sink and tub are still wet from Luna's shower. He shrugs and takes his shower not wasting anytime.
After about five minutes he gets out of the shower and gets dressed. He places his clothes in his room on the bed and the towel back on the chair. He enters the kitchen to see Luna cooking.
"Well good morning sleepy head." Luna says in a cheerful voice.
Peanut Butter just groans and gives her a blank look before sitting down. Luna sighs and serves him a breakfast of two over easy eggs, a few slices of bacon and buttered toast. He looks at his food for a couple minutes before taking a piece of toast and breaking the yolk of an egg and eating it.
Luna makes her breakfast and sits down to eat.
As they eat Luna's phone rings next to her. She picks it up and answers it. Peanut Butter pays no mind to her conversation and finishes eating. As he puts his plate away Luna hangs up and finishes her breakfast as well. Luna picks up her purse and puts on her shoes.
"Come on P.B. let's get going." Luna says as she gets her car keys out.
"What's with the abbreviation of my name?"
"It's better than saying your full name all the time and saying your first name would be awkward to you wouldn't it?"
"You do have a point there I guess."
They both leave the apartment and go to the car. Peanut Butter gets in the car and puts on his seat belt. Luna gets in as well before she puts on her seat belt and starting the car before driving to the mall. Peanut Butter stares out the window through out the drive staying silent outside the occasional sigh. They reach the mall and park a good distance away from the mall.
They both get out of the car and make their way inside and are greeted by Celestia and Sunset Shimmer in front of them, though distanced by about thirty feet. Peanut Butter's face turns from bored to displeased seeing them. He looks to Luna with the same look.
"You knew about this didn't you?" Peanut Butter inquires.
"Yes I did, I thought it would be nice for us to get acquainted with you in less stressful and dramatic circumstances."
“Fine.”
They meet with Celestia and Sunset Shimmer. Sunset gives Luna a quick hug before walking into the mall. She and Peanut Butter walk ahead of Luna and Celestia before she looks at him.
"How are you feeling P.B.?" Sunset asks.
"You too with the nickname? But to answer your question I'm okay."
"Luna and Celestia asked me to call you that, though to be honest it does sound pretty cool."
"She's just full of surprises, so why are you with Celestia?"
"Well she did adopt me not too long after the fall formal, though I don't like saying that to many people, I don't want to be labeled as 'special' or anything like that."
"I see."
"So how did last night go?"
"Nothing happened, I ate, took a shower and went to sleep."
"Some ball of fun you are."
"Whatever."
Peanut Butter and Sunset Shimmer walk into a clothing store with Luna and Celestia behind them. Peanut Butter looks at the clothes the store has. Though sees nothing and leaves. Over the day they go to every clothing store in the mall throughout the day. Leaving each store with nothing.
They all agree to get food at a restaurant in the mall. They are all seated as the waitress takes their drink orders. Peanut Butter looks down at the table holding his head up with his hand while Celestia, Luna and Sunset Shimmer text each other about Peanut Butter and with how he's been acting throughout the day so far without him knowing. After their drinks come, Luna asks for a few more minutes to order. Sunset turns to Peanut Butter and places her hand on his shoulder.
"I know it's hard for you to get back into living the life you had before what, happened, but we're only trying to help, but we can't unless you help yourself." Sunset says in a sincere tone.
Peanut Butter glares at her with flared nostrils before slamming his fist on the table.
"You think I don't know that?, you try having your entire world destroyed and still picking up the pieces after five years just to be put in a situation you'd rather avoid and accepting is the only option that doesn't land you in a cell."
Sunset takes her hand off his shoulder as her eye go wide and her breath starts to pick up. Peanut Butter looks away from her and sighs while grabbing his arm, his fist still clenched as it shakes.
"Sorry. I, I didn't mean to snap like that."
Sunset stays silent. She looks down to the table. Just then a muscular teen with blonde hair comes up to the table with a Wondercolts sports jacket on. He looks at Peanut Butter with a look of disgust.
"Well, well, well what do we have here?, the street rat in here?, what is this world coming to?" He mocks in a stuck up tone of voice.
"Not today Blue Balls."
"It's BlueBlood street rat, besides I told you to never come here again months ago."
"Oh really?, I probably forgot, but I'm surprised you remembered me Bluey, I'm flattered, honestly."
BlueBlood's face turns red and raises his fist before Luna stops him by grabbing his raised fist. She glares at him with a protective stare.
"You lay one hand on him and you will have to deal with me, do I make myself clear?" Luna says in an angered tone.
Blueblood struggles for a second and backs off.
"Yes ma'am, but he should watch his back, I'll take whatever chance I get to teach this street rat who is the boss in this town."
Luna lets go of Blueblood before he leaves. She sighs and looks at Peanut Butter.
"You're lucky I'm around, he would have fought you right here." Luna says.
Peanut Butter glares at Luna.
"I can handle myself, it wouldn’t the first time I have gotten into a fight with him, broke his arm the last time, his neck will be next."
"What makes you think you could take him on this time?"
"I'll find a way, I always do."
"You know one of these days your attitude is going to get you either severely hurt or killed."
"I'm aware of that, but I've been fighting for five years, it would take a lot more than some punk jock to kill me."
Luna sighs and looks at the menu as Celestia looks at Luna with concern then to Sunset who is slowly relaxing as her breathing slows down and her shoulders relax. She turns her head to Peanut Butter who is looking away from the rest of the group.
The waitress comes back to take their orders and leaves after they give her their orders. They stay quiet for the rest of the time at the restaurant.
After they eat and pay their bill and walk back to the car is silent and the day's venture unsuccessful. Celestia and Sunset followed Luna and Peanut Butter to Luna's car. Peanut Butter quietly gets in and shuts the door. Celestia puts her hand on Luna's shoulder and smiles.
"It'll be ok Luna, its only the first day, I'm not surprised he still has a bit of fight left in him, give him time he'll come around eventually." Celestia says.
"I know, I just didn't expect him to snap like that to Sunset, how are you feeling by the way?"
Luna looks at Sunset Shimmer with a look of concern.
"I'm okay, still a little shaken though, but I'll be okay."
"That's good, but I still have to get clothes for him, I thought bringing him here would do it, but apparently that’s not the case."
"Remember he was on the streets for five years, what something looks like probably doesn't matter that much to him, there is a thrift store not too far from here as well as that new discount store to get him things that he can't get at the thrift store, and a barber in there for a haircut and a shave, I have some teaching books you can use to help him catch up once he's admitted into the school." Celestia says.
Luna smiles at Celestia and gives her a hug.
"Thank you sister."
"Anytime Luna, I can recall how Sunset was when I first took her in, though she was more regretful than aggressive and stubborn."
Sunset blushes at the remark Celestia made.
Luna nods in agreement. She gives her goodbyes to Celestia and Sunset Shimmer before getting in her car and heads to the thrift shop down the street. Peanut Butter is still quiet and not making eye contact with Luna. He sighs occasionally as well as the subtle shaking of his head. They park at the thrift store parking lot. Luna looks at Peanut Butter with concern. The expression on his face distant and sad. Luna conflicts with herself unsure what to do or say. One side of her feels to leave him alone. Another side of her feels she should embrace him and tell him everything will be alright. She goes with the side to embrace him and hugs him close to her. Peanut Butter's eyes go wide in shock as soon as Luna hugs him.
"It'll be okay, Sunset told me that she’s fine, just a bit shaken still, you don’t need to feel guilty about it, now let's get you some new clothes and a few other things and we'll go home, maybe watch movies if you would like, do you like movies?" Luna offers.
A small smile shows on Peanut Butter's face though Luna cannot see it. He sighs lightly before turning his head towards her.
"Sure, that would be nice."
Luna smiles before she lets Peanut Butter go from her embrace and the both get out to head inside. He picks out a few pairs of jeans and some shirts, most of them black though some are grey or blue. He also gets four hoodies one brown, two black and one grey.
They pay for the clothes and head to the discount store near by for everything else he needs to get. There wasn't much conversation between them other than for second opinions.
After Peanut Butter's haircut and shave he and Luna go back to the car and head home.
They arrive at the apartment and enter with bags of clothes in hand Peanut Butter opens the door to his room and places them down and notices a brown messenger bag on his bed. He picks it up and notices something inside it. He looks inside and sees two notebooks & writing supplies. His eyes go wide as Luna stands in the doorway. Peanut Butter turns to see her standing there with a smirk on her face.
"Hope you like it, Celestia got it after we left, I thought since you like to write you would enjoy the notebooks and pencils, after your doctor appointment Monday you're going to be enrolled into classes at CHS, you'll be caught up with your studies by me during study halls. I will try to get you into the same classes as your friends and Sunset to help you transition into the school life." Luna says.
Peanut Butter smiles a bit. Luna does the same as she sees him smile.
"Thanks for everything." Peanut Butter says.
"You're welcome, how about we order pizza and watch some movies?"
"Sure, no red sauce though."
"Sure, what is it with you and not eating red sauce? Allergic to something?"
"Yeah, I'm deathly allergic to tomatoes."
"I'll remember that."
Luna leaves the doorway and orders the pizza while Peanut Butter takes his shampoo and new pajamas and towel before entering the bathroom to take a shower.
Later that night Luna looks over to see Peanut Butter fast asleep on the couch. She smiles and gets a near by blanket and wrapping him up in it before turning off the TV. She smiles before turning off the light and going to her room.
Luna gets into bed and lays her head on the pillow, smiling softly.
“There maybe hope for you yet P.B., even if you don’t know it yet.” She admits to herself in a whisper.
Author's Note
Thank you for reading the latest chapter of this story. I'm trying a couple new things format wise so let me know how it is and also let me know of errors that I missed.
Sunday was quiet with only the sounds of snoring from Peanut Butter on the couch and Luna in her room playing games on her computer, both staying in their own little worlds as they both have the same idea of Sunday being a day to sleep in and be lazy.
As Monday comes Luna and Peanut Butter get up early to go to the doctor for his appointment. Though Peanut Butter isn't all too thrilled. Going to a doctor was like a nightmare to him. They rushed out the door to the car that they haven't eaten breakfast so they can make it to the appointment on time.
"I can't believe I have to go to a doctor." Peanut Butter admits as he gets in the car in a displeased tone.
"You have to get it done, it's for both me and your records."
"I know, I just don't like them."
Luna starts the car and drives to Canterlot Medical Center. Peanut Butter falls back asleep on the way. Luna smiles when she hears his light snoring as she drives thinking to herself how content and admitting to herself that he looks cute right now. The skies remain grey through out the drive. Luna pulls into the parking garage and gently shakes Peanut Butter awake.
"Come on P.B., time to get up." Luna instructs in a stern tone.
Peanut Butter groans in displeasure as he wakes up. They get out of the car and enter the building to the waiting room as Luna checks him in and fills out forms with Peanut Butter. After the forms are filled they wait to be called in. Peanut Butter notices his hands and feet having a tingling sensation in them. He only assumes it's just nerves and ignores it. It is a half hour later until Peanut Butter is called in. He looks at Luna before walking into the examination room. The nurse instructs him to sit on the chair before she takes his temperature and blood pressure. He cooperates and is instructed to take his shoes off and get on the scale. As he gets up from the chair he was in he stumbles a little bit.
"Are you ok?" The nurse asks.
"Yeah, still waking up so I'm not that coordinated right now."
Peanut Butter steps on the scale and is measured for height and weighed. The nurse writes it down before she escorts him to the doctor's office. He sits on the chair and waits for the doctor to come in. He moves his leg up and down as the tingling feeling starts to turn into a numb sensation in his legs and hands. He starts to hyperventilate in fear of not knowing what is going on. The doctor comes in and notices his state of panic.
"What's wrong?" The doctor asks.
"I can't feel my hands and feet, it's like they are asleep or something."
"Your blood sugar is most likely low, don't worry I'll have the nurse get you one of the lollipops from the front."
The doctor gets one of the nurses before coming back in and tries to help Peanut Butter calm down.
"You're going to be okay, though we'll have to run a couple tests on you just to be sure of something." The doctor says.
The nurse returns and gives the candy to the doctor as he quickly unwraps the candy.
"Put this under your tongue, the sugar can enter the blood stream much more quickly this way." The doctor says.
Peanut Butter nods as he keeps the lollipop under his tongue. The doctor sits down with the papers from earlier and mutters a few things to himself as he reviews the information. He steps outside the room to talk to Luna. Luna goes to the doctor with a concerned look on her face.
"So how is he doc?" Luna asks.
"Well just from the nurse's examination alone he's underweight, I wasn't able to get my own exam done due to him having a drop in what I assume is blood sugar, but he'll be okay after he gets some sugar in his system, I would like to run a couple tests to see if he is diabetic, he will need shots, but I don't know how he'll react to the sight of needles."
"I'll come with you if that is okay, to comfort him if things go south."
"That could help, please follow me."
The doctor goes to is office with Luna following behind him, going through the halls.
They both enter and see Peanut Butter still sucking on the lollipop.
"Feeling better?" Luna asks.
Peanut Butter nods though looks away from her.
"I'll have him take the Oral Glucose Tolerance Test, it's the fastest test we have to find out, if you're in a rush I can have him take the shortened version of it, t's not as accurate, but it will help see if any further testing needs to be done." The doctor says.
"I think that would be best."
"I'll get the testing supplies, I'll need a blood sample before and after the test."
Luna looks at Peanut Butter and sees a side of him that she thought he never had until now. His eyes full of fear, his body is shaking. Luna puts her hand on top of his.
"It will be okay, the doctor is just going to take some blood from you a couple of times to see if there is anything wrong with you, then you'll get examined, get some shots and it'll be over, I'll be right here through the whole thing." Luna says with a smile on her face.
Peanut Butter stays silent and smiles at her words just as the doctor comes back with a glass of cloudy water and two test tubes and needles. Luna can see Peanut Butter shaking in his seat. She places her hand on his rubbing his hand gently trying to calm him down without scaring him further. The doctor secures the needle to the tube and wraps a rubber band around the top of Peanut Butter's arm. Luna suddenly gets an idea and looks to Peanut Butter.
"It'll be okay P.B close your eyes and focus on my voice." Luna says softly to Peanut Butter.
Peanut Butter nods slightly and closes his eyes. Luna continues to speak to keep him distracted as the doctor rubs rubbing alcohol on Peanut Butter's arm in between the upper and lower arm before inserting the needle. As soon as the needle pierced his skin Peanut Butter lets out a loud whimper.
"Shhhh it's okay, I'm here just focus on my voice, it's almost over." Luna says softly.
A few seconds later the doctor pulls the needle out and covers the spot the needle went in with a cotton ball with tape over it. He then gets the cup of cloudy water and gives it to Peanut Butter.
"Now drink this and in an hour I'll have to take another sample." The doctor says.
Peanut Butter timidly takes the glass and drinks the water.He quickly finishes drinking before the doctor starts his regular examination. He tests Peanut Butter's reflexes, heart beat, breathing and sight while the test is being done.
An hour passed as another sample is taken. Luna uses the same strategy as last time. However this time she held Peanut Butter's head to help distract him from the needle as well as the shots afterwards.
After the shots the doctor takes the samples to a lab in the hospital to have them looked at for the results. After ten minutes he comes back. He sits on his stool and looks at the results.
"I don't have good news, the results came back that you are diabetic, I suggest you carry a healthy snack with you like pretzels, crackers or a bottle of water with lemon juice in it, avoid a lot of sugar like soda, candy and large amounts of sweet pastries, I also recommend a balanced diet. More whole wheat breads, pastas and such." The doctor says.
Peanut Butter looks down after hearing this. He lets out a sigh then looks up.
"So I'm pretty much a dead man from the start?" Peanut Butter asks.
"Not even close, you just have to monitor your blood sugar and keep up a balanced diet."
"It feels like it though."
Peanut Butter looks down and away. The doctor writes something on a piece of paper and gives it to Luna. She and Peanut Butter check out and go to the car to head to the school. The whole ride to the school was quiet with the occasional sigh from Peanut Butter.
They arrive at Canterlot High and enter Luna's office. Peanut Butter lays on the couch by Luna's desk and falls asleep instantly. Luna sighs before she has a smirk on her face. She closes the door and enters Celestia's office. Celestia looks over at Luna with a smile on her face.
"So how did it go?" Celestia asks.
"He's underweight and diabetic so we would have to make special arrangements for him, he's caught up on his shots, I'll admit him into the school system when I have the time, he also had a different attitude when I came in after a little incident there, he was pretty terrified in there, though I'm question my actions now I did what I felt was right to me in order to keep him calm as the doctor took his blood and gave him his shots."
"What did you do?"
"Held him and kept telling him that it will be ok and that I was there for him."
"I think you did the right thing, like I said last Friday he needs someone he can trust, you might be getting through to him or at least starting to, but only time will tell on that, what is he doing now?"
"Sleeping in my office, I'll go get some food since he and I have not eaten anything yet because of our rush to the appointment, he should be asleep for a while, I won't be long or at least I shouldn't be."
"You're just beating around the bush that you want me to babysit him until you get back aren't you?"
"Yes."
"Fine, but be quick about it I have a meeting in two hours and cannot miss it, he should be shown around the school by someone after you get back."
"That isn't a bad idea, I'll show him around after he eats."
"Very well."
"Thank you Celestia."
"You're welcome."
Luna leaves to get food from a near by fast food restaurant. Celestia gets up and peeks into Luna's office and sees Peanut Butter fast asleep. She smiles and admits to herself that he looks as cute as a toddler when sleeping. She closes the door quietly as she remembers how Sunset Shimmer was when she first took her in.
Celestia goes back to her office and sits on her chair and looks at a framed picture of her with Luna and Sunset Shimmer smiling after Celestia adopted Sunset Shimmer. She smiles as she looks before setting it back down and returning to work.
During the first class of the day Rarity is sitting in the class writing notes as the science teacher goes through a presentation. The teacher was an odd one. He came in with a mismatched outfit each day and has a balding head and long eyebrows with a patchy goatee. Rarity looks down to her notebook and writes in it. Her mind sidetracks throughout the presentation. She usually isn't the sentimental type. But when it's a friend she hasn't seen in five years she makes an exception as her mind drifts into a memory of the trio during a class party.
It's a winter in Canterlot as a Christmas party at Canterlot elementary is starting. Everyone in Miss Cheerilee's class is either chatting with their own friends, Making a craft or just reading. Rarity, Applejack and Peanut Butter are sitting on the bean bags in the reading corner. Rarity is in a white dress with red trim on the bottom and green trim on the sleeves while Applejack has jeans with a vest and a long sleeve shirt on and boots and Peanut Butter had boots, jeans and a tee-shirt with a dragon on it.
"I still don't understand why my mother made me wear this dress it's a crime to fashion I say." Rarity protests in disgust.
"I'll never understand ya Rarity, but it's yer thing so I can't judge." AppleJack comments.
"I might not care about it that much, but I agree with her on the dress." Peanut Butter agrees.
"I'll change what I said, I'll never understand ya two for the life of me."
"At least Peanut Butter knows when something looks bad on someone, even if his outfits can be an eyesore sometimes."
"Hey!"
"Don't go pickin' on him Rarity."
"What? I was just pointing out the truth."
"Well ya didn't have to say it in such a mean way."
"Fine. I'm sorry P.B.."
"Apology accepted, so what's everyone's plan for the holiday?"
"Usual reunion with the family, I know Applebloom is excited, mostly fer the presents, but she's still little so it makes sense."
"My family and I are going on a nice vacation to Whinny World, I've always wanted to go, Sweetie Belle might be a bit too young for most of it but it will be fun at least, what about you P.B.?"
"My family is keeping it simple with just a small dinner and presents, my mom doesn't want my little brother to be flooded with family members just yet."
"How is the little guy doin'?"
"He's doing okay, he keeps mom and dad awake but we love him to death."
"As annoyin' as they get that's always the truth."
"Yeah it is."
"Quite true AppleJack."
"You girls want some apple cider?, I think there's some left."
"Sure."
"That would be nice."
Peanut Butter gets up and gets some apple cider from the other side of the room.
A couple minutes later he returns and gives AppleJack and Rarity their cups before he raises his cup in the air.
"A toast to our friendship, hope things won't change who we are and us being friends." Peanut Butter says.
"Cheers."
"Cheers."
They drink the cider and laugh.
The memory fades away leaving her with a smile on her face. Her smile fades when she looks up to see the teacher standing in front of her with a raised eyebrow and a disapproving look on his face.
"I see your day dreams are more amusing than my class miss Rarity." He says with a frustrated tone in his voice.
"Sorry Mr. Discord, it won't happen again."
"I hope not, otherwise you're staying after school."
He walks back to the front and continues his lesson. Rarity smiles as she recalls the memory in the back of her head as a warm happy feeling washing over her as she sketches out a picture of her, AppleJack and Peanut Butter making a toast like they did years ago.
"It's good to have you back P.B.." Rarity whispers under her breath.
Meanwhile at gym Sunset and Applejack are running laps around the gymnasium side by side as Sunset tells AppleJack about what happened over the weekend. As Sunset tells her what happened AppleJack shows a mix of impressionism and surprise. When Sunset finished AppleJack looks over to her with a nostalgic and confused look on her face.
"So lemme get this straight, he snapped at ya after you explained ya just wanted to help him?" AppleJack asks.
"Yeah, he then tried picking a fight with BlueBlood."
"I swear he's gotten more stubborn than a mule since we were kids."
"He was always that stubborn?"
"Not that stubborn but he wouldn't let up on a few things, pickin' fights is nothin' new, trust me behind that nice outside he was one angry kid more so after the crash, it was he he just didn't care anymore I dunno how many times Rarity an I had ta hold him back, though with him pickin' a fight with Blueblood is a bit gutsy even for him."
"How did you put up with him if he was usually angry?"
"Well he wasn't always angry but if ya push his buttons hard enough he'd let ya'll know."
"I see, well that broken arm Blueblood had a few months ago was caused by him from what he said so he's gotten stronger."
"I can't help but worry bout him he might not be that lucky this time around with BlueBlood, hopefully he's smart enough to try an make amends with ya at least."
"Who knows, I don't think he'll get along with Rainbow Dash though."
"Probably not it would be a clash of the egos, though who wouldn't wanna see that?"
"Very true."
"Hopefully he'll be attendin' here soon, it'll take a bit to adjust to him as he is now."
"That and him adjusting here, I wonder how much trouble he'll get in a week alone."
"A lot is my guess he might have been an A student back then, but he never liked authority though he's smart enough to know when not to do somethin' too stupid, all I know is that Rarity an I will probably be watchin' him like a kid."
"At least you two will have me and the others around to help."
"Thanks Sunset, you know ya really have turned over a new leaf since, well ya know."
"Yeah, Celestia and you guys made it easier though calling Celestia my mom is taking a bit of getting used to."
"If ya don't want to ya don't have ta you know."
"I want to, it just takes getting used to is all though I will not acknowledge Blueblood as my cousin."
"I don't blame ya, he'll be pissed when he finds out about P.B.."
"Oh yeah he was pissed when I came into the picture, he'll surely blow his top when P.B. is in it."
As they make the last lap they see Peanut Butter and Luna go towards the school through the windows of the gym. Peanut Butter slouched over with bandages on his arms though they can't see the look on his face. Sunset looks over at AppleJack with a smile.
"Looks like you'll be babysitting him after all." Sunset jokes with a chuckle.
Applejack gives her an unimpressed expression as they stop and continue with warm ups. She stares at the window as a flashback to a recess back in elementary.
It is a clear sunny day outside as Miss Cheerilee's class is outside to the playground at recess. That is except for Peanut Butter and another student in the class.
"BlueBlood I swear I'm gonna tear you a new one!" Peanut Butter threatens.
"Oh please, I did you a favor that hoodie looked ugly as sin, though that's most of the stuff your kind has."
"What do you mean by that?"
"Well of course a low class person like you wouldn't understand."
"I'll knock the high class right out of you BlueBlood."
"I'd like to see you try street rat."
Peanut Butter runs towards Blueblood with his fist in the air teeth grit, his eyes glaring at Blueblood, and his fists clenched only for Applejack to grab the back of his shirt and then grab him wrapping her arms underneath and over Peanut Butter's arms and leaning back putting her weight to her legs.
"Let me go Applejack." Peanut Butter demands angrily.
"He's not worth it P.B. if anything you'll get in trouble for swingin' first."
"He ripped the hoodie my mom made for me."
"That can be fixed, you just want to fight someone for the sake of fightin'."
Blueblood smirks seeing Applejack holding Peanut Butter back.
"What's wrong street rat?, too weak to break from a girl's grasp?, or you don't want to fight around your little girlfriend?" Blueblood asks mockingly looking at AppleJack.
AppleJack blushes at his remark though keeps her stance and continues to hold Peanut Butter back.
"Oh shut up Blueblood at least I wasn't held back two years."
Blueblood has an annoyed look on his face instantly after Peanut Butter's remark. He struts up to Peanut Butter as AppleJack is still holding him though Peanut Butter is still putting up a fight.
"Rarity get Miss Cheerilee please." AppleJack says.
Rarity nods and goes to get Cheerilee. Applejack starts to struggle holding Peanut Butter back as BlueBlood gets closer with his fist in the air. He swings his fist as Peanut Butter swings his body to the left dodging the punch and causing AppleJack to fall over and letting go of Peanut Butter in the process. Peanut Butter charges at BlueBlood and punches him in the stomach causing him to fall over. Peanut Butter gets on top of BlueBlood over his arms and punches him with his left and then right fist to BlueBlood's face alternating each fist one after another. Just as Peanut Butter is about to deliver the final punch to knock him out before Cheerilee stops him by grabbing his fist and pulling him off of BlueBlood even though Peanut Butter is resisting. Other teachers escort BlueBlood to the nurse's office. AppleJack sighs as she sees Peanut Butter being lead to the principal's office. AppleJack brushes herself off as she gets up and grabs Peanut Butter's torn hoodie and brushes it off. Rarity returns and notices the tear in the hoodie.
"I can fix this if you want, I’ll make it look new too." Rarity says looking at the hoodie closely.
"Thanks Rarity but I wanna try an' fix it."
"Okay, wanna come to my place after school?, I can let you use my supplies."
"Sure, I'll let Big Mac know when I see him."
The memory fades away from AppleJack's mind as she is standing still while everyone is continuing warm ups. A large muscular man in a wife beater and gym shorts is standing in front of her with a displeased look on his face.
"Miss AppleJack what are you doing?" He asks in a stern tone.
"Oh sorry Mr. Will I got a bit distracted."
"I can see that, ten laps around the gym should help clear that up, now move!"
Mr. Will blows his whistle as AppleJack starts to run laps. As she runs she smiles thinking to herself the times she hung out with Peanut Butter and Rarity during recesses and at each others houses as kids. The memories bring a warm feeling as her facial expression turns nostalgic.
"It's good ta have ya back P.B., hopefully we'll be like we were back then." AppleJack says to herself quietly.
Author's Note
Thank you for reading and hope you enjoyed this chapter. If there are any errors I missed let me know.
Luna's office is dark as what little light enters it from the window on the doors and window behind her desk as Peanut Butter starts to stir from his sleep. He rubs his eyes and sits up groaning from waking up. As his senses start to kick in his door opens as Celestia walks in. Peanut Butter jumps, his body tense before relaxing and letting out a sigh.
"Good morning Celestia." Peanut Butter mumbles.
"Good morning to you too P.B.."
"Where's Luna?"
"Getting breakfast for you and her, after that she'll give you a tour of the school."
"Why is that?"
"Well you will be attending here."
Peanut Butter looks away his eyes look blank and distant.
"I don't know if that is a good idea, you've probably heard of my temper hell you saw it front row, it’s just that me being around other people might not be the wisest of ideas."
"We all make mistakes P.B., you just have to learn from them."
"You do have a point there I'm just unsure about it."
"It will be fine, I'm surprised you opened up like you have so quickly."
"Talking, yes, spilling the beans on my personal life, not even close."
"Don't worry about that with time you might open up."
"Don't get your hopes up."
"You know, you sound like Sunset when I first took her in."
"I do?"
"Yes you do though you're more introverted than she was."
"I have my reasons."
"I wouldn't doubt it."
"Things sure have changed since I left."
"Well five years is a long time."
"I guess so, I'm not sure if I can keep up."
"Give it time."
Celestia sips her tea as Luna enters and sees Celestia standing at the door.
"Are you two having a nice chat?" Luna asks.
"Yes we are."
Peanut Butter nods as he goes silent.
"Well I have to get ready for my meeting so I will see you two later."
"See you later sister."
Celestia leaves to her office and Luna enters hers and places two bags on her desk and another bag towards Peanut Butter. He looks into the bag and pulls out a blood glucose meter and a small notebook. He looks at Luna confused tilting his head to the side with a raised eyebrow.
"You are to carry that with you and use it before and after any meal you have and write down the results in this book, do I make myself clear?" Luna asks.
Peanut Butter nods as he takes out the meter and strips he looks at the picture and mimics what it looks like on the picture. He reads the instructions that came with it. As he reads his face starts to look fearful.
"You know I don't like needles so why make me use one?!" Peanut Butter exclaims.
"Its for your own safety I also asked if they had any that are painless and they did, remember what we did at your appointment?"
"Yeah."
"Try that with this."
Luna turns the meter on and holds Peanut Butter's hand. He closes his eyes and turns his head as Luna sets the strip on his finger.
"Just listen to my voice okay?" Luna says as she pushes the button.
Peanut Butter braces himself, tensing himself up.
"It's done." Luna says.
Peanut Butter opens his eyes and blinks a bit.
"That's it?"
"Yes that was it."
Luna writes in the notebook as Peanut Butter looks at his fingers.
"Not even a mark."
"Yep now make sure you don't mix up the numbers and write down what you ate too,"
Luna writes down what she got for Peanut Butter and shows it to him.
"Just like this, okay?"
"Okay, can I eat now?"
"Yes you can, I'll give you a tour of the school after everyone is in class for next period."
"Works for me."
Luna gives Peanut Butter his breakfast, a breakfast sandwich and hash browns. He sees a pack of syrup and opens it before dipping his hash browns in it. Luna looks at him confused before she tries it herself. Peanut Butter smiles seeing her trying his idea. She bites into the hash brown and raises an eyebrow before having a smile on her face. Peanut Butter chuckles before he continues eating.
Half an hour later they finish eating as the bell rings for the next class.
"We'll leave when the bell rings again." Luna says as she wipes her hands clean.
"Okay."
Peanut Butter cleans his own hands off and does the test again and writes down the results. Luna smiles as he writes down the results. After he is finished they both stand up and leave the office. They enter the hallway as Peanut Butter notices how quiet it is. Luna guides him through the halls as Peanut Butter peeks into a couple classrooms through the door window. Luna sees this and smiles.
"Curious aren't we?" Luna asks.
Peanut Butter blushes and looks down.
"Um, no, not at all."
Luna chuckles at his obvious lie.
"If you say so, where are we heading to?"
"The gym."
"Why?"
“It’s closer and we can do the tour in one big circle.”
Peanut Butter follows Luna to the gym until he sees a cabinet with trophies with pictures next to them and sees Sunset Shimmer in one of them for the track team. He looks curiously through the other pictures while Luna watches. His eyes go wide as he looks at a picture from years ago and sees a younger version of his father in a photo of a baseball team.
"Something catch your eye?" Luna asks.
"I didn't know my father went here."
"What was his name?"
"Home Run."
Luna's heart skips a beat at the mention of his name. She manages to keep her composure before speaking.
"I used to have class with him growing up, he was only here for about two years before moving away we were good friends."
"What was he like back then?"
"Sarcastic, laid back, kind, pretty irresponsible at times and knew when the gloves had to come off."
"Sounds like him alright, mom told me that they traveled a lot after graduating, they were high school sweethearts from what she told me."
"He always had a bit of adventure in him."
"Yeah, I remember the random road trips we went on during the weekends we usually got ice cream at the end of it, I don't remember how many times we got lost mom would get mad at him for not asking for directions, he'd laugh it off and say that it's the journey that matters not the destination."
"Sounds like him how about we continue with the tour before classes let out."
"Yeah."
Peanut Butter pulls himself away from the display and follows Luna to the gym.
As they walk Luna explains how the school functions and all the clubs and after school programs there are. He smirks when she mentions a sparing club. She opens the gym doors and walks in with Peanut Butter behind her. He notices how big the gym is with the high ceiling and the length of the stadium. TA class is in session, Peanut Butter jumps as the sound of a whistle echos through out the room. Peanut Butter sees a large muscular man in blue shorts, a white t shirt, a blue baseball cap, and sneakers head in their direction.
"Ah Vice Principal Luna, what brings you here?" The man asks.
"I'm showing a new student around, his name is Peanut Butter but just call him P.B.."
He looks at Peanut Butter and extends his arm to shake hands. Peanut Butter extends his as well and shakes it.
"Nice to meet you P.B., I'm Iron Will but you can call me Mr.Will."
"Nice to meet you Mr.Will."
“So what do you do here?”
“Well I teach the importance of fitness and I’m a motivational speaker on the side.”
“I think I’m plenty fit.”
“Is that so?”
“Yeah, Manehatten was my playground, running from rooftop to rooftop, running ten blocks in less than five minutes, and I know how to fight.”
“Impressive, when you’re in my class care to put some meat to those bones?”
“Would be glad to.”
"I’m looking forward to it, I'll let you two get back to your tour."
Mr.Will goes back to his class before Luna and Peanut Butter leave the gym.
They make their way to the second floor of the school as they make their way past the science lab as Peanut Butter looks through the window on the door. He sees a man in a mismatched outfit with a white goatee and slicked back hair mixing liquids together before ducking away as not to be seen. As he catches up to Luna the door opens as the man looks out and sees them.
"Ah so there's the curious mind looking into my classroom." He exclaims.
Luna turns around.
"Why hello Mr.Discord, I'm just showing around a new student around, his name is Peanut Butter but you can call him P.B.."
"Nice to meet you P.B., hopefully I'll see you in my class, you look like a curious person who likes to test and experiment, I'll tell you that you'll find lots of that in my class just last week I accidentally made the whole second floor smell of old cheese during an experiment it was quite the laugh."
He and Peanut Butter shake hands.
"Even though it took over three hours to get rid of the smell." Luna mentions.
"I said I was sorry."
"We need to finish up the tour so we will see you later."
"Alright then, it was nice meeting you P.B. maybe our next encounter will be in my classroom."
"It was nice meeting you too Mr.Discord."
Luna and Peanut Butter make their way back down to Luna's office and enter it. Peanut Butter sits down on the couch as Luna sits on her chair behind her desk.
"So what did you think?" Luna asks.
"Its not bad, but it'll take some getting used to."
"That's to be expected I have a few things to take care of, in the meantime I want you to stay in here and look over the handbook for the school rules."
Luna hands Peanut Butter a small booklet to him. Peanut Butter rolls his eyes and opens it. Luna sighs at his expression before she leaves. As she shuts the door she closes her eyes and pinches the bridge of her nose before going to see Celestia. Her mind races with questions and memories. She makes her way to Celestia's office and knocks.
"Come in." Celestia acknowledges.
Luna opens the door and enters shutting the door doing so. Her expression is tense, though frantic at the same time. Celestia picks up on this and gets her kettle and two cups of tea.
"Why didn't you tell me?" Luna asks.
"Tell you what?"
"That Peanut Butter is Home Run's son."
Celestia stays silent.
"How could you not tell me?"
Celestia looks away still in silence the look on her face regretful.
"Say something Tia, why didn't you tell me?"
"Because I know you would react like this if I did tell you you're still not over him after all these years, you know well that we both were friends with him even now I still miss him every once in a while."
"Is this why you gave Peanut Butter a choice?, because of Home Run?"
Celestia nods as she pours the water into the cups and puts the tea bags in the cups. Luna stays silent as she takes the cup and sips it. She is more confused and upset now than she was only a minute ago. She stares at her tea as her mind fades back to her first meeting with Home Run.
The halls are filled with the sounds of conversations of students as classes switch for next period. A young woman with blue hair pulled back in a pony tail and in a over sized dark blue jacket with jeans and white sneakers rushes through the hall to get to her next class. As she runs she sneezes before crashing into someone causing them to both fall down. She looks to see a scrawny young man with dirty blond hair and hazel eyes wearing ripped jeans, a flannel jacket with blue plad on it, sneakers and a Purple Lloyd concert shirt on.
"I'm so sorry about that, I'm just in a rush to class and I wasn't looking where I was going." Luna flusters trying to apologize as she stumbles on her words.
The boy gets up and offers his hand to help Luna up. She blushes slightly as she takes his hand and gets up.
"It's okay, I was in a rush too I'm new here so I got lost trying to find my class, my name is Home Run by the way." Home Run says as he picks up his book bag.
"My name is Luna nice to meet you, what class are you looking for?"
"Biology."
"You're going to go down the hall and make a right, go up the stairs and it's the first door on your left."
"Thank you so much Luna I have to get going, hope to see you later we should really hang out sometime."
"Yes we should, see you later Home Run it was nice meeting you."
"Nice meeting you too."
As Home Run makes his way through the crowd. Luna smiles and blushes before picking up her things and heads to her next class thinking about him and smiling.
As the memory fades out she smiles slightly. The warmth of the nostalgia make her feel better.
"Having fond memories?" Celestia asks softly.
"Yes, I just don't know for certain if I can ever move on Home Run was, different than the other guys that have hit on me or asked me out before and since."
"Yes he was different, I can remember how buzzed up the school was when you two became an item."
Luna blushes.
"When I heard he moved back here I was happy, but when I heard he married and had kids my heart sank now that he's been gone for five years the feeling is still there, but it is less heavy each time."
"At least it's healing, have you tried meeting new people?, I gave you names of some sites to help you."
"I don't like to use those Tia and you know that, with P.B. in the picture it will be less possible."
"The new history teacher looks cute, maybe you can ask him to join you for tea or coffee after classes."
"He is cute but I don't know, I just feel that part of me still isn't ready."
"I understand but just don't wait too long."
"I know."
As they sip their tea they turn their attention to the door after a loud crash can be heard outside the door followed by shouting.
Luna and Celestia open the door to find Blue Blood on top of Peanut Butter punching him with his fist. They can see Peanut Butter covering his face with his arms. Just as Celestia and Luna go to pull Blue Blood off of him Peanut Butter raises one of his legs.
"Man check!" Peanut Butter shouts before landing a blow to Blue Blood's groin.
Blue Blood tenses up as Peanut Butter raises both legs and brings them close to him and kicks Blue Blood in the gut to get him off of him. He turns around and gets up stammering at first. Luna tends to Peanut Butter by helping him sit down her eyes widen for a second before relaxing as she looks him over.
"Are you alright?" Luna asks.
"Yeah, just a couple of bruises and a few scratches, I’ll be fine though."
"I thought I told you to stay in my office."
"I was thirsty and went to get a drink of water and come back in, as I was about to come in he showed up and jumped me, I swear."
Luna looks at the secretary.
"Is this true?" Luna asks.
"Yes, he told me what he was doing and did just that."
Luna sighs and helps Celestia with Blue Blood.
Blue Blood gets back up and looks at Peanut Butter with an angry expression on his face.
"This isn't over street rat, you hear me?" Blue Blood threatens.
"I'll be waiting Blue Balls."
“Enough, both of you.” Celestia scolds.
Luna looks at Peanut Butter as she get Blue Blood on his feet.
"Don't say anything P.B.."
Peanut Butter looks away pouting as Blue Blood goes into Celestia's office. Luna returns and checks Peanut Butter over again before taking him back into her office.
"Were you really getting water?"
"Yes I was, is that so wrong?"
"It resulted in a fight when you did."
"Not my fault Blue Balls picked a fight with me."
"Still you should be more careful."
"Fine I will, but don't think I'm defenseless all the time."
Peanut Butter lays on the couch and looks away. Luna sighs and goes to her desk and does work while looking at Peanut Butter occasionally as he drifts off to sleep. She smiles seeing him sleep so peacefully.
"Don't worry Home Run. He's in good hands now." Luna whispers to herself before she continues looking through forms and emails.
Author's Note
Hope you enjoy this chapter. Let me know of any errors I missed. Hope you enjoy :)
The day passes through quickly with Peanut Butter napping throughout the day and occasional conversations about classes. The evening was uneventful as Luna and Peanut Butter eat dinner and go to bed early.
During the night however, nerves run high through Peanut Butter's mind as anxiety sets in. He remains unsure about the new experience he will have tomorrow as he stares at the ceiling and wrapping himself in the blankets on his bed. He turns his head and looks out the window and thinks to himself that it's better than under a bridge at least. He looks at the moon through the window and smiles softly. Though he doesn't understand why he has such an affiliation with the moon. In his mind it feels right to him. The soft light of the moon is warm to him as he basks in it's light through his window. As an hour passes clouds begin to gather as rain starts to fall singing it's song as the drops hit the window causing him to drift into sleep as he listens to the tapping of the rain, playing its chaotic, yet calming song.
The morning starts early as Peanut Butter gets up and heads into the shower while Luna gets dressed. His movements are still frantic as the water runs over his face.
He gets out of the shower a few minutes later and brushes his teeth before going back to his room to get dressed for the day. He dresses in a black shirt, jeans, brown hoodie and boots. He picks up his book bag and leaves his room and heads to the dining room. Luna has his blood sugar meter on the table as she makes breakfast for them both. He sits on the stool and takes the meter and does his routine level check before writing it down. Luna smiles as she places his breakfast down before eating her own breakfast.
After eating they clean up the dishes and head out to Luna's car before she drives towards Canterlot High. During the ride Peanut Butter looks down towards his bag with a distant look in his eyes. At a stop light, Luna looks at him and notices the look on his face. She gives Peanut Butter a warm smile and places her hand on his shoulder.
"It will be okay P.B., you'll have the same classes as Sunset Shimmer so you'll be with someone you know to help you." Luna says softly.
Peanut Butter doesn't respond and continues to look distant. Luna focuses on the road again as the light turns green. Ten minutes later they pull into the school parking lot. Peanut Butter and Luna get out of the car and walk into the school. The halls are mostly quiet with the occasional chatter of the students who came early. Standing by the main office is Sunset Shimmer. Luna smiles and motions Peanut Butter to go with her. Peanut Butter nervously walks towards Sunset.
"Good Morning." Sunset Shimmer says cheerfully.
"Morning."
Peanut Butter stays silent as Sunset Shimmer leads him to a spot in the hallway to wait for Sunset's friends. They both sit by a window waiting as Peanut Butter looks outside with his usual distant look. Sunset notices and looks down unsure what to do or say. She is still new to making friends and doesn't know how to make him feel welcomed. Before she is about to speak an enthusiastic shout is heard down the hall. Sunset looks down the hallway and sees Pinkie Pie coming her way with her usual cheerful smile.
"Goooood morning Sunset Shimmer!" Pinkie Pie shouts.
"Good morning to you too Pinkie."
"Who's the grumpy Gus next to you?"
"You don't remember Peanut Butter?"
Pinkie looks up for a minute before responding as her face lights up with her usual smile.
"Oh yeah I remember now, he looks different without looking all bummy."
"Pinkie!"
"Oops, sorry."
Peanut Butter ignores them as he stares out the window. He lets out a frustrated sigh as he thinks about his situation more. Sunset and Pinkie look at him with a confused look.
"You okay P.B.?" Sunset asks.
"I'm just peachy."
Pinkie Pie giggles at the expression.
"What's so funny?" Peanut Butter asks.
"You said your peachy, so you're sweet."
"Whatever."
"Why are you such a grumpy Gus?"
"Because I am."
"That's not a reason silly."
"Bite me."
"Where?"
There is an awkward silence after that. Sunset has a shocked look on her face while Peanut Butter has a disturbed expression on his.
"I haven't known you for two minutes and I already want to be as far away from you as possible."
"Awww don't be like that."
Peanut Butter glares at Pinkie causing her to back away.
Soon Rarity and Applejack arrive. They smile at the sight of Peanut Butter being there.
"Well look who got all gussied up over the weekend." Applejack says.
Peanut Butter looks at her with an unamused expression.
"Wow P.B. just tryin' ta be friendly."
"If I wanted to be friendly I would be friendly A.J.."
"What bug crawled up yer ass and died?"
Peanut Butter rolls his eyes and looks out the window again.
"He's probably still tired Applejack, remember when we had sleepovers as kids?" Rarity says.
"Yeah I remember, but still no excuse ta be a prick."
Peanut Butter ignores her and continues to look out the window and returns to his thoughts.
Sunset Shimmer looks at Pinkie, Rarity and Applejack with a confused look on her face unsure what to do. Rarity goes to Sunset Shimmer and whispers something to her ear. She nods and whispers into Rarity's ear. Just then the bell rings and they all spread to their classes except for Sunset Shimmer and Peanut Butter.
"Come on P.B. let's get to class." Sunset says.
"I don't want to."
"Sadly that isn't an option."
"I don't care."
"What's wrong?"
"Nothing is wrong."
"Yes there is, people just don't act like you are acting out of the blue."
"Nothing is wrong and if something was wrong I wouldn't tell you."
Sunset sighs and pinches the bridge of her nose with her fingers.
"I'm getting Luna, stay here at least, okay?"
Peanut Butter stays silent as Sunset goes to the main office. Peanut Butter stays still as he stares out the window again. He starts to bounce his leg up and down and his breathing gets heavy and places his hand over his eyes, he sighs as he tries to collect his thoughts. Footsteps echo through the now quiet hallways with some voices that are too far away to recognize. He folds his arms and rests his chin on top continuing his stare out the window.
Luna and Sunset make their way through the hallways, getting closer.
"So he just started acting like this?" Luna asks.
"Yeah. I don't know why. He also was being a bit, snippy to everyone else."
"He was pretty quiet this morning before coming here and looked a bit on edge, maybe that was a red flag."
"Maybe, hopefully you talking to him can help."
"I hope so too."
They round the corner and sees Peanut Butter in the same position as Sunset left him. They make their way to him.
"Sunset go to class and tell the teacher that P.B. isn't feeling well and that he might not be showing to class." Luna requests.
Sunset nods and heads to her class. Luna sits next to Peanut Butter and mimics his position.
"So care to tell me what is wrong?" Luna asks.
"Like I told Sunset, nothing is wrong."
"I know something is wrong, I can tell from the look on your face so tell me what's wrong."
"Nothing is wrong."
"You're lying P.B., I guess you have his stubbornness too by the looks of it."
"What do you mean by that?"
"Your father was the same way sometimes, usually when something bothered him."
"Yeah, Grandpa was a bit of a prick."
Luna smiles and starts to hum softly. Peanut Butter's ears wiggle slightly as he hears her hum. He recognizes it instantly as his eyes go wide and looks at her.
"How do you know that?" Peanut Butter asks.
Luna stops humming and looks at Peanut Butter.
"I learned it from my mother and sister then my sister and I used to babysit in the summer, why do you ask?"
"My father taught it to my mother and they used it on me when I was upset or having a bad dream when I was a kid."
Luna smiles knowing that at least he never forgot about her.
"He learned that from me you know."
"I kind of figured that out already."
Luna giggles a little.
"No need to use his mouth, but it's nice to know all that time after school teaching him that went to some use after all."
"He never talked much about his high school years, don't know why."
"From what I saw he was going through a lot at that time, especially when it came to his father."
"Dad never liked him, he fought with grandpa Boot Strap a few times and was arrested once after he gave me this."
Peanut Butter shows her the scar on his cheek. Luna's eyes go wide never noticing it before.
"Why did he do that?" Luna asks.
"He took me out to hunt for squirrels and tried to teach me how to shoot a rifle, but I didn't want to and he got mad at me when dad found out he lost it and jumped him while mom took me to the hospital, after that we found that both of them were arrested dad served community service and my grandfather served a few months in jail."
"I'm sorry to hear."
"It's okay, I learned later on after they died that crying about things is for the weak the world isn't a forgiving place."
"That isn't true, the world can be a nice place if you don't think so negatively it’s also okay to cry when you feel like you need to."
"No it isn't okay, all it does is show that I'm weak."
"You aren't weak if you can last five years on your own that proves that you're not weak, so its okay to cry."
"I am not weak!"
Peanut Butter snaps and gets up looking at Luna with an angry look and rage in his eyes, his fists clenched and his teeth showing.
Luna stays silent for a minute before speaking.
"You're scared aren't you?"
"What makes you think that?"
"For starters you're shaking and you are showing all the signs of fear."
Peanut Butter tries to keep his anger noticeable, however he slowly starts to relax with each breath. He looks away from Luna. He sits back down and places his hand over his eyes again as tears start to well up around his eyes and he starts to hyperventilate. Luna pulls him close to her and smiles.
"Its alright, just let it all out." Luna softly says.
Peanut Butter still tries to hold his composure and continues to lose as his tears fall past his hand. Luna hums softly and keeps him close to her. Peanut Butter notices his tears run down his cheeks as her humming continues as he gives up on keeping himself together and cries as his emotions become too much for him to handle as the feelings of sadness, fear and pain overflow and wash over him. Luna continues her humming as he cries letting him release his built up emotions.
They stay there for fifteen minutes before he calms down and takes his hands off his eyes as Luna sees the skin around his eyes puffed up and red.
"Feeling better?" Luna asks.
Peanut Butter stays silent and looks away still ashamed of how he feels.
"It's okay to be scared, everyone does, including me are you scared of the new environment?"
He nods slightly.
"I was scared too when I first became vice principal here, is being around so many people scaring you too?"
He nods again as another breakdown is starting to build up.
"It'll be okay how about we do this in baby steps?, You can do your school work in my office until you're comfortable on two conditions, first one is that I want you to try and socialize with some of the students even if it's just Sunset and her friends and two I want you to eat in the cafeteria there is plenty of space for you to be alone if you want to be alone, sound like a plan?"
Peanut Butter nods as he rubs his eyes as he gets up and gets his bag. Luna walks beside him as he sniffles every once in a while. Luna smiles as she takes him into her office and has him sit on the couch and makes a few calls to teachers. Peanut Butter curls up in the fetal position on the couch as he buries his face into his knees and rocks back and fourth. Luna looks at him with concern and worry. She lets instinct take over as she hums again. Though this time a different tune. One more of a lullaby a mother would hum to a crying infant than a broken teenager. As he listens to her humming he lays down and starts to fall asleep on the couch. Luna hums for a few more minutes before stopping to make sure he is asleep. She looks over and notices he is in a deep sleep and smiles as she quietly leaves to collect Peanut Butter's assignments from the teachers for him to do when he wakes up.
Author's Note
Thank you for reading this chapter. Depending on how the next couple of months go it might be a while before the next chapter comes out. For those wondering the humming it's the vocals of this for the first one
and the second one is this one
As always let me know of any errors and see you all next chapter or blog post :)
As the morning goes on Peanut Butter does most of his school work silently with help from Luna on some things that he couldn't understand. She notices at times that he gets frustrated with some of the work at times.
Eventually the bell rings as Luna looks at Peanut Butter's schedule. She smiles though she feels a hint of concern for him.
"Well P.B its time to go to lunch, Sunset will be here in a bit to take you there." Luna informs.
With a sigh Peanut Butter gets up from his chair and is about to leave Luna's office to wait until he looks at Luna and sees a small smile on her face and looks at her eyes. He looks away shyly with his usual distant look in his eyes before leaving to wait in the hall.
Luna sighs as she collects his work and checks what he's done and what he hasn't finished and what hasn't been started.
Peanut Butter stands out in the hallway with his eyes closed with a frustrated look on his face as his body flinches every once in a while as the other students flood the halls to go to their classes.
Meanwhile Sunset is making her way to the main office to bring Peanut Butter to the cafeteria with AppleJack next to her.
"Ya sure this is gonna work?, from the way he was actin' this mornin' I don't think this is a good idea Sunset." Applejack mentions.
"I know, but Luna asked me to do this, she told me he's scared and unsure about being here, so she's trying to slowly introduce him to the way of Canterlot High."
"I understand her intentions are good, but I dunno if they are the right ones."
"Me either, but its worth a sh- hey look."
Applejack looks and sees Peanut Butter flinching.
"Ah've never seen 'im do that before."
"Me either, let's bring him to the cafeteria before something happens."
They go up to him to see his eyes are still closed. They both have a worried look on their faces.
"Hey P.B.." Sunset greets in a soft tone.
He opens his eyes and reflexes back in surprise causing him to hit his head against the wall. As he rubs his head as he sees Sunset and AppleJack.
"Come on let's get to the cafeteria before the line gets bad." Sunset points out as they head over to the cafeteria.
"Ya feelin any better P.B.?" Applejack asks.
"A little bit yeah."
"That's good at least."
The trio get in line at the cafeteria and get their lunches before they sit at a table away from most of the students. Peanut Butter pokes at his food while the rest of Sunset's friends come and sit next to them. When they see Peanut Butter, Pinkie Pie shies away from him still scared of him from earlier. Peanut Butter doesn't notice them as he pokes at his food with his fork. Applejack sighs while she sees him poke his food.
"Come on P.B. you have ta eat somethin." Applejack tells him.
Peanut Butter says nothing.
"I swear P.B. yer as stubborn as a horse sometimes."
"What the hell is this stuff?"
"Its called salad P.B., ya eat it."
"Last I checked I'm not a rabbit."
"Will ya just eat it already?"
"Fine, gezz A.J. no need to get your panties in a bunch."
"Not like yours weren't to begin with?"
The other girls laugh at AppleJack's comeback. Peanut Butter rolls his eyes before eating. The look on his face is disgust before he chugs down his milk and looks at Sunset.
"Oh god that was nasty, how do people eat this stuff?" Peanut Butter asks.
"With dressing and other stuff, Luna wanted to make sure you have some kind of healthy diet since you seemed to lack one while out on your own."
"Oh you really think that?"
"Why do you say that?"
"I learned how to survive and have some kind of diet, sure as hell wasn't salad, but when you have to deal with either going hungry or getting what you can get you learn to not care about balanced diets or anything like that."
"My point exactly, here try it with this, I put it on mine."
Sunset hands Peanut Butter a pack of Caesar dressing, croutons, and a couple packs of bacon bits. He takes them and puts the contents of the packets on the salad before mixing it and trying it again. His face is still of discontent. However it wasn't of disgust to Sunset's relief as he continues eating. He stays quiet for the time he eats. Pinkie leans towards Sunset Shimmer with her eyes shifting.
"Are you sure bringing Mr. Cranky Pants here with us for lunch is a good idea?" Pinkie Pie whispers.
"He was scared is all, no need to give him a nickname like that Pinkie."
"If he keeps it up it will be."
Sunset sighs before pinching the bridge of her nose. She looks at Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy both with unsure looks on their faces. AppleJack and Rarity raise an eyebrow at them when they look. Peanut Butter looks and notices the silent argument and looks at Applejack and Rarity with a deadpan look on his face and a raised eyebrow. They both sigh and go back to eating. Just then Peanut Butter feels someone hugging him around the lower part of his chest. His eyes go wide as he turns to see a young red headed girl with her hair pulled back to a pony tail with a bow. He smiles a bit before pushing her off of him.
"Nice to see you too Applebloom." Peanut Butter says.
"Whacha doin' here P.B.?"
"Stuff happened and I'm now here, looks like you'll be seeing me more often."
Applejack looks at them with raised eyebrows and her mouth wide open.
"How do ya know each other?" Applejack asks to Peanut Butter.
"Well long story short Bloom here was lost one day and I helped her get home, she and I have been friends since."
"I see, so that's why she comes home later some days than others, looks like yer not as cold as ah thought."
"Who thought I was cold?"
He looks around the table seeing the girls look away and either whistling or shifting their thumbs around. He sighs and looks at AppleBloom and smiles.
"Go back to your friends, I'll see you off at the end of school."
Applebloom nods and runs off. AppleJack gives a small smirk to Peanut Butter.
"Thanks fer being her friend, she doesn't have many of them." She thanks, still having the small smile on her face.
"No problem, she's grown up quite a lot from when I first met her before, you know."
"Yeah she has, say why do you continue being her friend with you being older than her?"
"It’s because it makes me feel like a big brother again, something I didn't get to do much and yet miss the most."
"Ah see."
The bell rings as they get up from the table and get rid of their trash before parting to their classes. Applejack, Sunset and Peanut Butter make their way back to Luna's office. Peanut Butter is still silent though has a small smile on his face. They soon reach Luna's office with Peanut Butter and Sunset entering as Applejack stays outside the office. They see Luna doing paperwork looking up to see them both as Peanut Butter sits back down to check his levels again before getting back to work. Sunset looks at Luna with a hopeful smile on her face.
"How did it go?" Luna asks.
"A rough start, but ended pretty well."
"Oh? Come outside the office with me please."
Luna and Sunset go to the hallway to talk. They see Applejack as Luna raises an eyebrow.
"You should get to class Applejack." Luna says.
Applejack nods and goes to class without argument. Luna looks at Sunset with an interested look on her face as Sunset fills her in on what happened at lunch. After she finishes explaining Luna has a small smile on her face as she sighs with relief.
"So what do you think?" Sunset asks.
"That outer shell of his is probably cracking, but there might be something going on with him that has been bubbling up, how was he when you three went there?"
"Pretty quiet, I noticed he was shaking his hand side to side a bit as well, I didn't ask about it though."
"That's okay, thank you for telling me, I'll write you a hall pass so you can get to class, has Tia mentioned about the plans for tomorrow night?"
"Yeah she has are you sure he'll be okay with it?"
"He should be okay with it, just be thankful BlueBlood won't be around, it would be a powder keg exploding if he did."
"Yeah, I heard they got into another fight."
"They did, BlueBlood is suspended since P.B. wasn't in the system at the time."
"Ah, I wish I can chat more, but I'm late for class as it is."
"Of course, I'll be right back."
Luna goes in her office and writes a hall pass for Sunset before poking out of her office and giving her the pass.
"I'll see you later Aunt Luna."
"See you later Sunset."
Luna goes back in her office and closes the door and sees Peanut Butter with a frustrated look on his face as he looks down at his work. She goes to him looking over his shoulder.
"Hey, what's wrong?" Luna asks.
"I have no idea what this is, since when were letters in math?"
"Here let me help you."
Luna helps him with his math work before going back to her own work.
As the school day ends Peanut Butter goes out to the front of the school to wait for Applebloom.
A few minutes later he sees a red bow bouncing up and down and smiles as Applebloom joins him at the front of the school.
"How was school today?" Peanut Butter asks.
"It was okay, Scootaloo got detention again."
"Oh? What did she do this time?"
"She put a thumbtack on Diamond Tiara's chair and she sat on it."
Peanut Butter giggles at this.
"I'm surprised she hasn't punched Diamond out yet."
"Me too, how was yer day?"
"Started rough, but ended pretty well, say where is A.J. anyways?"
"Track meet today."
"Ah, that means we get a bit more time to hang out today."
"Yep, she's been actin' a bit odd since last weekend though."
"How so?"
"She's been spacin' out a lot an' other things."
"What do you mean by other things?"
"Stayin' up late and at times I hear moanin' from her room when ah'm gettin' some water or going to the bathroom in the middle of the night."
"I see, I wouldn't worry about it Bloom, your sister has always been a mystery."
"Yeah she always ha- wait how do you know mah sister?"
"She and I go back a ways, you were probably starting first or second grade last time I saw her."
"Wait, oh my god yer the boy she was talkin' about from back then, the one that ran away."
"Yep."
"You messed up bad ya know."
"What happened?"
"She was cryin' for a week, don't get me started on the attitude she had fer a month, she really liked you ya know."
Peanut Butter sighs and looks down. He rests his head on his hand. He shakes his head and looks ahead.
"I, never thought she'd react like that, thanks for telling me Bloom."
"It’s what friends do."
Just then Applejack comes out the front entrance.
"Ah thought you were gonna be out later sis." AppleBloom says.
"It was canceled today fer some reason, havin' fun talkin' to P.B.?"
"Yep."
Peanut Butter nods smiling.
"C'mon Applebloom let's git home."
"Okay, see ya later P.B.."
"See ya later Bloom. See ya tomorrow A.J.."
"See ya later P.B.."
Applejack and Applebloom walk off back home as Peanut Butter watches before walking back inside. He sees Luna standing by the doorway with a small smile.
"Did you have fun talking to your friend?" Luna asks.
"Yeah I did."
"That's good, I heard you had a bit of trouble with Sunset's friends."
Peanut Butter sighs and looks away.
"It’s okay, just give them time."
"Can we just go home?"
"In a few minutes, I have some paperwork to do."
"Okay, I'll stay outside until we leave."
"Is something wrong?"
"I don't want to talk about it."
"I understand, I expect you to still be here when I'm done in about five minutes, understood?"
"Yes Ma'am."
Luna heads back to her office as Peanut Butter heads back outside to the entrance and sits on it again. The thought of what Applebloom told him still going through in his head as he felt lower and lower about himself and his actions.
Ten minutes later Luna comes out of the school with Celestia and Sunset Shimmer.
"Let's go home P.B.." Luna tells Peanut Butter as she walks down the stairs.
Peanut Butter stays silent as he follows Luna. Through out the car ride he remains silent. When they get back to the apartment Peanut Butter locks himself in his room and says nothing. At first Luna assumes that he is sleeping then after an hour she hears crying coming from his room. Luna knocks on his door lightly.
"P.B.? Can you let me in? What's wrong?" Luna asks in a motherly tone.
"Nothing is wrong."
"I can hear you cry, something is obviously wrong."
"Nothing is wrong."
"Yes there is P.B.."
"Leave me the fuck alone!"
Luna jumps back and sighs before she heads to the living room. Peanut Butter sighs before his eyes go wide and starts to cry again.
At Celestia’s home Sunset Shimmer is doing her homework silently in her room. She writes down the last math problem as her mind reflects on the day's events when there is a knock coming from her door.
"Come in." Sunset says.
The door opens with Celestia standing in the doorway with a small smirk on her face.
"Pizza is here, did you finish your homework?"
"Yeah, just finished it."
"Good, ready for movie night?"
"Yeah I am, I'll be down in a bit."
"Don't be too long, also pick out a nice outfit for tomorrow we'll be going out right after classes end."
"Where are we going?"
"The boardwalk, it's about an hour away from here, Luna thought we could all use the trip before it closes for the winter."
"Do you think P.B. will, run off?"
"No, he knows what will happen if he does and I think he is starting to make a turn around from what I've been hearing."
Celestia's cell phone rings a few seconds after. She takes it out of her pocket she sees Luna's number on it. She answers before going downstairs.
“Hey Luna, what’s,” Celestia greets just before hearing Luna crying.
"Luna, What's wrong?" Celestia asks.
"What happened?"
"What did you do to cause him to snap at you?"
"I told you not to push him when he doesn't want to talk."
"Give him space for the rest of the night, see how he is in the morning."
"No Luna, interacting with him right now will get rid of the progress you already made and you would have to start further back than square one."
"I know you're worried, do you have an extra key to the room?"
"If you're that worried wait until its quiet and check on him, he'll probably tire himself out if he's crying that much."
"Okay, let me know how he is, love you too Luna."
She hangs up and looks towards the stairs and sees Sunset in her pajamas coming down the stairs as a concerned look is on her face.
"How much did you hear?" Celestia asks.
"I heard enough, I take it Luna pushed and he pushed back?"
"Yeah, he pushed back pretty hard if he made her cry."
"He was pretty snippy with Pinkie today when she kept bothering him."
"I see."
"Yeah."
Sunset Shimmer grabs a plate and gets a slice of pizza before sitting on the couch with Celestia doing the same after her. Sunset turns on Neighflix and selects a romantic comedy.
"A Romcom?, never thought you were the type." Celestia says jokingly.
Sunset giggles a bit.
"This one is an exception."
"Ah, so anything else happen today?"
"Not much, Mrs. Harshwhinny did a pop quiz on us today."
"How did you do?"
"Hopefully I passed, she has a tendency of doing them based on information we haven't really covered in class."
"Well she wants her students to understand what happened behind the scenes as well as know the events themselves."
"True, so what's with Peanut Butter?"
"What do you mean?"
"Like who is he? Who were his parents?"
Celestia sighs with a smile and takes a deep breath before looking at Sunset Shimmer.
"His mother I don't know of, his father was a good friend of aunt Luna and I in High school, we were close knit in the two years he stayed and went to Canterlot High, Luna had a crush on him and at one point asked him out. "
"What did his father tell Luna?"
"He told her yes, they were the talk of the school for weeks, I was happy for her."
"Did you have a thing for him too?"
"No I didn't, he was a nice guy for sure just not my type, we stayed good friends at least, though after he left Luna and him couldn't keep a relationship so they broke it off on good terms, when I heard he came back to Canterlot I was happy and was going to catch up with him before telling Luna until I heard about the accident, both Luna and I were devastated her more than I."
"So why do you think Luna took Peanut Butter in?"
"Originally it was to respect my wishes, now that she knows he is her ex's son, she is probably doing it for her friend and former lover."
"What was his name?"
"Home Run."
"Ah, what do you think is up with Peanut Butter though? He's got this loner vibe coming off of him which is making it harder to help him."
"He seems like a very scared and lonely child inside in need of someone who can heal him, though it sounds like he doesn't want people to get too close to him for now at least."
"Why do you think Peanut Butter is like that?"
"I feel that over time he's had a few knives put into his back metaphorically and can't really trust people anymore or if rarely, what brings this up?"
"Just curious is all, trying to find ways to help him."
"I see, anyone still bothering you?"
"Not really, after that whole battle of the bands thing people have been either neutral or nice to me."
"That's good to hear."
"Yeah, I'm just glad I'm on most of their good sides."
"You've changed a lot in that short amount of time, I can recall how withdrawn you were when I first took you home."
"Yeah, I gave you hell at first, I still feel guilty about that."
"Don't be, you weren't in the best of conditions, it took some time to get you to come around though."
"Yeah, I still feel guilty though."
"You'll feel that way until you learn to forgive yourself."
"I know, I just don't think I'm ready to just yet at least."
Celestia gets up and starts to make some tea as Sunset stretches a bit.
"Take as much time as you need, who knows, maybe what you've learned could help him in a way."
"Maybe."
"I'll be popping some popcorn in a bit, just getting the kettle warmed up."
"Okay, can you pour me a cup please?"
"Sure."
As the water is heating up Celestia breaks out a popcorn maker that looks like one of the carts a person would see at the county fair and starts popping popcorn as Sunset watches the movie that's playing.
After fifteen minutes Celestia returns with a bowl of popcorn before heading back to the kitchen to get the cups of tea. She returns and places one in front of Sunset. Sunset smiles and takes the cup.
"Thanks mom." Sunset says.
"You're quite welcome."
They both drink their tea as the movie finishes with Celestia picking the next movie which is an old adventure movie before drinking her tea. She sees a soft smile on Sunset and smiles that her determination and hard work resulted in Sunset being who she is today. Sunset takes a sip of her tea as she watches the movie. Celestia sets her cup down to grab a handful of popcorn as she focuses back on the movie.
"This was my favorite movie growing up, still is a favorite of mine." Celestia says.
"I can see why, I've always enjoyed adventure stories."
"Oh? Why is that?"
"The exploration, the thrill of the journey and the new experiences."
"I guess you never thought this would be a good adventure huh?"
"It wasn't at first, but after the fall formal I think I started to enjoy the small adventures around town, if it wasn't for my travel here as well as that kick in the butt I got, I probably wouldn't have found home here."
Celestia smiles as she places her cup down.
"I'm glad you found a home here." Celestia says softly.
"Thank you mom, for everything."
"You're welcome."
They both sit back and finish watching the movie. As the movie finishes Sunset lets out a small yawn. Celestia hears this and smiles.
"Sounds like someone is tired." Celestia says with a small chuckle at the end.
"Yeah I am actually."
"I think it would be a good idea to call it a night early, we have a big enough day as it is tomorrow."
Sunset gets up and helps clean the end table.
"Yeah, it was a big day as it was already."
"I can see that."
Celestia and Sunset wash the dishes before heading to the stairs. They both hug each other before heading upstairs.
"Good night mom." Sunset says sleepily.
"Good night Sunset."
Celestia and Sunset go to their rooms and go to sleep.
Meanwhile Luna sits on the couch in her apartment with the tv on as Peanut Butter's crying fell silent an hour ago. Luna quietly gets up and goes to Peanut Butter's room before pressing her ear against the door. She hears nothing other than the sound of a fan as she takes her ear off the door and gets the key from top of the door frame and quietly unlocks it to peek in. She sees the silhouette of Peanut Butter curled up and fast asleep as she quietly goes inside and faintly sees the blanket by his feet. She gently picks it up and places it over Peanut Butter up to his neck and slowly backs away. She sees his silhouette curl up and bury his head into the blanket with a small content sigh as she walks out quietly closing the door and locking the door. She shuts off the tv in the living room and goes to her bedroom. She lays on her bed and looks at the picture of her and Home Run with a small smile on her face.
"You never made things easy didn't you? But that never stopped me didn't it?" Luna says to herself before falling asleep.
The morning sun rises as Peanut Butter stirs from his sleep. He gets up to do his morning routine. His eyes still puffy and his expression deadpan as he makes his way to the bathroom to get in the shower.
He washes his face and brushes his teeth before getting in the shower. He stares at the shower wall as water runs down his head. He closes his eyes tight rubbing the bridge of his nose with his thumb and index finger before getting out of the shower to dry himself off. He goes back to his room and gets dressed before walking out of his room and enters the kitchen and sees Luna before looking away. Luna sees him as she plates his breakfast.
"Good morning P.B.." Luna greets somewhat cheerfully.
"Good morning."
Peanut Butter sits down silently before checking his blood sugar as Luna sits down. Peanut Butter looks down before he looks at Luna.
"Look, about last night, I'm sorry for snapping at you I didn't mean to do it, I was just not in a good mood." Peanut Butter apologizes depressingly.
"I understand, I should say sorry too for pushing you when I shouldn't have."
"Also thanks for checking in on me last night."
"How did you know?"
"The blanket was placed over me."
"You're welcome."
Peanut Butter eats his breakfast as Luna does the same. After they eat and clean the dishes Luna and Peanut Butter head to Canterlot High. When they arrive they quickly enter the school as they are greeted by Sunset Shimmer and Celestia near the main office. Peanut Butter goes with Sunset Shimmer to the bench they were at the day before and sit on it.
"I heard about what happened last night." Sunset Shimmer mentions.
"I wouldn't doubt it."
"It got me thinking that maybe my friends other than Rarity and A.J. are going about this the wrong way."
"Yeah, you can tell I'm not much of a social person."
"I saw that yesterday."
"So what's your point?"
"My point is that instead of us coming to you that we should just let you come to us on your own terms."
"It took you this long to realize that?"
"Well that's what my friends did with me."
"I see."
Just then Applejack and Rarity join them with Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy behind them.
"Did you girls get my message last night?" Sunset asks.
They all nod before sitting down. Applejack sits next to Peanut Butter and talks to Rarity. He looks over at AppleJack and sighs quietly as he looks down towards his hands still thinking of what Applebloom told him the day before. He gets up and heads to one of the bathrooms near by. Sunset looks at him and tries to stop him and remembers her own advice. Peanut Butter goes into one of the bathrooms and places his book bag next to him as he looks into the mirror in front of one of the sinks. He looks at his face as his thoughts are running a mile a minute. Frustration grows within him as he gets to the point where he punches the wall next to the mirror. The pain in his fist shoots up through his arm causing him to pull his arm back clenching his fist with his other hand. He looks over it and only notices a couple scratches before putting his hands in his jacket pockets. The bell rings a few seconds later as he picks up his bag and heads to Luna's office.
The rest of the morning Peanut Butter remains quiet as he does his school work. When he goes to lunch he keeps to himself as he eats while Sunset and her friends talk among themselves. Sunset and Peanut Butter walk back to Luna's office not speaking a word to each other as they reach Luna's office. Sunset meets with Luna outside her office while Peanut Butter sits to do his school work in her office.
"How did it go?" Luna asks.
"He was, quiet, something is bothering him for sure, though he's trying to be subtle about it."
"Is there any hint of what it could be?"
"Not really other than he's avoiding A.J. like a sickness."
"Well that points to her being involved with it."
"Yeah."
"You should be getting to class, I'll see you and Tia after school."
Sunset nods and goes to class as Luna goes back in her office. The rest of the school day passes quickly with the final bell ringing loudly through out the halls. Peanut Butter gives his work to Luna as he packs his bag. Luna puts the work aside and looks at Peanut Butter.
"P.B. we're going somewhere today with Celestia and Sunset." Luna mentions.
"Where are we going?"
"We're going to the boardwalk an hour away from here."
Peanut Butter has a faint smile on his face as he remembers going there with his family once during their first summer in Canterlot.
"That would be nice."
Luna smiles as she picks up her purse. Peanut Butter grabs his book bag and heads out the door with Luna behind him. They wait outside for Celestia and Sunset in front of the school for about five minutes before Celestia and Sunset Shimmer come out of the school. They all go over their plan before getting in their cars and go to the boardwalk. About halfway through the car ride Peanut Butter falls asleep in the car. Luna can hear a slight snore coming from him she glances over to him and sees a content look on his face. She looks back on the road as she thinks about the past few days and then about Home Run and the similarities between him and Peanut Butter. She looks at Peanut Butter again and sees the resemblance of Home Run in him. She checks the road again as her eyes catch something around Peanut Butter's eyes. She looks again and sees that they are tears. She realizes that he is crying in his sleep. She focuses on the road again letting him sleep in peace.
They arrive near the boardwalk about a block away as they enter a parking lot near by with the sounds of laughter, rides and games in the short distance. Luna parks her car and places her hand on Peanut Butter's shoulder, lightly pushing him to wake him up. He starts to stir and eventually wakes up. Luna smiles a bit.
"We're here P.B.." Luna says.
Peanut Butter yawns and stretches a bit. He gets out of the car and waits with Luna before they all head to the boardwalk. The boardwalk on one side has carnival games and buildings with red and white trim on the tops of them varying in size and the different colors of the main parts of the buildings with a Farris wheel at the end of it with smaller rides on the other side. They all go onto the boardwalk as Luna and Celestia let Peanut Butter and Sunset Shimmer walk ahead of them. Celestia pulls Luna aside to talk to her while still being in view of Sunset and Peanut Butter.
"So, how was he this morning?" Celestia asks.
"He apologized, he looked quite regretful of what he did."
"That's good, what about the day?"
"He was his usual quiet self, even at lunch from what Sunset told me. She said he looked bothered and that it relates to AppleJack."
"Well those two were close friends."
"That is true."
Celestia looks over Luna's shoulder and sees Peanut Butter and Sunset on the other side of the boardwalk a short distance ahead of them facing the water. She brings her attention back to Luna.
"So have you talked to an attorney about what you have planed for him yet?" Celestia asks.
"He said to give it about two months before going forward with the paperwork."
"I see."
Meanwhile Peanut Butter and Sunset Shimmer look over the water. Peanut Butter sighs and smirks as he watches the waves crash against the shore and posts supporting the boardwalk. Sunset stands next to him and smiles before she looks at him.
"Nice isn't it?" Sunset Shimmer asks.
"Yeah it is."
"So what's going on with you since yesterday after school?"
"I'd rather not talk about it."
"I know it has to do with A.J.."
"What makes you think that?"
"All day you've been avoiding any kind of contact with her and you weren't yesterday, also you weren't as quiet as you were yesterday."
"That obvious huh?"
"Yep."
"I found out I caused AppleJack to go through hell when I ran off, Bloom told me yesterday, I just, I just never thought of what she'd feel like after I left, though at the time I don't think I really cared."
"We all make mistakes, trust me I should know, but its what you do to fix what you did and learn from it that matters."
Peanut Butter smiles as he feels a weight lift off of his shoulders. With a sigh he looks over at Sunset Shimmer.
"Thanks Sunset, I really needed to hear that, I want to say sorry to her, but I have no idea how to tell her." Peanut Butter admits as he looks back to the water.
"I can help with that, but you have to tell her how you feel, understand?"
"Yeah."
"Okay, now let's go have some fun while we can."
"Yeah, I want to go on the wheel at least once."
"Fond memories I assume?"
"Yeah, my mom used to take me on it when we first moved to Canterlot, while dad was getting ice cream, she did it as payback for him getting us lost."
"Your mom sounds like the vengeful type."
"She was in a playful way."
"Ah."
They both run off down the boardwalk with Luna and Celestia still behind them. They watch the rides and go on a couple of them as they make their way to the Farris wheel. Peanut Butter's smile grows big from seeing it. Luna takes him onto one of the ride seats with Sunset and Celestia riding in another seat. They slowly reach the top as they overlook the rest of the beach.
"I can see why you like being on here." Luna mentions.
"Yeah, my mom and dad took me on here when I first moved to Canterlot."
"So this means a lot to you huh?"
"It does."
"I'm glad that you're sharing a memory with me."
"You're welcome."
Luna smiles as they stay at the top for five minutes before they start going down. They exit the ride fifteen minutes later and wait for Celestia and Sunset to exit the ride as well. They take their time leaving as they watch the sun set and the lights on the attractions turn on and enjoy the sights and sounds.
They go back the their cars and head to a small restaurant near by and eat dinner before driving home. Peanut Butter falls asleep in the first ten minutes. Luna focuses on the road though she can't shake the image of seeing him cry in his sleep. They both arrive home with Peanut Butter still fast asleep. Luna looks over and sees a small smile on his face as she gently pushes his shoulder. He mumbles something before waking up with half open eyes. He stretches a bit before getting out of the car and following Luna to the apartment and going inside before going to his room and falling asleep in his clothes and the door still open. Luna looks inside his room and giggles softly before closing the door.
Luna takes out her cell phone and calls Celestia. After a few rings Celestia picks up.
"Hey Tia, did you make it home safely?"
"That's good, no nothing happened, he just went to bed."
"He's so tired he didn't change out of his clothes."
"It got a chuckle out of me since I haven't seen that since college remember?"
"You studied way too much back then."
"Did you and Sunset have a good time?"
"Glad you two did."
"I'll probably keep him in my office for the rest of the week and try again on Monday."
"I know you're not trying to be the bad guy Tia."
"If it happens again I'll send him to the school shrink."
"We'll talk about this more tomorrow okay?"
"Good night Tia, love you too."
Luna shuts off her phone and sighs as she gets ready for bed thinking over of bringing Peanut Butter into the school setting again. She's worried what happened before will happen again. But she knows it has to happen eventually. She dresses in her pajamas and lays in bed still conflicted on what to do. She grabs one of her pillows and holds it tight and cries in frustration. She falls asleep a half hour later still unsure and conflicted with the situation as the embrace of sleep takes over.
Author's Note
Hope you all enjoy this. Let me know of any goofs I missed (it happens) Thank you all for supporting me this far :)
Applebloom quietly walks through the house tip toeing as she tries to miss the weak spots in the floor as she makes her way to the bathroom. She regrets drinking as much water as she did from eating Granny Smith's famous Tartarus Pepper Chili as she passes Applejack's room and notices a light is on in her room. She quietly presses her ear against the door expecting the usual noises she's heard for the past, This time however she hears crying. Applebloom lightly knocks on the door unsure if she is doing the right thing.
A few seconds later Applejack opens the door slightly and sees her.
"Shouldn't ya be in bed Bloom?" Applejack asks.
"I was goin' to the bathroom when I saw your light on an heard ya cryin', what's wrong?"
"Thanks for yer concern sis, but I don't wanna say."
"I can always tell Granny yer up late again."
Applejack sighs and opens the door wider to let Applebloom in. She enters the room and sits on the bed. The room itself is more homely with the country feel that is throughout the rest of the house though it is messy with clothes scattered everywhere and her bass standing in the corner with her desk covered in papers and books with an old picture in a frame standing up next to a couple Track and Field trophies. Applejack sits down on the chair at her desk and spins it towards Applebloom.
"Ya really wanna know Bloom?" Applejack asks.
"Yeah."
"I guess there is no way else outta it, ever since P.B. came back those old wounds have been openin' back up, whenever I see or think about him I get a sick feeling at the pit of mah stomach like I'm happy, but also feel sad too maybe or just seein' him the way it is makes me feel sorry for 'im that I couldn't help him or just, ah just don't know."
"How? I didn't notice anything like that from ya until now."
"After what happened to Ma and Pa I managed to know how ta, conceal it."
"Oh, well for a few nights now ah've been hearin moanin and stuff comin from your room too, what's with that?"
Applejack blushes a bit knowing full well what she's talking about as she tries to come up with a way to change the subject.
"You'll understand when yer older, I just have no idea what Ah'm gonna do, at least he doesn't know about this so I don't have ta worry about that, which is a relief."
"Yeah, about that, I kinda told him about what happened when he left way back then."
Applebloom looks at her with a small squeamish smile as she raises her shoulders up in a sort of scared reflex waiting for her sister to lash out at her. Applejack sighs in frustration though is also curious in how he reacted to the news. She takes a deep breath before exhaling trying to calm her nerves and looks at Applebloom.
"I'm not happy ya did that sis, But I want to know, what was his reaction to it?" Applejack asks in a curious tone.
"He looked pretty upset at it."
"Probably from guilt, that might explain why he was actin the way he was earlier today."
"Maybe you two should talk it out."
"Maybe."
Applejack's phone rings as they were talking and looks over to see it's Sunset Shimmer calling. She motions her hand towards Applebloom to leave her room by moving her hand towards the door. She obeys and leaves the room. Applejack answers the phone after shutting her bedroom door and locking it as she puts the phone to her ear.
"Hey Sunset." Applejack says calmly.
"I'm doin' ok, you?"
"Oh, you had your family trip today? Where'd ya go?"
"The boardwalk? That's a bit out there don't ya think?"
"Ah, so Luna's idea? She still tryin to get P.B. to come out of his shell?"
"Well if he's slowly doin' it I guess that's progress."
"Yeah Applebloom told me about that, can't say I'm glad she did, but his reaction is something I wasn't fully expectin'."
"Oh does he now? He should know by now that he can always come ta me if he needed someone ta talk to."
"He wants to talk ta me, but yer the one settin' it up, shows how much he cares."
"What do ya mean by an attitude?"
"Fine I'll do it."
"Yeah I can't promise not to go hard on him about it, but I'll try."
"Okay, good Night Sunset."
Applejack gets off her phone and throws it on the bed. She runs her hands through her hair frantically back and forth in frustration. She's mad at Applebloom, Sunset, and Peanut Butter. What she thought was under control turned into a mess and now has to put up with one of the few people she truly cared about back then though now her emotions are mixed about him between happiness, anger and something between regret and pity as she changes into her pajamas as she throws her day clothes to a corner and trust falls on top of her bed. She turns off her lamp that is next to her bed as she looks at the ceiling of her room with only the light of the moon to brighten the room slightly. Her heart beat starts to slow down as her mind slowly goes away from the frustration and drifts to her own imagination the more she looks at the ceiling of her room slowly calming her down. She slowly drifts off to her sleep into her dreams hoping that they will bring her some kind of comfort.
She opens her eyes to a master bedroom with a plaid blanket and oak bed frame on a king sized bed. She looks around and a couple of wooden dressers that look hand made with pictures on the top of them, a nightstand with a lamp and alarm clock on it, a television in front of the bed hanging on the wall and to her left a rocking chair with blankets on it by the window. She tries to get up and notices a full feeling at her stomach since she couldn't sit up properly as she starts to lay down again. The sound of feet hitting the wood floor with the sound of shouting of young voices is heard in the hallways and gets closer to the bedroom door.
"Mama, Apple Slice won't share his toys!" A small girl's voice screams.
"Apple Spice is lyin' mama!"
Applejack sighs as the two children climb on the bed. One is a girl with blonde hair braided like her's with hazel eyes and freckles along her face while wearing a sundress. The other is a boy slightly taller with dirty blonde within it. He is wearing glasses and is wearing his red shirt and blue jeans. They continue arguing in front of her causing her frustration to grow and lose her temper.
"Quiet both of ya, you two fight more than cats and dogs!" Applejack shouts.
The two children wince back in fear of her temper which has a reputation in the family. Applejack sighs before bringing them close to her and lays back in bed before noticing her stomach is sticking up under the blankets. The two children are still worried as Applejack sighs again.
"Look you two need to learn ta share now say sorry and go play, I'm tired." Applejack explains.
"Sorry." Apple Slice apologizes.
"Sorry." Apple Spice apologizes.
Apple Spice looks over at Applejack curiously.
"Mama?" Apple Spice asks.
"Yes?"
"Do ya know if it's gonna be a baby brother or sister?"
Applejack pauses for a bit. She smiles and looks at Apple Spice.
"Mama doesn't know yet baby girl." Applejack says softly before patting the top of Apple Spice's head.
Just then footsteps can be heard from down the hallway. They sound bigger compared to the kid's footsteps.
"What did I say about bothering your mother you two?" The voice asks. Clearly a man's voice.
"Sorry daddy." Apple Spice apologizes.
"Sorry daddy." Apple Slice apologizes.
"Now go find Auntie Applebloom while your mother and I spend some time together."
"Why can't we join you two?"
"Because I said so unless you want to see mommy and daddy kissing."
"Ewwww, come on Apple Slice let's git goin'."
They both run off out of the room just as the man was about to enter the room before everything goes white as she opens her eyes and sees she's back in her regular room with her alarm clock ringing. She moans as she gets up the dream still fresh in her mind. She gets up and grabs her towel before going to the bathroom to take a shower for what she feels will be a long day. Through out her shower her mind still lingers on the dream she had. She puts her head in the falling water of the shower and lets the water run through her hair and run down her face as she sighs slightly. She wonders why out of all the dreams she could of had it had to be that one. Her mind settles as she turns of the water and gets out to dry off and get ready for school. She groans at the fact that she has to talk to Peanut Butter today. Though as reluctant as she is about it she is willing to do so because Sunset asked her to though how it will go is uncertain to her. She finishes getting ready and goes downstairs to get breakfast and sees the rest of her family downstairs as well. She sits down at the table between Granny Smith and Applebloom with Big Mac making breakfast. Applejack has a tired expression on her face as her breakfast is placed in front of her.
"How'd ya sleep sis?" AppleBloom asks.
"Not that well."
"That's what ya get when you go ta bed angry."
"How did, how, how did you know that?"
"I mighta stayed by yer door after I left."
Applejack groans in frustration as Granny sighs staying silent as she reads the paper while she waits for them to finish their breakfast to bring them to school as Big Mac cleans up before heading to the orchard.
Meanwhile Peanut Butter sits in the hallway as he waits with Sunset Shimmer. He sighs looking over at Sunset Shimmer as his mind races from the thoughts of possibilities that may happen with the talk with Applejack as his mind fills with worry and panic. Sunset looks at him concerned trying to think of a way to cheer him up.
"It'll be ok P.B.." Sunset says with a small smile on her face.
Peanut Butter smiles back at Sunset's attempt to cheer him up before looking back to the floor again.
"Thanks for setting this up for me."
"You're welcome, she was reluctant at first, but I got her to agree to it."
"Doesn't surprise me tthough I feel like I deserve her anger."
"I didn't know you, her and Rarity went so far back until they mentioned it."
"Yeah."
He sighs just as someone stands in front of him. Peanut Butter looks up to see Applejack with a scowl and an angry look in her eyes.
"C'mon let's git this over with P.B.." Applejack sharply says in an angry tone of voice.
Rarity sits next to Sunset Shimmer as Peanut Butter gets up and follows Applejack.
"Applejack seems a bit crabby today, shark week?" Sunset Shimmer asks.
Rarity simply nods.
"This is going to be a long day." Sunset says as she pinches the bridge of her nose.
Applejack and Peanut Butter walk to a dark hallway on the other side of the school. Peanut Butter places his bag on the floor and stands in front of a very angry Applejack with her arms crossed. He stays silent as looks away from her too ashamed to even look at her. She sighs before speaking.
"This is how it's gonna go, I talk and you listen, once I say ah'm done then you talk, am I crystal clear?" Applejack says.
He nods not saying a word.
"Outta all the stupid things you did back then you thought running away was the best option? did ya ever think how your little stunt could have hurt me and Rarity back then? you mightah not been in the right mindset at the time, but my god that was fucking stupid! I was destroyed after ya ran off ta god knows where, then five years later ya suddenly pop outta nowhere back here, haven't ya done enough ta me five years ago? now ya have to come back here thinkin' that we were just gonna get along again like then? sorry ta break it to ya P.B. that's not how life works, I am mad at ya and I will be for a very long time! cause right now we ain't friends, you left that five years ago, so you have a choice here P.B, you can either stay here and actually fix what you broke and show me ya wanna repair that bridge you burned or you can pick up your bag and leave again and do more damage though I bet you have done plenty of that in those five years ya left us, so what is it gonna be?"
Peanut Butter stays silent and falls to his knees speechless. Applejack glares at him.
"So ya really want to make things better after all."
Peanut Butter gets up and is met with a hard pain in his gut and sees Applejack's fist against his chest.
"That's fer runnin' away!"
He stands straight again and is met with a slap to his face by Applejack.
"That's fer hurtin' me and Rarity."
He braces for another hit when he is met with an embrace of a hug.
"That's fer coming back and stayin' fer good."
He feels tears rolling down his face as he returns the hug.
"I'm so sorry A.J.." Peanut Butter says softly as he cries.
They both let go of each other and head back to the others. Sunset is the first to notice the mark on Peanut Butter's face. Her eyes go wide in shock as she gets up and grabs Applejack's wrist and drags her off not saying a word as Peanut Butter sits back down. Rarity looks in shock as well and tries to get her make up kit. The others see and have the same reaction as Rarity and Sunset. Though Fluttershy takes it a bit harder as she buries her face in her hands. Peanut Butter stops Rarity by placing his hand on the hand with the makeup kit.
"Rarity don't, I deserved this." He says somberly as he points to his cheek with a clear red hand print on it.
"No one deserves something like that, even if you did mess up it's still wrong, now stay still."
He let's go of her hand as she opens up the small box and tries to match his skin color. He sits speechless since he knew that there was no winning an argument with Rarity. Bad enough he is still processing the conversation with Applejack. Regret is flooding his mind as Rarity puts on the finishing touches and looks over her work.
"That should cover it up, don't go touching it P.B.." Rarity says in a stern though calm tone.
"I won't and thanks."
"Think none of it."
Meanwhile Sunset drags Applejack to the girl's bathroom. She pushes her against the wall on the other side of the bathroom and slams her hand next to her head hitting the wall with a loud slapping sound. Applejack's expression unchanging.
"What the actual fuck Applejack!? why the fuck would you hit him?" Sunset shouts.
"He deserved it Sunset, for what he did to me and Rarity, what I did to him was me holdin' back, I would 'ave done a whole lot worse ta him."
"What do you think will happen when Luna or my mom finds out? when he's not with them he is my responsibility, in my eyes you are no better than him when it comes to making stupid choices, I have to get back to him and hope I can do damage control if it comes to that, think long and hard A.J., because you might have done more damage than he ever did."
Sunset leaves the bathroom to check on Peanut Butter as Applejack has a look of terror on her face that changes to one of regret like the one Peanut Butter has. Sunset's words echo through her head. She sighs before she picks her bag up and silently heads back to everyone else.
Sunset looks over Rarity's work as they wait for the bell to ring. Rarity sees Applejack and gives her a disappointed glare. Applejack looks down from it knowing full well why. The others give her the cold shoulder as they chat among themselves. She sits quietly among the others before the bell rings. Once it does they go their own way with Sunset walking Peanut Butter to Luna's office while debating in her head whether to say something to Luna and Celestia or not. Peanut Butter sees the conflicted look on her face and looks towards her with a small smile.
"If they find out I got your back, trust me they don't scare me after the shit I've been through." Peanut Butter says.
"You sure? I don't want you to get in trouble."
"Why would I get into trouble?"
"Because you're covering for me."
"Like I said I've been through worse."
"If you say so."
They go to the main office to have Peanut Butter start his school work. Peanut Butter parts with Sunset Shimmer with a confident look on his face as he walks into Luna's office and sits down as Sunset heads off to class. As Peanut Butter walks in Luna is finishing a call.
"So tomorrow at four? that works for me, I'll see you then, goodbye." Luna says before hanging up and leaning back in her chair.
Peanut Butter sits down and starts on his school work. Luna looks over at him and softly smiles as she remembers the sight of Home Run working. Though her mind goes back to the matters at hand.
"We need to talk P.B.." Luna says.
"About what?"
"About you going to classes with the rest of the students, I know it didn't work before, but I feel we will try it again after this weekend, I've set you up with smaller classes so you should be okay, also I have an appointment to go to so you'll be visiting Celestia and Sunset for a while until I pick you up, you probably know the same rules apply with them as it does with me, don't try anything."
"Not surprised you'd say that Luna."
"Don't get snippy with me."
"Okay no need to get your panties in a bunch."
"Excuse me?"
He sighs and says nothing as he gets back to his school work. Luna just glares and looks the other way. Peanut Butter rolls his eyes though tries to solve a problem on his math sheet as he slowly starts to get frustrated with him starting to sigh loudly and soon scratching his head in frustration. Luna gets up from her desk and goes to him.
"I see you're having trouble." Luna mentions.
"Ya think?"
"Enough of the snarky attitude and let me see."
"Fine."
"Here's the issue, you're supposed to move the five below the fifty-seven, now just divide that."
"Thanks."
"At least you have manners."
"Hey!"
Luna giggles before sitting down and working on paper work as Peanut Butter returns to his own work.
Meanwhile Applejack and Rarity sit in study hall catching up on some school work. AppleJack shows a look of regret on her face as she reads for her English class while Rarity is writing in her notebook. They both stay in silence as they continue their work. Rarity looks up at Applejack with a raised eyebrow.
"Was what you did to him really needed?" Rarity asks.
Applejack snaps out of her concentration and looks at Rarity with a distant and guilty look on her face.
"In hindsight ah guess not, but Rarity what he did to us back then-"
"That is exactly my point Applejack, it was in the past, what he did wasn't right yes, but what you did wasn't right as well."
"I already had this talk with Sunset, Rarity\, ah don't need it from you too."
"Yes you do Applejack, I want you to do the right thing at lunch and say sorry to him."
Applejack groans in frustration.
"Fine I will, if it'll get you and Sunset off my back."
"No need for the attitude."
Applejack continues her reading for a few minutes when the speaker system comes on.
"May Applejack and Sunset Shimmer please report to the main office, may Applejack and Sunset Shimmer please report to the main office." the office secretary says over the intercom.
Rarity raises an eyebrow and looks at Applejack with a bit of concern. Applejack gets up and gets her book bag before heading to the main office. Her frustration grows as she knows the reason. As she walks the hallways she notices that Sunset isn't in sight. She just shakes her head and assumes that she is already there. Though she regrets slapping Peanut Butter she doesn't regret her words. She feels that all of her demons needed to be let out. Though her mind shifts to what is next since she let them out and has lost all fuel to her fire. Though a part of her feels that maybe now the bridge can be repaired. She reaches the door to the main office and opens it only to be led to Celestia's office where she sees Sunset looking down in depression and sees Peanut Butter with the mark on his face from her slapping him with an angry scowl towards Celestia and Luna. Celestia and Luna themselves look at Applejack with a displeased look. Luna jesters her to sit down next to Sunset. She looks at Celestia bracing herself for the worst.
"Applejack, care to explain why you assaulted P.B.?" Celestia asks.
"I already told you why Celestia, no need to grill her as well, why is Sunset here too?" Peanut Butter asks Celestia.
"Not now P.B.."
"Yes now Celestia, yeah she slapped me, but I had it five years coming, so it isn't as if she did it without reason."
"That is enough P.B.!" Luna sternly shouts with frustration in her voice from Peanut Butter's rebellious behavior.
"It'll be enough when I say it's enough damn it! I explained everything and that they don't have to get involved or in trouble from it, but since you obviously fucking forgot about it let me say it again, Applejack and I talked and let out the demons we had since I left, she hit me from her frustration and I took it because I had it five years coming, we went back to Sunset had the mark covered up and yelled at A.J., she was debating on telling you, but I told her it was okay not to tell you."
Luna is at the end of her rope as she goes to Peanut Butter and stares him in the eye.
"Now you listen here, you have already been a hair strain away from the phone call to send you up river and if you don't want me to push the boat I suggest you keep your mouth shut and have us deal with this by the book, do I make myself clear?"
Peanut Butter stares at Luna in the eyes for a good minute before he walks past her pushing her aside before opening the door and slamming it shut. Luna follows him out into the secretary room in between Luna's and Celestia's office. She sees the door to her office close before hearing the inevitable slam as the door shuts. She groans with frustration as she pinches the bridge of her nose as she returns to Celestia's office. Celestia sighs before turning her attention to Sunset and Applejack.
"I'll just cut to the chase with this, Applejack you're suspended from school until next week, Sunset your punishment will be discussed later, so take your chair and face the corner, Applejack stay in the lobby until you are picked up." Celestia says in a stern voice as she stares at them.
Applejack leaves Celestia's office and sits in the lobby while Sunset picks up her chair and sets it in the corner. Luna goes back to her office to see a window cracked open and Peanut Butter looking out of it. He looks at her still angry before giving her the cold shoulder and looking away. She sits down silently as the room is thick with the feeling of tension.
The rest of the day no words were said between them as they head home and stay away from each other with the occasional crossing of paths here and there. The night was no different as Peanut Butter looks up at the ceiling still angry and also concerned for Sunset and Applejack. He drifts to sleep while Luna is in her room on the phone with Celestia.
"He hasn't said or even looked at me since this morning." Luna says.
"I do intend on just leaving him alone."
"Maybe we did do this wrong the more I think about it personally speaking."
"I'm not doing that punishment on him Tia, I might be new to parenting, but I know when there are lines, so I take it Sunset is getting that as her punishment?"
"I remember the last time you did that to her."
"I wonder about you sometimes Tia."
"Alright, good night Tia."
"Love you too sis."
She hangs up her phone and tosses it to the other side of her bed as her mind drifts off to the events earlier as she feels conflicted between her going by the books and her feeling that she should have sided with Peanut Butter as she falls asleep.
The following morning the tension between Luna and Peanut Butter has remained though less intense than yesterday as Peanut Butter eats his cereal while Luna reads the paper. She looks at Peanut Butter and sees the scowl on his face as guilt takes over her mind. She closes her eyes and takes a deep breath before opening her eyes to look at him again.
"Look P.B., I'm sorry for losing my temper yesterday, it's just that we have to follow by the books." Luna says.
Peanut Butter looks down and away from Luna and puts down his spoon.
"Do you want to know the one thing that pisses me off the most?, it's when I'm being ignored and no one listens to me when I have something to say or just being brushed aside."
Luna looks away at the realization that she did just that to him yesterday.
"I'm sorry that I did that to you."
"I'm used to it at this point, though I still get angry about it, just don't brush me off when I try to speak okay?"
"I'll keep that in mind, come on we best be going."
"Okay, I'm still mad though."
"I expect you to be for a while."
They both leave the apartment and get in the car and head to the school with Peanut Butter looking out the window. As the radio plays as he looks out the window. He feels his heart beat through the drums as the bass and guitar flow through him as he feels the lyrics speak to him. As his head bobs up and down.
At a stop light Luna looks over to him and sees him gently moving his head up and down to the beat. She turns the music up slightly watching his reaction. Luna sees no real change in his reaction as she continues to drive.
They reach the school and go inside to the main office. But instead of Luna's office they head into Celestia's Office with Celestia at her desk and Sunset Shimmer sitting facing the corner as Luna has Peanut Butter sit at a small table in the corner of her office. He sits on one of the chairs as he places his bag by his left.
"I have stuff to do for the day that came up at the last minute so you'll be under Celestia's supervision until I pick you up tonight, I expect you to obey her within reason." Luna says.
"I will."
"Good."
Luna turns to Celestia with a look of concern before she leaves. When the door shuts, Peanut Butter gets to school work until Celestia speaks up.
"You know you don't have to start your work right now." Celestia says.
Peanut Butter ignores her and goes back to his work. The expression on his face is emotionless as he stares at his schoolwork as he fills out the answers. Celestia sighs and looks over to Sunset Shimmer and takes out her school work and places it on the table opposite of Peanut Butter.
"When the bell rings I want you to get to work, understood?" Celestia asks.
Sunset looks down and responds in a deadpan tone. "Yes mom."
Celestia goes to her desk and sits down. She goes through paperwork with the occasional glance at Peanut Butter as he works. Papers taking up half the table as he works. She smirks and raises an eyebrow as she watches before returning to her work. The bell rings a couple minutes later as Sunset turns to do her work.
Half way through the day Celestia gets up and checks on Peanut Butter and Sunset Shimmer to see Peanut Butter curled up on the chair writing in the notebook that was given to him. She looks at the table and sees that his work is completed. She picks it up and looks it over to see it all completed to her surprise. She remembers Luna giving enough work to keep him busy the whole day. He looks up from his notebook towards Celestia with half open eyes with the same expressionless look on his face as he turns back to his notebook and continues to write. Celestia tries to look, Though he moves it away from her view. She quietly returns to her desk and types on her keyboard.
Meanwhile Luna is sitting in a white walled office in front of a desk with a relatively old computer in the back corner of the desk with files and paperwork in front of her. Behind the desk is an old woman with peppered hair as her face clearly shows her age from her wrinkles to her posture as she sits in her chair. Luna shuffles her feet around as she waits. The older woman turns to her with a sigh.
"Well miss Solstice there is good news and bad news, the good news is that he does have paperwork and things can get into motion, the bad news is that because he's been on the run for so long they didn't to put him on the database when everything was being updated so it will take a couple of months to find it and have them here to be updated before we can start the process that you requested, though with you filling out the forms and having new records it will make updating his information much easier." The woman says.
"Thank you for doing this."
"Its my job, before you go, how has he been so far in your care?"
"He's been distant most of the time, at times we talk though very briefly."
"I see, well thank you for coming, I'll call you when we are ready to continue."
"Okay, thank you again."
Luna gets up and leaves the office. She makes her way to the car and gets in. She smiles before turning on the car and driving off towards a nearby flower shop.
Back at the school Peanut Butter looks out the window of Celestia's office as the leaves blow in the wind while he eats his lunch with Sunset. He looks down at his food slowly eating it. He stops after a couple of bites and places his fork down and goes back to his curled up position hiding his head in between his legs and body. Sunset looks at him with a glimmer in her eyes.
"Are you okay P.B.?" Sunset asks.
"You didn't have to do that to A.J. you know."
"I wasn't going to let her just beat you up like that and have her get away with it."
"Still,"
"There is no 'still' in it, I knew the risks and I did it anyways."
"After I said that I would take responsibility for it Sunset."
"Doesn't matter,"
Just as she was about to finish her sentence Celestia walks in and sees Peanut Butter's food is barely touched. She squints her eyes and sighs slightly as she sees him curled up in a ball again.
"What's wrong P.B.?" Celestia asks.
"Nothing."
Celestia raises an eyebrow at this before Sunset speaks up.
"He still feels guilty about Applejack and I getting in trouble."
"I see, everyone makes choices P.B., they made the wrong ones and are facing the consequences to those choices."
He looks away as he pushes his food away from him. Celestia crosses her arms, closes her eyes and sighs a bit.
"P.B. you need to eat, Luna will have my head and yours if you don't eat something." Celestia says in a slightly annoyed tone.
He shakes his head giving off his usual deadpan expression as he squints his eyes and looks away. His breathing is slow and exaggerated as it sounds more like a sigh than a regular breath. Celestia pushes the food towards him. Peanut Butter ignores it.
"P.B. both of our heads will roll if you don't eat something." Celestia says.
Peanut Butter gets up from his chair and leaves the office without saying a word. Celestia tries to go after him but he's gone before she can find him. She goes back to the office and sits on her chair rubbing her forehead and groans in annoyance.
Meanwhile Luna drives towards an open field just outside of the city, She glances at a bouquet of purple lilacs and red roses on the passenger seat as she enters the gated field and drives on the path to the middle of the field near a tree with leaves that have turned shades of yellow and oranges as the gentle breeze shakes them slightly with some falling off. She stops and takes the bouquet before getting out. She goes to a small headstone in the ground and kneels down to take out the old flowers that are in a small flower pot by the stone and puts the new ones in. She gets up and sighs as she stands in silence for a couple minutes. Her breathing is heavy as she holds back her tears. She decides to walk around the cemetery to gather her thoughts as she crosses through one of the large headstones and glances at it. She freezes in place as she reads it. The swelling feeling from a short moment ago returning twofold. Tears run down her face as she continues to read the headstone with multiple names on it.
Here Lies Home Run, Autumn Spice and Ginger Snap
A family taken before their time and will be missed
Luna feels the tears run down her face as she sees four separate flower pots. One above each name and one in the middle. The flowers in each are old and withered. She looks at the date of their death and takes note of it before taking out the flowers from the pot and returns to the small headstone and takes out four flowers from the pot.
"I hope you don't mind sharing mom." Luna says with her voice cracking slightly.
She returns to the large headstone and places a flower in each of the flower pots. She kneels down in front of it and looks at Home Run's name.
"I hoped we'd see each other in better situations than this," Luna says as her voice keeps breaking.
"He's just like you in so many ways, he's broken, I'm doing what I can though, your son, he's bright, stubborn at times though humble, he gets his cockiness from you I know,"
The raw emotion continues to grow and come to the surface as her eyes well up and her breathing is fast paced as her hands shake.
"I just miss you so damn much."
Luna lets the tears flow down as she puts her hands to her face covering it up and sobbing into them. After a few minutes she gets up as she calms down before turning to her car. As she gets in she looks at her phone to see she has missed calls from Celestia. She touches the screen on her phone and presses it to her ear as it rings. The ringing stops after a few seconds when Celestia picks up.
"What's going on Tia?" Luna asks.
"What do you mean he ran off? I left him in your care, what did you do?"
"Tia, if he's anything like his father you don't push him to do things he doesn't want to do."
"I have one more appointment to go to and then I'll be over there if you haven't found him by then."
"Yes it's the important one."
"Okay, let me know where you found him and leave him alone, I'll talk to him when I get there."
"Love you too sis, your turn to visit tomorrow by the way."
She hangs up and sighs before starting her car and driving to her last appointment of the day. She sighs as she gets on the road leading into the city as leaves dance across the road both on the ground and in the air. As she drives she stays silent looking ahead of the road with the radio softly playing.
At the Apple Family house Applejack is in her room at her desk. She scratches her head as she is hunched over her desk. She groans before she tosses the papers on her desk into the air and leans back on her chair starring at the ceiling. She gets a knock on her bedroom door that snaps her out of her mindset causing her to nearly fall backwards as she grabs the desk to pull her up right before getting up and getting to her door. She opens it to reveal a tall male with orange hair on his head with a build of a construction worker with large muscular arms wearing a red t-shirt, blue jeans and tan boots.
"Hey Big Mac." Applejack says in a deadpan expression.
"It’s time to start work on the field sis, Granny's orders."
"Alright ahm comin'."
Applejack puts on her shoes and walks out her room and shuts the door as she heads outside to the apple orchard behind the house. She climbs up a ladder with a basket and picks the apples off the tree. Big Mac takes one of the full baskets from earlier to the barn near by. After an hour Applejack is half way done with the row of trees she started as Big Mac passes her again. Applejack looks at him from the top of the ladder.
"Hey Mac?" Applejack asks with a bit of strain in her voice.
"What is it little sis?"
"If someone you knew from way yer childhood disappeared for a long time and suddenly pop up outta no where, how would you react?"
"Depends on why they left I guess."
"Fer no reason."
"Ah wouldn't know."
"You know who I'm talkin' about huh?"
"Eeyup."
"He's been back fer about a week ya know."
"He's been here for longer actually, helps me every once in a while here and at the stand when I have to go take care of somethin'."
"Then why didn't ya tell me?"
"He asked me ta not say anythin' so he didn't hurt ya."
Applejack is speechless as she processes what he said as her eyes go wide and her breathing slows down.
"Don't go zonin' out up there A.J., you'll hurt yourself."
Applejack snaps out of it and sighs before going down the ladder with her basket. She sighs and looks away.
"Maybe ah was too harsh on 'im."
"Maybe isn't the right word sis."
"Yer right Mac, I was just.... I don't know."
"Well once your able to come back you should try to make it up ta him."
"I should."
"Now that's out of the way time ta get back to work, ya still got a long way to go."
Applejack gets up and returns to her chore with a small smile on her face though the rest of her face expresses otherwise.
At Canterlot High, Celestia looks around the school trying to find Peanut Butter as she hears shouting coming from the weight room next to the gym as she looks inside to see Peanut Butter with the boxing club and Iron Will as she sees Peanut Butter in the ring with another student. Though Peanut Butter lacks any of the gear aside from gloves. Peanut Butter keeps his arms up and moves around the ring as the other student throws punches at him at a fast pace though Peanut Butter keeps his arms up. Just as the student was about to throw another punch Peanut Butter moves left and ducks down before striking the other student in the chest taking the wind out of him as the student falls down. Peanut Butter helps the student he beat out of the ring and gets out himself. Celestia sighs and moves away from the window before taking out her phone to call Luna.
"I found him Lulu, He's with the boxing club." Celestia says in a relaxed tone.
"Luna don't freak out, He held his own."
"No you don't need to rush back, I'll wait here for him and take him to my place like we planned."
"Yes I'm sure."
"Okay, see you tonight."
Celestia hangs up and returns to her office to see Sunset Shimmer reading a book. She sits on her chair and leans back waiting for Peanut Butter to return.
"I swear he's going to be the death of Luna and I." Celestia says with a small groan in her voice.
"I take it you didn't find him mom?"
"I did, he's with the boxing club."
"Somehow I'm not surprised, though I thought he wasn't fond of large crowds of people."
"Well it seems I gave him the push to come out of his shell."
"Let's just hope he comes back here afterwards."
"Yeah."
An hour passes before the knob to Celestia's office turns and Peanut Butter walks in with a small smile on his face. Celestia glares at him with a displeased look with her eyebrows low.
"Where were you?" Celestia asks in a scolding tone.
"I was with some boxing club, it was fun."
"You don't go running off like that."
"You shouldn't have pushed me."
"I was looking out for you."
"I have been taking care of myself for five years, I don't need someone to look out for me."
"Yes you do."
"No I don't."
"P.B. enough, just sit down and let her finish her work so we can go home!" Sunset shouts.
Peanut Butter rolls his eyes and sits back down. Celestia returns to her work and about a half hour later gets up and gathers her belongings which prompt Sunset and Peanut Butter to do the same before they all leave the school and get into her car to go home. Peanut Butter stays silent as he looks out the window. The car ride is silent with the exception of the radio playing softly. They arrive a half hour later to a good sized white trimmed house with bricks at the bottom and a green lawn with some fallen leaves from a tree next door. Celestia pulls into the garage as they all get out. They enter to a large kitchen with a medium sized table in the middle as Celestia puts her bag down by the door and heads to the kitchen to make dinner. Sunset goes towards the living room and down a hall to the last door on the left and enters is as Peanut Butter is standing in the hallway by the kitchen, unsure of what to do. Celestia glances at him and softly smiles.
"You can make yourself at home, it'll be a long while before Luna gets you," Celestia says.
Peanut Butter looks down shuffling his feet a bit before taking his shoes off and going to the living room to sit down on the couch.
"Since we aren't at the school I guess we can talk and not get into an argument hopefully, about earlier, I'm sorry for pushing you, I shouldn't have done it I should have thought of a better way, as for yesterday Luna and I feel terrible about it, we should have listened but like I said rules are rules and like it or not we live by them and follow them. though you probably did whatever you could to survive."
"Yeah I did, some things I regret doing," Peanut Butter sighs and holds his shoulder with his hand. "but I had to survive."
"Is something wrong with your shoulder?"
"No, just a bit sore is all."
Celestia raises an eyebrow to his response though says nothing and returns to cooking.
"So any interesting stories from your adventures?"
"Not really, sleep under a bridge or an abandoned house if I was lucky during the night, survive in the day."
"Ah so you never joined a gang or anything?"
Peanut Butter starts to get hot under the collar as his palms start to sweat and turns a bright shade of red.
"No I didn't."
"Oh?, your actions and body are saying otherwise."
"I'd rather not talk about it and please say nothing about it to anyone."
"Alright."
The house stays silent as Celestia cooks with Sunset in her room as part of her punishment and Peanut Butter deep in thought on the couch. A half hour passes before the sound of a car pulling into the driveway is heard. Peanut Butter looks to see Luna getting out of the car and heading to the front door as Celestia goes to open it. When Celestia opens the door and Luna enters glaring at Peanut Butter.
"Why did you go against what I told you?" Luna asks in a harsh and angry tone.
Peanut Butter stays silent.
"You had me worried for no reason."
"Why worry about some street rat?"
"Because," Luna breaks her glare from a loss of words. A minute passes before she speaks again "because your father would have had me watch over you to begin with if anything happened to him."
"Then why didn't you when he died?"
"I was in a dark place at the time."
Peanut Butter sighs and looks away from her. "Of course it would be for him, that's all anyone that knew him that I came to did it for and looks like you're no different."
He gets up and goes to the hallway before he puts on his shoes. Luna and Celestia look at him with confusion.
"Where are you going?" Luna asks with a small crack in her voice.
"A walk, if you're that worried about me running off Sunset can come with me, at least she cares about me."
Celestia turns her head to the hallway by the living room.
"Sunset can you come here?" Celestia shouts.
Sunset comes out of her room and towards Celestia.
"What's up?"
"I need you to go with Peanut Butter on his walk."
"Okay, I just need to put my shoes on first."
Sunset goes to her room and puts on her shoes before joining Peanut Butter who is already outside the house. They both walk into the distance as Celestia and Luna stay at the house. Luna falls to her knees crying into her hands that are covering her face as Celestia tries to comfort her.
Author's Note
Yes it ended on a cliffhanger, But the stuff after is better off as it's own chapter. Any mistakes let me know and let me know what you think of the chapter.
Peanut Butter and Sunset Shimmer walk about a half mile in silence before Sunset decides to speak.
"Look, I don't understand what just happened between you, my mom, and Luna, but we have to go back at some point." Sunset worries.
"At this point, I don't know if I want to go back."
"Must have been pretty bad huh?"
"Luna's only talking care of me because of I'm my father's son, she doesn't care about me, she cares about him,"
Sunset looks away from him unsure of what to say next as she takes out her phone quietly and records the conversation.
"Though out those five years I've been away each person I came to only took me in as if I was a trophy going 'Hey, look, I'm taking care of Home Run's son, THE Home Run.' I hate it and it only gets worse with each mention."
"I'm sorry to hear that."
"If that's all I'm going to be maybe I'm better off alone."
"No one deserves to be alone, I should know, I was alone for the longest time."
"How so?"
"Doing stupid things and having ideals that ended up being the end of me at the time," Sunset hesitates to mention her turning into a she demon and being blasted by a magical rainbow. "After I was knocked down a few pegs by a few people I saw what I did wrong and felt miserable about it, thankfully the friends I have now helped me get on the right track along with Celestia."
"That doesn't relate to me though, I always lived under his shadow and was only known about because of him," Peanut Butter's eyes start to well up as his voice cracks. "After he died I was invisible to everyone, like I never existed."
"I wasn't trying to compare my situation to yours, I was just saying that you shouldn't be alone."
"Sorry I'm just," Tears start to fall down Peanut Butter's face. "It's making me think this past week was all just a lie, that I'm just meant to be non existent. Seems like the only people that care about me are you and Rares."
"Wow, I never knew, But what about AppleJack?"
"At this point I lost that friendship from her when I left, I'm surprised Rarity still stuck around."
"She might come around though."
"Doubt it, she wasn't the forgiving sort when I was still around."
"That was then, this is now."
"True, though I doubt she changed."
"I can't say."
"I know."
"So I've been meaning to ask, why the change from how you were a week ago to now?"
"I guess you can say I was knocked down quite a few pegs myself, something we have in common."
"Yeah."
"I haven't had a chance to really think about the change other than that, maybe deep down I just had enough and this was a way to come back, though I'm doubting that at this point."
"Don't go doubting yourself."
"I just don't know at this point."
"Where are we going anyways?"
"Some place quiet."
Sunset stops recording and continues to follow.
After walking for an hour they come across a cemetery, Peanut Butter jumps the fence with Sunset Shimmer following behind him unsure of his actions. They walk the field of headstones until they reach a large headstone with three names on it each name covering a separate plot and is black and smooth, Peanut Butter sits on the grass and stares at the stone, Sunset follows and sits next to him and records again, hiding it from him. Peanut Butter sits in silence as Sunset Shimmer observes.
"You still miss them huh?" Sunset questions as she looks at the headstone.
"Everyday I miss them, if I had the power to, I'd bring them back."
"I think if anyone had that kind of power they'd do the same."
"I just want to be recognized for something I did, not my mom or dad."
"Well maybe now could be your chance."
"Who knows, at this rate though I doubt it."
Sunset looks at the flower pots around the headstone and in front of it and smiles.
"Looks like you really care since you gave them nice flowers."
"What do you," Peanut Butter inquires as he looks to see the new flowers in place, his eyes welling up again. "mean?, I didn’t put those there."
"If it wasn't you, then who?"
Back at Celestia's home Luna is curled up on the couch looking down with her eyes red and puffy from her crying. Celestia places a small cup in front of her and sits next to her pulling her into a hug.
"It'll be okay Lulu, Sunset is with him remember?" Celestia says in a soft voice.
"I screwed this whole thing up."
"No you didn't."
Just then Celestia's phone rings from her receiving a message. She gets up and sees its from Sunset Shimmer and the message has an audio recording.
"Clever girl, though she'll be grounded from her phone for longer."
Celestia goes back to Luna and plays the audio recording. As they listen to the recording Luna sinks back into the couch as she curls herself up tighter into a ball as she slowly starts to cry again. Celestia returns to comforting her as she thinks of what to say.
"Everything will be okay Lulu." Celestia says calmly.
"I screwed everything up! What would Home Run think?"
"And there lies the problem, you obsess on what Home Run would think and do this all for him, P.B. is not Home Run."
"But he's still Home Run's son."
"I know, but he's still his own person, he wants to escape that shadow his father cast, give him that chance Luna."
"How?"
"Start by apologizing to him, you can also start with how he finished a full day's work in a quarter of the time."
"He really did that?"
Celestia nods.
"He's a very bright kid, maybe you should compliment that."
"I should, I should have been more considerate of him," Luna rubs her eyes. "It's just knowing that he's Home Run's son makes it feel like I'm obligated to do this."
"Well you didn't know when you first took him in,"
"Like I had a choice."
"You had a choice, either take him in or just call the cops and be done with him, you saw something in him that he can’t if with the right guidance and support could become something amazing and to be proud of didn't you?"
Luna stays silent hiding her face once again. Celestia sends a text to Sunset asking where they are before comforting Luna again.
"Will you be okay by yourself Luna while I pick up Sunset and P.B.?"
"I should be okay Tia."
Celestia's phone buzzes a minute later as she gets up and answers it as she puts on her shoes and takes Luna's keys before heading out. Luna stays on the couch as she catches a third wind and cries again.
Back at the cemetery Peanut Butter sits still looking at the grass while Sunset has her hand on his shoulder.
"Celestia is on her way to pick us up."
Peanut Butter stays silent as he continues to stare at the grass. Sunset sighs as a small rumble of thunder can be heard. Sunset sighs again as she gets up and notices Luna's car pulling in with Celestia driving.
"She's here." Sunset informs Peanut Butter as she heads to the car.
Peanut Butter gets up and joins Sunset and gets in the car when Celestia pulls up. He gets into the backseat and looks out the window after shutting the door. They all stay silent on the car ride back as small drops of rain hit the windshield. They pull into the driveway and go back inside Celestia's house with Peanut Butter walking slowly behind them and avoiding eye contact with Luna who is still on the couch. He sits on the floor next to the couch and curls up looking towards the window with his back against the arm of the couch. Sunset goes with Celestia to help finish cooking dinner.
After five minutes of silence Luna looks towards Peanut Butter's direction seeing the top part of his head. She puts her head down.
"I heard you completed a day's work in a quarter of the time, I'm impressed." Luna mentions with a bit of pride in her voice.
Peanut Butter lifts his head up and looks towards Luna, surprised at her sudden compliment.
"You really mean that?"
"Yes I do, you're a pretty gifted person if you can do that."
"Thanks," He cracks a small smile. "that means a lot to me."
"You're welcome,"
Peanut Butter stays silent looking at Luna.
"Look, I'm sorry for what I said earlier, I was just upset at the time and didn't think what I was saying," Luna admits as she looks at him with tears still in her eyes. "I probably broke what little trust you had towards me and hopefully you forgive me."
"I," Peanut Butter's voice cracks slightly as his well up once more. "I forgive you."
"So quickly?"
"Yes and no, I forgive you, but not completely."
"I understand."
Celestia looks at them with a content smile before she speaks.
"Dinner is ready you two." Celestia says.
Luna and Peanut Butter get up and head to the table as thunder booms outside and see the heavy rain pour.
"It's been raining a lot lately hasn't it?" Luna asks.
"It's supposed to be like this for the rest of the week, I hate rainy season I swear."
"The drive home is going to be a nightmare."
"You know you're welcome to spend the night here."
"We'll see Tia."
Celestia returns to the dining room with Sunset behind her both sitting down and all of them start to eat. Peanut Butter eats his food slowly as he stares at his plate and keeping to himself. Everyone else eats though it is more quiet compared to most times that Luna is over for dinner. After dinner the rain dies down as Luna looks out to check the weather. She turns to Celestia as she gathers her purse and puts on her shows with Peanut Butter getting his belongings too and follows her to the door.
"I'll see you both tomorrow." Luna says in a tired voice.
"See you two later."
With that Peanut Butter and Luna leave and head home. Celestia sighs and looks at Sunset Shimmer.
"I thank you for going with him so willingly." Celestia thanked in a happy tone.
"I felt it was the right thing to do, he needed someone that could contact Luna or you."
"That was more of his idea to keep the cops off his tail, but it was a good call on his part."
"Do you think Aunt Luna is lightening up on him?"
"I can't really say for certain, but it looks like it, though maybe not for the right reasons until now at least."
"I think it was an eye opener for both of them."
"Hopefully, but we won't know right away,"
Celestia opens her hand towards Sunset Shimmer.
"Also hand me your phone, you were supposed to be grounded from it." Celestia scolds as she has a stern look on her face.
Sunset hands her phone over to Celestia before looking out the window. She sighs before going back to her room to continue her homework. Celestia smirks before going to her room.
The ride home for Luna and Peanut Butter is quiet as they head home. Peanut Butter stares out the window as the rain still falls down with Luna focusing on the road. The feeling in the air is calm yet cold as if it was the calm before either a storm or a cool sunny day. They reach home and go inside as the rain starts to pick up. Peanut Butter takes off his shoes and goes to his room with Luna going into hers and falls onto her bed with a long sigh. The rest of the night was quiet as Peanut Butter and Luna were left to their own devices as the night came and sleep follows close behind.
Author's Note
Short chapter this time, expect a holiday one shot soon :)
The rest of the week and weekend go by with little to no change from that night, silence and time for space.
As the new school week starts, Luna and Peanut Butter make their way to the school the leaves have become more prominent on the ground than on the trees as the air gets colder. Luna pulls into her parking spot and pulls out a CD player with a pair of headphones and gives them to Peanut Butter.
"I know these past few days haven't been the best and after last week's attempt I think this will help, I used to use it when I was first got this job, I also made a new CD for you based on what you've been reacting to while in the car."
He looks at it and smiles slightly as he slides the headset around his head before sliding it around his neck. He looks at himself in the mirror and looks it over around his neck before putting the CD player in his jacket pocket.
"Thanks, it'll help, also thanks for giving me space, it means a lot to me." Peanut Butter admits as he grabs his bag.
"You're welcome."
They both get out of the car and go into the school. Once inside they part ways as Peanut Butter joins Sunset and Rarity in the hallway before they walk around the school before class starts. Sunset notices the headphones and smiles a bit.
"Ready for take two?" Sunset asks.
"I think so, hopefully this helps."
Peanut Butter points to the headphones.
"You'll be okay, you'll be with Sunset the whole time darling." Rarity reassures him.
"Thanks Rares."
"It's nothing really."
Just as they turn a corner they see Applejack walking towards them. Peanut Butter looks away with Applejack doing the same as they walk past each other and head down opposite ways. Sunset sighs as she looks at Peanut Butter and places her hand on his shoulder.
"It'll be okay, just give her space, she'll come around eventually." Sunset reassures him.
"I hope so."
A couple minutes later Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash join them and then Pinkie soon after. As they walk the bell rings as Peanut Butter follows Sunset to gym and goes to the locker room to put his bag down before returning back to the gym. He stays away from everyone else until Sunset returns in her gym clothes. He goes to her as everyone raises an eyebrow at him.
"Did Luna give you gym clothes?" Sunset whispers.
"I don't think so, though then again I never felt comfortable with it."
"I'll let Luna know, thankfully you're just observing for today."
"Good to know."
Peanut Butter sits on the bleachers near by and watches as Iron Will blows his whistle causing the others to run their laps. He looks on with misty eyes before sighing and shaking his head. Sunset looks at him every once in a while as she runs laps. Just then Applejack comes in with her gym clothes on and gives Iron Will a hall pass before she starts her laps with the others. She catches up to Sunset with a distant look on her face with her eyes looking down a bit and a lack of her usual smile.
"Morning Sunset." Applejack greets followed by a sigh.
"Hey A.J., how are you doing?"
"I'm doin' okay I guess."
"Something bothering you?"
"More like someone."
"Look I know you're still mad at him but-"
"I'm not mad at him."
"You're not?"
"No, while working the orchard with Big Mac he told me that P.B. has been helping the family farm since he returned to Canterlot, after thinking it over I feel grateful ya know? I don't fully forgive 'im though."
"It's better than hating him at least, but why did you avoid him this morning?"
"I want to do it when I feel ready and I'd rather do it just between the two of us, it only seems right."
"I understand, my time was, eventful to say the least."
"Oh?, what happened?"
"The short version is that P.B. snapped at Luna and he and I took a trip to the cemetery on the other side of town until mom picked us up."
"He's always had mood swings, but he comes around when he's calmed down."
"Really?"
"Yeah, it always explained his temper when we were kids."
"So that was considered normal?"
"Yep, did he throw stuff around?"
"No, he just stormed out and slammed the door."
"Wow, that's an improvement."
"Really?"
"Yep, when he was mad he would leave everything a mess."
"You think he has gotten more, passive?"
"If that's the case, I don't want to be around when he snaps."
"Hopefully that day never comes."
"Same here."
The class finishes their laps and starts the rest of their warm ups. Peanut Butter sits on the bleachers watching quietly as class moves forward. By the end of it he goes to the locker room and grabs his bag before sneaking out of the gym to wait for Sunset Shimmer. He looks out the window and sees the ground covered in leaves with some patches of green. He smiles a bit before he feels a hand on his shoulder causing him to jump slightly. He turns his head to see Sunset Shimmer. He sighs as his small smile comes back before putting on his headphones with one of the speakers to the side behind his ear.
"Ready for the next class?" Sunset asks.
"Yeah."
Sunset notices him breathing faster as the smile fades away.
"Are you sure?, if not I can take you back to Luna."
"Nononono, I'm fine, really."
"If you say so, science is next."
Peanut Butter follows as he takes out a granola bar with raisins in it and eats it as they walk the crowded halls. They walk up the stairs and enter the classroom. Upon entering Sunset notices Blueblood and pulls Peanut Butter to the back before he notices him. Peanut Butter looks and sees Blueblood, but remains silent. They both take their seats before Sunset gets back up and goes to the front towards Discord's desk.
"Well good morning miss Shimmer, what brings you here?, another late assignment perhaps?" Discord greets Sunset with his usual smirk.
"Not this time Mr. Discord, I just wanted to let you know to not introduce P.B. to the class for a certain reason."
Sunset motions her eyes towards Blueblood.
"I see, Luna has warned me about those two, besides, here would be the worst place for a fight to break out."
He fixes his posture to look more professional by straightening his back.
"Thank you Mr.Discord."
"No problem, I suggest you take your seat, class is about to start."
Sunset returns to her seat next to Peanut Butter and notices him writing in his notebook just as the bell rings. She nudges him slightly before he puts his notebook away. He slips off his headphones and places them around his neck as Discord gets out of his seat and begins his lesson for the day. Through out the lesson Peanut Butter rocks slightly on his stool as he looks towards the front of the class. Discord takes out a few chemicals, beakers and flasks as he starts mixing them and explaining chemical reactions. Peanut Butter looks away as the chemicals were mixed. Sunset looks at him with her eyes squinted and a small from on her face before taking out her notebook and writes on a paper. She pokes him on his leg to get his attention.
Are you okay?
Peanut Butter writes his response.
Let's just say this isn't new to me and I've lost plenty of friends from it.
From chemistry or something related to it?
Related to it, I’m not ready to talk about it yet.
Sunset looks it over and remains silent as the demonstration continues.
After the class they walk to the library for study hall. They both sit down before they are joined by Rainbow Dash. Peanut Butter takes out his notebook and starts writing in it.
"So how has it been so far P.B.?" Rainbow asks.
Peanut Butter looks up from his book with a straight faced look.
"It's been okay."
"Wow you're boring."
"Rainbow!" Sunset snaps.
"What?, it's true."
Peanut Butter raises an eyebrow at Rainbow Dash.
"Rainbow, just shut up already."
"Hey!"
"Will both of you just shut up?" Sunset asks.
Peanut Butter goes back to his notebook and writes in it as he keeps it close to him. Rainbow Dash and Sunset get back to their schoolwork with Sunset looking up to make sure Peanut Butter and Rainbow Dash don't break out into a fight. She sees Peanut Butter still writing with his headphones on his ears. She looks at Rainbow Dash and sees her leaning back in her chair reading. Sunset returns to her book. Later on Sunset hears what she thinks is someone shooting spit balls before looking up to see Rainbow Dash fire a few at Peanut Butter. She looks over at him to see him clenching his fist before getting up glaring at Rainbow Dash.
"Do it one more time, one more god damn time and see what happens." Peanut Butter warns in a cold heartless tone along with a glare that matches his tone.
This alone causes Rainbow Dash to put away the straw and go to her schoolwork as he sits back down. The rest of the study hall remains quiet before the bell rings. The trio get up and put their books away in their bags before making their way to English class.
They all reach there and sit down at their desks. Sunset and Rainbow Dash takes out the book the class has been reading as Peanut Butter is passed a book to follow along. Half way through the class the teacher looks at Peanut Butter.
"Mr. Butter, can you read the next paragraph?" The teacher asks.
"As the moon fades behind the clouds I stare at the blank void in the sky as the world around me becomes one with it with only the fire near me to light it. I feel the wind breeze across me and at times through me. The quiet and calm of this night brings me peace to the discontent in my mind body and soul."
"Very good, Sunset, you're next."
"I reach into my bag to grab the last bit of my rations. A half loaf of bread, some cheese and a bit of venison from my hunt a few days prior. I put the meat on a skewer before placing it on the fire and watch the meat cook as I feel the warmth of the fire as I take out my blade and look over the dried blood from an earlier battle as well as oil and wax with a cloth as I start to clean it with only the glow of the fire as light. As I clean the blade I recall the screams of those that fell to my blade as I feel my breath grow heavy."
"Very good, you see class, these two paragraphs are about one’s regret to do something dark, yet for what he views as good intentions."
The class goes on with reading before the bell rings as everyone packs their bags and head to the cafeteria for lunch as Rainbow, Sunset and Peanut Butter were joined by Rarity, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy and Applejack. They all sit down next to each other with Peanut Butter sitting across from Applejack. They avoid eye contact as they eat.
"So I heard the Friendship Games are coming up." Rainbow Dash mentions.
"I don't think anyone is looking forward to that." Rarity adds.
"We always lose so there is no point." Applejack states.
"Don't be so down, we can still try." Pinkie chimes as she tries to cheer them up.
Sunset and Peanut Butter look at them with a quizzical look on their faces.
"The what now?" Peanut Butter asks.
"We'll explain later, right now we want to hear about how things have been with you, P.B.." Rarity asks.
"It's been okay."
"Just okay darling?"
"Yeah, just okay."
"Well, it is your first day so there probably won't be anything too eventful."
"I guess."
Peanut Butter focuses on his food more than the gossip going on around him before Applejack gets up to toss out what was left of her lunch before leaving the cafeteria. Peanut Butter looks over to see her leave and gets up to follow her. He tracks her down a couple of hallways before taking a deep breath.
"You okay A.J.?" Peanut Butter asks.
She turns her head from his voice.
"Yeah, Ah'm just fine."
Her eyes shift causing Peanut Butter to raise an eyebrow.
"I've known you long enough to know when you're lying A.J. and you're terrible at it."
"Fine, have it your way, I feel guilty about what I did and after Big Mac told me what you've done ta help the family out and bein' a friend to Applebloom I felt worse, I'm sorry for what I did."
"Apology accepted A.J., we might not be the friends we used to be, but hopefully this will be the start of bringing that back."
He extends his hand out and looks at her with a smile. She smiles back as they shake hands.
"Did you really mean it when you said that you would stay?"
"Yeah, I guess deep down I had enough of the running and came back to the place I was most happy."
"Good, because if you did, I'd have to break yer legs next time."
"Good luck with that A.J.."
They both walked back into the cafeteria and sit across from each other again. Sunset smiles seeing this.
"I see you two made up?" Sunset asks.
"Yeah, we did." Peanut Butter mentions.
"Good to hear."
Just then the bell rings as they all pick up their bags to head to the next class and part ways. Sunset, Peanut Butter and Pinkie Pie go to math class and take their seats. Peanut Butter looks up to see a name on the board that reads 'Miss Harshwinny' in black dry erase marker. Just as he turns to look at his notebook he feels a shiver down his spine. Sunset notices and looks to see Blueblood walk in.
"I feel a disturbance in the force." Peanut Butter claims.
Just as he looks up he sees Blueblood in front of him before raising an eyebrow.
"Looks like she kept the trash after all."
"What do you want this time Bluebitch?"
"Wondering why a street rat like you is still here, you should have went to jail when you first came here."
"Lucky for you I didn't."
"Don't be smart with me low life, I should teach you some respect."
"Not in the mood to make you my bitch again."
"Blueblood, shut up and leave him alone." Sunset chimes in.
"You stay out of this she- demon, this is between me and him."
"Give it a rest drama queen." Peanut Butter states.
"That's it you runt, time for an ass kic-"
"That would be enough Mr.Blueblood, or would you like another detention?" A sophisticated voice warns as a woman enters.
"No, Miss Harshwhinny."
"Good, now let us begin shall we?"
"Yes ma'am." The class says in unison.
As the class goes on Peanut Butter starts to rub his head before grabbing his meter to do a blood test. After a few seconds he finds everything is normal as he feels his body start to sweat slightly. He starts to bounce one of his legs. His tries to keep his eyes open while staying hunched over his desk. Sunset notices and raises her hand.
"Miss Harshwhinny, I think P.B. needs to go to the nurse." Sunset requests.
"Very well, you may help him to the nurse, I'll write you a pass."
"Thank you."
Sunset gets up and helps up Peanut Butter as he places his arm around Sunset's back as she grabs the pass and head to the hallway. As the turn the corner Peanut Butter hunches over again before he groans keeping his mouth closed before he tries to reach a near by trash can and hangs his head over it before throwing up in it. Sunset stays close to him rubbing his back as he continues. After a couple minutes he gets up and wipes his mouth and looks up to Sunset.
"Feeling better?" Sunset asks.
"Not really, I feel li-"
He hangs his head over the trash can for the second round. Sunset stays by him as a teacher passes by.
"Why are you two out of class?" The teacher asks.
"We were on the way to the nurse until, this happened."
"I hate my fucking li-" Peanut Butter exclaims before he throws up again.
"I'll get the nurse to come here."
"Thank you." Sunset thanks.
A few minutes later the nurse comes with Peanut Butter's head still over the trashcan. Sunset moves out of the way as the nurse starts to look over Peanut Butter.
"He's boiling right now, I'll get him to my office as soon as we think he's finished." The nurse states.
"I think I'm okay."
"Alright, stand up and we'll go."
He stand up shaking as he gets up and is placed in the wheelchair. She places him in it and head to the nurse's office. He lays down in the back of the office and curls up shivering as the nurse calls Luna. A few minutes later she comes in to see him curled in the corner facing the wall sleeping with his headphones over his ears.
"Has be been throwing up more since he got here?" Luna asks.
"No, he's been sleeping."
"I'll take him to the doctor's tomorrow, can you keep him here until after classes?"
"Sure, I don't think he'll be any trouble in his condition."
"Thank you, the Friendship games are in a couple days and I've been busy most of the day."
"You're welcome."
Luna leaves as Peanut Butter sleeps as the rest of the day goes on. Luna returns to see him still sleeping as she kneels next to him and gently pushes his shoulder a couple times causing him to groan and try to push her away.
"Come on big guy, let's get home."Luna encourages.
"I hate my life."
"I doubt that, come on now, up you go."
Luna helps Peanut Butter get up and places his arm around her shoulder slowly heading to her car. She places his book bag in the back seat and helps him into the front seat. She buckles his seat belt before closing the door and getting in the driver's seat and head home. At a stop light she looks towards him to see him asleep once again. She smiles and turns her head to the road and goes as the light turns green. They reach home as Luna helps Peanut Butter up the stairs to the front door. She opens the door and leads him to his room before he darts to the bathroom to the toilet and throws up again. Luna goes to his room and gives him a change of clothes setting them on the bathroom counter.
"Let me know when you're changed." Luna mentions before shutting the door.
After a few minutes Peanut Butter slowly changes into the change of clothes before leaving the bathroom to find his door open and slowly make his way into bed curling up and shivering under three blankets. Luna looks at him a bit before collecting the clothes in the bathroom and quietly placing them in the laundry before quietly closing the door. She picks up her phone to call Celestia.
"Hey sis, I need you to do a favor for me."
"Can you get some ginger ale and orange juice?"
"Yes it's for P.B.."
"He's a wreck, I called one for a house call."
"There's no way to get him to one and I thought it would be the best move."
"Thank you Tia, I'll see you then."
Luna hangs up and sighs before sitting on the couch. There is a knock on her door causing her to get up again to answer it. She opens it to see a uniformed police officer and a woman in a suit.
"Can I help you?" Luna asks.
"Yes, my name is Proper Upbringing and I am with CPS, we're here to inspect your house and talk to Peanut Butter."
"The first part you're more than welcome to do, but unfortunately he isn't feeling that well and is bed ridden."
"I see, anyways, may we come in?"
"Yes you may."
Luna lets them in as she watches them as they inspect the apartment. They reach the hallway and reach for the door to Peanut Butter's room before Luna stops Proper.
"That's his room, he is probably sleeping." Luna mentions.
"I'll be sure to be quiet."
Proper opens the door and looks around noticing a pile of blankets moving up and down in a slow rhythm. She grins slyly before taking out her phone and texting before writing a note down and quietly leaving the room. She heads to the living room where Luna is next to the officer.
"Well, everything seems to be in order, I'll put this in the case file when I get back to my office." Proper says.
"Thank you."
"You're very welcome, have a good night and hope he gets better soon."
"Same here."
Proper and the officer leave and get in their vehicles as Proper makes a call.
"Sister, I found him." She exclaims.
"When the time is right we will, but for now, we keep low."
"Good, I'll talk to you later, okay bye."
Proper hangs up before starting her car and heads out and away. Just as she drives away Celestia pulls in and parks before getting out to head towards Luna's apartment. She knocks on the door and a minute later Luna answers.
"Thanks for doing this Tia, it means a lot." Luna thanks.
"It's no problem Lulu, how is he doing?"
"He's sleeping right now."
"Planing on making mom's remedy?"
"Yeah."
"I have to be going, I have dinner cooking and need to get back since Sunset is still learning to cook."
"Okay, thanks again."
"See you later Lulu."
Celestia leaves as Luna settles in for the night. She cracks open Peanut Butter's door and leaves hers open a crack as she gets ready for bed. She sits on her bed with her laptop and mouse with her headset. She was going to have a long night and few days ahead of her.
Author's Note
So early Christmas present to you guys. Hope you enjoy :)
Through out the night Peanut Butter wakes up in a coughing fit causing Luna to wake up periodically to get him a drink of water or her family's remedy cocktail of orange juice, ginger ale and citrus soda for fizz and taste. Peanut Butter ran to the bathroom a few times over the night with the occasional sound of him crying and self insult. Luna watches over him to make sure he doesn't hurt himself.
He stumbles back to his room and crawls back under the blankets again. He hugs a pillow tight as he falls back asleep. Luna looks into the room with a pained look on her face before heading back to her room.
"Poor guy, under that rusted out armor of his is just a scared child that just needs someone to keep him safe." Luna whispers to herself.
"I wonder how he managed to survive whenever he got sick-"
She hears Peanut Butter cry while she was talking to herself and checks on him to see him still under the blankets. Luna pulls up a chair and starts to hum the familiar tune to Peanut Butter. His crying continues as she hums and over time slowly dies down. She gets up and heads to the door.
"It's going to be okay P.B., I'm here for you." Luna whispers to him.
Peanut Butter doesn't respond as the pile of blankets over him slowly move up and down. Luna smiles softly before cracking the door slightly and heads to her room once more.
"He really is just a child in a teen body." Luna whispers as she goes back to bed.
The morning sun's light peeks through the curtains of Luna's room causing her to stir and wake up. She gets up to check on Peanut Butter and sees him still asleep as she heads into the kitchen to make her morning coffee. She looks at the time and sees that the doctor will arrive in ten minutes. She doesn't try to look presentable between the late night and her not going into work today. She quickly brushes her hair to at least look as if she put effort in. Just as she finishes up there is a knock coming from her door as she puts the brush down and answers it. A tall man in a coat holding a bag stands at the door.
"Good morning doctor, he's in his room sleeping." Luna greets.
"Good morning to you too Miss Solstice, has he experienced anymore symptoms?"
"Mood swings, probably feeling cold, exhaustion and sweating are the ones I've noticed."
"When did they start?"
"Yesterday afternoon is when they started."
"Sounds like the flu to me, but I'll need to check him over."
Luna brings him to Peanut Butter's room and opens the door. Peanut Butter is awake, though still half asleep.
"P.B., the doctor is here to see what's wrong." Luna assures the sickly Peanut Butter.
Peanut Butter groans before he moves around under the blankets as the doctor prepares himself and a thermometer.
"Alright P.B., I need you to place this under your tongue until it beeps." The doctor says as he places the thermometer in Peanut Butter's mouth.
Peanut Butter looks at Luna with half open eyes with red around them and a red nose, tears rolling from his face onto the pillow.
A minute later there is a beep before the doctor takes it out and looks at it.
"The temperature seems to fit with the flu, do you ache?" The doctor asks.
Peanut Butter nods before curling up in the blankets once again hiding most of his head.
"That confirms it then, he's got a bad case of the flu, but not the one that is strong this season."
"Is there anything I can do?" Luna asks.
"I would have given him a shot, but I get the feeling that it wouldn't help much, rest and liquids are the best way to handle this."
"Thank you."
"You're welcome."
Luna pays for the doctor and he leaves. She calls a local pizzeria to deliver her lunch as she makes another remedy for Peanut Butter and some crackers for him. She takes the glass and puts it on the stand next to the bed and sees the mound of blankets hiding him. Luna sighs with a small frown on her face.
"You're going to be okay P.B., I'm here for you." Luna whispers before quietly leaving his room.
Luna pours herself a cup of coffee before she brings her laptop to the living room and opens it up, she checks her emails and her Mystable before she turns on Neighflix to catch up with her shows and watch a few movies.
She hears a knock on her door a half hour later, she answers the door and picks up her pizza, she pays the driver and shuts the door before setting the pizza on the island in the kitchen.
Halfway through her first movie she checks on Peanut Butter and notices the glass she left is empty. The crackers she gave him remain on the small plate. She takes the empty glass and leaves the room to let it soak in hot soapy water before bringing him some water and leaving the room again. Her phone rings as she looks at the number and recognizing Celestia's number. She picks it up with a smile on her face.
"Hi Tia."
"He's asleep right now, the doctor said he has a bad case of the flu."
"He was crying last night, he's been moody since yesterday, angry yesterday, sad today."
"Hopefully he'll be better or well enough to trust on his own or a sitter at least before the games happen."
"He's been getting plenty of rest."
"I'll wait and see before I get a sitter, I trust him and he's smart enough to know better than to run off while sick."
"I know the games are in two days, there's no way he will get better by then and it would be negligible to bring him here."
"I'll talk to you later Tia."
"Love you too."
She hangs up her phone and returns to her movie. As the day goes on Luna checks on Peanut Butter every couple of hours as day turns into night with the occasional rush to the bathroom to vomit or to soak in a hot water bath.
The next day went slightly better as he was able to eat something light though not much. Most of the time he slept and slowly made his way to the bathroom every once in a while.
The day after Peanut Butter was able to walk around a bit more as well as hold down the crackers Luna gave him. Though most of the time he spends sleeping or curled up with a blanket on the couch. Luna checks on him as he sits on the couch.
"Do you need anything?" Luna asks.
"Some water please."
"Okay, can I trust you that you will be here when I come home tomorrow or do I have to get a sitter for you?"
"Why would I be dumb enough to do that sick?"
"I figured you're smart enough to stay in your condition."
"I'm not stupid, Luna."
"Never said you were, just don't make a mess and be here when I get back."
"Fine by me."
"I'm trusting you, don't let me down."
"Alright."
Luna gets a bottle of water from the fridge and gives it to him.
"Thanks Luna." Peanut Butter thanks.
"You're welcome."
Peanut Butter turns around and wraps himself in his blanket again paying attention to the TV. Luna smiles before she pays attention to her laptop.
The rest of the day goes by quietly as Peanut Butter moved from the couch back to his bed for the night. The next morning Luna is about to leave for the day, but decides to check on Peanut Butter before leaving. She sees him fast asleep and smiles as she quietly shuts the door. She takes a piece of paper and writes on it before folding it and entering his room and leaving it on his desk standing up for him to read when he wakes up. She leaves the room and heads to Canterlot High to get ready for the Friendship Games.
Four hours later Peanut Butter stirs from his sleep and wakes up. He peeks out from the blankets and looks on his desk to see Luna's note and gets up to read it. He picks it up and unfolds it to read it.
Orange Juice and Ginger Ale in fridge, try to eat something and clean up after yourself if you make a mess, I'll bring something home on my way back.
Have a good day and get well soon.
From, Luna
He smiles as he puts the note down on his desk and heads to the bathroom to fill the bathtub with water. He gets undressed and brushes his teeth as the tub fills. Once the tub is full, he gets in and soaks in the tub and stares ahead of him.
"I hate being sick, but at least being here is better in an ally way I guess." Peanut Butter admits to himself.
He takes his left hand out of the water and looks at it.
"How did I get myself into this?, fate?, chance?, who knows."
He puts his hand back into the water and looks ahead once more.
"Whatever got me here has the full intent on having me stay."
He lays back into the water as the heat loosens up the mucus in his lungs as he coughs more.
The water gets cold after a half hour causing Peanut Butter to get out slowly so he won't fall. He wraps his towel around him and stares into the mirror. He smirks a bit chuckling slightly at his reflection. He sees most of his face is red in contrast to his currently pale skin.
"I look like shit, I swear do I always look like this when I get sick?"
He looks himself over and splashes himself with water from the sink.
He returns to his room to get a blanket in his room and goes to the living room in his pajamas and sits up on the couch to watch TV.
An hour passes before he feels his stomach growl. He gets up and looks in the refrigerator to see what there is to eat. He sees some cheese and takes a couple slices and some crackers before sitting back down on the couch to eat. He rocks back and forth as he eats and changes the channel. After he eats he soon falls asleep.
Two hours later a loud boom is heard waking Peanut Butter up and causing him to fall onto the floor with a loud thud.
"The hell was that?" Peanut Butter asks himself as he heads towards the window.
The sky is pure grey with sounds of thunder in the distance. He sees a purple glow in the distance in the direction of the school. He squints his eyes to try and get a better look, but to no avail. Just then he collapses to his knees on the floor and presses his hands against his chest as he coughs constantly wheezing as he does so. His eyes close tight as a light green aura wraps itself around him before another loud boom erupts. He cries in between his coughing and soon passes out on the floor a couple minutes later.
At Canterlot High Luna sits in her office with a cup of coffee in her hand sipping the contents inside. She stares at her coffee before taking out a flask and pouring some of its contents into the coffee. She stirs it a bit and sips it again before she turns her chair to face the window behind her. Suddenly there is a knock coming from her door. She sighs a bit.
"Come in." Luna mumbles.
The door opens to reveal Celestia entering the room. Luna turns around to see her and smiles a bit before placing her mug down.
"Hey Tia." Luna greets.
"Hello Luna, how are you holding up after our recent.... incident?"
"I'm fine with it, but I'd be lying if I didn't say that it stresses me out."
"Same, how is he doing?"
"He's been getting better."
"That's good, is he by himself?"
"Yes."
"Are you sure that was the wisest idea?"
Luna stays silent. Celestia waits for an answer. Luna finishes her coffee before she gets up to grab her coat.
"I'm heading home." Luna groans.
"I'll see you later Lulu."
"I'll see you later Tia."
Luna gets her car keys and puts on her jacket before leaving the school and goes in her car. She starts it and drives home. She arrives a few minutes later and opens the door to see Peanut Butter on the floor. Her eyes go wide as she drops her bag and rushes to him checking him over. She turns him on his back causing him to stir. Luna sighs and looks him over.
"What happened, are you okay?" Luna asks in a rapid pace.
"I'm fine, just had a coughing fit bad enough to make me pass out."
"Are you sure?"
"I'm sure, Luna, thanks for your concern though."
"You're welcome, did you eat?"
"Yeah, cheese and crackers."
"That's good, do you think you can hold down something more filling?"
"I think so."
"I'll make you some soup."
"Okay."
Peanut Butter gets up and sits on the couch again as Luna grabs her bag and shuts the door before going to her room to change. She comes back out and make them both some chicken noodle soup.
A few minutes later she puts a bowl on the island counter and sits down with her own bowl.
"It's ready." Luna announces.
Peanut Butter gets up and sits down at the island on a stool before he starts to sip and slowly eat the noodles and meat of the soup. Luna smiles and watches him eat.She returns to eating shortly after. Peanut Butter smiles slightly as he eats.
A half hour later Peanut Butter finishes eating and heads to his room quietly. Luna looks and sees that he has ate everything in the bowl and smiles before taking it and soaking the dishes in hot water and soap in the sink. She checks her email before she washes the dishes and puts them away. The rest of the night is quiet as Peanut Butter sleeps and Luna plays games on her laptop before she herself falls asleep hours later.
The following week Peanut Butter returns to school to the delight of Sunset and her friends. He arrives to the school with Sunset Shimmer next to him. Though he still looks sickly, Luna has given him tissues and cough drops to keep near him as a way to help.
"How are you feeling?" Sunset asks.
"I'm doing okay, better than last week at least."
"That's good."
"Anything happen while I was out?"
Sunset stays silent for a couple seconds.
"Nothing really, just school drama."
Peanut Butter raises an eyebrow.
"I see."
As they round the corner they run into Applejack and Rarity who smile at Peanut Butter's return. They notice a couple band aids on his arm as he takes off his jacket.
"What's with the band-aids P.B?" Applejack asks.
"Shots mostly and something new the doctor has me taking."
"What would that be?"
"Insulin pen."
"I thought it didn't work well on the arm."
"It doesn't, but I was not in the mood for where it really goes."
"Ah."
"Yeah."
A few minutes later they are joined by the others along with a new girl. She has violet hair and a couple streaks of magenta and a lighter shade of purple. Peanut Butter raises his eyebrow before looking at Sunset then to Applejack and them back to Sunset.
"Who is she?" Peanut Butter asks.
"Her name is Twilight, she's a new friend in our group."
"I see, I thought you said nothing happened while I was sick."
"Nothing eventful happened."
"This is pretty eventful in my eyes Sunset."
"Anyways," Sunset turns to Twilight. "Twilight, this is Peanut Butter, sorry if he's a bit grumpy he-."
"I'm right here you know." Peanut Butter interrupts.
Peanut Butter turns to Twilight with a flat look on his semi pale face.
"Like she said, I'm Peanut Butter, sorry for looking like a train-wreck, just getting over the flu."
"Its, um, nice to meet you too."
"Don't worry, I'm not contagio-"
Peanut Butter goes into a coughing fit. He turns away from the others as he coughs.
"It's nice to meet you too."
The bell rings as Peanut Butter follows Sunset to class before putting a cough drop in his mouth. Twilight watches them as the rest go their separate ways before she realizes she should follow Sunset. Twilight catches up to Sunset Shimmer as Peanut Butter goes to one of the classes that he go to by himself.
"So what's his story?" Twilight asks.
"A long one, I'm not going to say since it isn't my place."
"Ah."
"Yeah, it's been about a month and he still hasn't opened up that much so good luck with trying to get him to talk."
"I can try."
"Try being the keyword."
Twilight stays silent. Sunset sighs and smiles.
"Sorry if I'm sounding like a jerk, he's a bit frustrating to talk to and talk about." Sunset apologizes.
"It's okay."
Sunset and Twilight enter class before the bell rings.
Meanwhile Peanut Butter writes in his notebook as Miss Do starts her lesson. He listens to Miss Do as he writes looking up every once in a while. Mid way through class she walks around the room as the rest of the students do the assignment that was given to them. She comes across Peanut Butter who is still writing. She raises her eyebrow before knocking on the desk. Peanut Butter looks up with a raised eyebrow nearly mimicking her expression.
"I'll be seeing you after class." Miss Do says before moving on.
Peanut Butter shrugs and continues writing the rest of the class.
The bell rings as everyone files out other than Peanut Butter who is still packing his book bag. He slides his arm under one of the straps and puts it over the shoulder before heading to the teacher's desk.
"You wanted to see me?" Peanut Butter asks.
"Yes, any reason why you would rather write than pay attention in class?"
"Because I'd rather listen and do something than just sit and do nothing."
"I see, come back here after class, I have something I want to offer to you."
"Okay?"
Peanut Butter leaves to meet with Sunset Shimmer and Twilight. He finds them a couple minutes later as he sees Twilight's hair in a mess causing him to giggle to bit.
"What happened to her?" Peanut Butter asks.
"We were experimenting with static electricity and Pinkie got carried away with her."
"So...many....balloons." Twilight whispers.
"Did they all float?"
"P.B.!"
Peanut Butter jumps back as Pinkie comes from behind him.
“Oh yes, they float, they all float.” She answers before creeping away and to her next class.
"Anyways, wow, sorry, was only trying to lighten the mood."
"Let's just get to the next class, I trust you'll help out Twilight, right?"
"Yes I will, I'm not that much of a prick."
"Okay, I'll be in study hall."
"Okay."
They stand outside the home economics classroom before Sunset leaves. Twilight and Peanut Butter both enter and sit next to each other. Peanut Butter takes out his notebook and continues writing. The class starts as he puts away his notebook and looks ahead. Home Maker gets up from her desk and stands in front of the board.
"Okay class, today you are going to be in pairs and work on the following recipe on the board." Home Maker says.
Peanut Butter gets up to wash his hands and put on the apron, he looks at Twilight who is still at the desk. He sighs and rolls his eyes.
"The things I do," He whispers to himself before raising his voice. "Hey, Twilight, get over here."
She looks at him for a couple seconds before getting up and putting on an apron.
"Wash your hands Twilight." Peanut Butter says.
"O-okay."
Twilight washes her hands as Peanut Butter gets the ingredients. He starts mixing them as she finishes. She notices some extra ingredients next to Peanut Butter.
"I thought we were supposed to follow the recipe." Twilight questions.
"I decided to deviate a bit."
"Bu-"
"No buts."
"I can see why she said you were difficult to be around."
"I get that a lot, so I'm used to it."
"Also you being a dick most of the time."
"Hey, I might be an asshole but I'm not one hundred percent a dick, the only one I know of that comes close is Blue Balls otherwise known as Blueblood."
"Still doesn't excuse the way you act."
"Whatever."
Twilight starts to work on the recipe for the frosting of the cake recipe. Peanut Butter looks over and sees her start it.
"Be sure to add in the mint extract I set aside." Peanut Butter advises.
"No, I'm following the directions."
"Damn it Twilight, just do it."
"I'm not going to risk a bad grade for your rebellious and stubborn behavior."
"Oh shut up and at least trust me this one time."
"No."
Peanut Butter pinches the bridge of his nose and groans. He returns to the cake and preheats the oven. While Twilight is distracted he silently pours the mint extract into the mixing bowl. Twilight turns around and checks the frosting. She tastes it and glares at Peanut Butter. He gives her a smirk.
"If we get a bad grade for this I'm blaming you." Twilight threatens.
"We won't, trust me."
"I don't."
“Okay, blind faith then.”
After the cake was cooked and the frosting was placed on it they were graded, Home Maker inspects the cake and cuts it open to see it as a two layer cake. She takes a bit and smiles wide.
"While this isn't exactly what was on the board, I'll still give you a passing grade for creativity on this, just don't make a habit of it." Home Maker says.
"I won't."
"Good."
Peanut Butter leans towards Twilight with a smirk on his face.
"Told ya so." Peanut Butter whispers.
"Shut up."
The bell rings as everyone packs their bags and leaves. Sunset is waiting outside of the classroom as Twilight and Peanut Butter walk out.
"How did it go?" Sunset asks.
"It went fine." Peanut Butter responds.
"He was a total prick to me and didn't listen when I told him that he was doing things he shouldn't." Twilight complains.
"Seriously P.B.?"
"What?, she wouldn't trust me when I knew what I was doing."
"He wouldn't follow instructions!" Twilight shouts.
"You were too stubborn to just go along with it."
"Stubborn prick!"
"Stuck up shit!"
"Enough, both of you!" Sunset shouts followed by a groan.
They both stay quiet and stare at Sunset who is pinching the bridge of her nose.
"You two only have to put up with each other for this class, so just try to tolerate each other for it, got it?" Sunset rants.
"Yes." Peanut Butter and Twilight say simultaneously.
"Good."
They all went their separate ways to their next class. Peanut Butter puts a cough drop in his mouth before heading into math class. Meanwhile Sunset Shimmer and Twilight head walk down the hall to their next class. They make a quick stop to Twilight's locker.
"How do you deal with him?" Twilight asks.
"He isn't always like this, just most of the time."
"Seriously, what is his problem?"
"A lot of things actually."
"Like what?"
Sunset stays silent for a minute with her eyes closed before sighing.
"Alright, I'll tell you, but you have to promise to not say anything, understood?"
"I won't."
"Say it."
"I promise not to say anything."
"P.B. was a runaway for five years, he was unwelcomed where ever he went, he's only been here for about a couple months give or take so he's still adjusting and getting sick didn't help."
"Wow, I never would have thought he would have gone through all that, let alone five years of experiences, how did you catch him?"
"I had help from family and friends, a couple were his own friends actually."
"Who?"
"Applejack and Rarity."
"Ah, should I give him time to get used to me or what?"
"Just let him come to you, he's still a bit emotional and skittish."
"Okay, thanks for the advice."
"You're welcome."
Twilight shuts her locker as Sunset leads her to their next class.
The rest of the day went normally as the last bell for the day has rang signaling that it was time to go home. Peanut Butter packs his back before leaving the classroom and heads to his history classroom to meet with the teacher. He knocks on the door before poking his head in.
"Miss Do, you wanted to see me?" Peanut Butter asks.
Miss Do swiveled in her seat to face Peanut Butter.
"Ah yes, have a seat."
Peanut Butter takes a seat in the front row in front of her desk setting the bag down. She takes out a paper and places it on her table.
"Tell me Mr.Butter, do you like to write?"
"Yes, why?"
"Well, I'm the head of the writers club here and I want you to see what a meeting here is like and if you are willing to join."
"A history teacher that is head of a writing club?, Never thought I'd see the day."
"It's an odd thing indeed, but I wouldn't take this opportunity lightly, I would have placed you in the school newspaper, but you don't seem like the journalist type or at least not yet."
"I see."
"The rest of them should be here soon."
"But I need to check in with Luna."
"Already taken care of."
"Alright, I'll stay."
"Good."
A few minutes later some students come into the room and notice Peanut Butter.
"Miss Do, who is the new guy?" A boy with blonde hair in a jersey, sweatpants and boots.
"This is Peanut Butter, he will be observing today to see if he would like to join us."
"I see, well my name is Play Script."
A girl with blue hair and glasses in a yellow top and jeans steps forward.
"I'm Poetic Word."
Another girl with red and purple hair with a band holding her bangs up in a sweater, sweat pants, glasses and sneakers approaches next.
"I'm Moon Dancer."
Peanut Butter blushes a bit before smiling.
"It's nice to meet you all, is this everyone?" He asks.
"A couple are missing." Play Script says.
"Ah."
"Yeah, so let's get this meeting started."
The three students take out notebooks and pass them around to each other.
"This is really good Play, I think you have something here." Poetic compliments as she reads through Play Script's notebook.
"Thanks."
Peanut Butter takes out his notebook and starts writing as the others look at what they have wrote. Moondancer looks at him and goes over to him.
"Mind if I take a look?" Moondancer asks.
Peanut Butter blushes and looks away.
"Sure, it's not very good though."
He hands her the notebook still looking away. She reads the beginning of it, as she reads the small smile on her face grows. She looks at him then back at the notebook.
"This is amazing, you're a natural at this." Moondancer compliments.
"Thanks, I always felt that writing was a talent of mine."
"You should join our club, everyone else would love what you're writing."
"I'll think about it."
Miss Do puts a paper on his desk. Peanut Butter looks it over.
"So I just keep my grades up to stay here?"
"Pretty much."
"Again, I'll think about it."
"That's all I ask."
The rest of the meeting goes by quickly before there is a knock on the classroom door before it opens to reveal Luna on the other side.
"Come on P.B., time to go home." Luna says.
"Okay."
He packs his bag and puts it over his shoulder before heading to the door. He turns to wave the others goodbye before leaving with Luna to her car. The arrive home after a quiet ride. After a quick change Luna is in the kitchen making dinner. Peanut Butter is lying on his bed looking at the form for the writers club. He sighs before placing it on the desk in his room before returning to his bed staring at the ceiling.
A few minutes later there is a knock on his door.
"Dinner is ready, kiddo." Luna says.
"Coming."
He leaves his room and sits at the island with a burger in front of him. He eats quietly as Luna does the same on the other side of the island. Luna looks at him and swallows her food.
"I was told you are being recruited to the writers club, are you going to take the offer?" Luna asks.
"I told them the same thing I'm telling you, I'll think about it, please stop pestering me about it."
"Okay, you seemed happy from what I saw."
"It was fun."
"That's good to hear."
"I guess."
Peanut Butter finishes his dinner and gets up to wash his plate. He goes to his room and gets his pajamas before going to the bathroom to shower before bed. Luna finishes soon after and cleans up before going to her room. They both settle down for the night in their rooms with Luna on the computer and Peanut Butter listening to music as he stares at the ceiling until he falls asleep.
A week goes by since Peanut Butter was offered to join the writers club at school. Each night he holds the form up towards the ceiling as he lays in bed.
One night he sighs as he rolls around his bed and sits up to go to his desk, he places the paper on his desk and gets a pen from his bag. He sits in the chair and fills out the form. He pinches the bridge of his nose and sighs as he looks at the paper.
"I can't believe I'm doing this." Peanut Butter mumbles as he signs his name at the bottom.
He puts the form in his bag and returns to his bed. He lays on it facing the ceiling as he stares at it, breathing slowly squinting his eyes. He raises his hand with the back of his hand facing him.
An half hour passes before he changes his position. He places his hands behind his head and crosses his legs while laying down. He then takes a deep inhale before sighing.
"How could have I let things change so fast?" He asks himself.
Peanut Butter sits for a minute with his eyes closed and opens then staring into the pitch black shadow that fills his room.
The following morning Peanut Butter wakes up to discover a necklace with an ocean blue crystal with lines through out it. He picks it up and holds it up to the moonlight causing it to sparkle like the night sky. He puts it it around his neck before putting his pillow back and laying down. He sighs looking at the necklace before getting up to get ready. He shuffles his feet to the door and opens to before going to the bathroom.
After taking his shower he goes back to his room and gets dressed in a grey shirt, blue jeans, boots and a rust colored jacket. He looks over his outfit in the mirror before putting the necklace under his shirt and picking up his book bag and going to the living room. He sits at the island table placing his bag next to the stool before eating his breakfast as it was placed in front of him after he takes his blood sugar. Luna smirks before giggling a bit as he eats.
"Someone is hungry this morning." Luna jokes.
"I don't know why I am, but I feel like I can eat a horse."
"Well finish your plate and we'll see about seconds."
"Works for me."
"By the way, we are going to the mall with Sunset and Celestia after school."
"Why?"
"We haven't spent time together outside of school for a while and you need to get out more."
"Oh, okay, I signed that sheet for the writers club."
Luna smiles and looks at him.
"I'm proud of you for doing that." Luna compliments.
"Why?"
"Well, you're trying to make new friends and do new things."
"True, but I'm still unsure about it."
"Well, we'll see how this goes first, still hungry?"
"A bit."
"Here, think fast."
Luna tosses him an apple while Peanut Butter reaches up and leans back to catch it, causing him and the stool he’s on to fall over and land on the floor. His necklace comes out of his shirt as a loud thud is heard. Luna rushes to him to see him holding the apple with a smile on his face. He tucks in the necklace with his other hand.
"Got it!" Peanut Butter cheers.
Luna couldn't help but giggle as she helps him up.
"Are you okay?" Luna asks.
"Yeah, just bumped my head is all, saved the apple at least."
"That you did, now finish up and let's go before we are late."
"Okay."
Peanut Butter washes off the apple and heads to the door while eating it. Luna giggles at this as she picks up her purse and laptop bag before they both head out. They get into the car as thunder starts to roll while Luna starts the car and drives off.
"You'd think it would start snowing by now." Peanut Butter mentions.
"It's only early November, we'll be seeing it right before Thanksgiving if we are lucky."
"So what's the plan for that?"
"It's a surprise P.B."
"Okay."
"Come to the office after class, we'll head home so I can change then we'll meet them at the mall unless you want to join them instead."
"I'll just join them, it'll be easier for you."
"Okay."
A few minutes later they pull into the school parking lot as the rain pours down. Peanut Butter puts the hood of his jacket over his head and runs towards the main entrance with Luna using an umbrella following behind him. They get inside of the building and go their separate ways. Peanut Butter meets with Sunset as Luna goes to the main office. He turns his head to Sunset with a focused look on his face.
"Hey Sunset, do you think we can talk privately?" Peanut Butter asks.
"Sure, about what?"
"I'll tell you when we get to someplace quiet."
They both head to a dark hallway on the other side of the school. Peanut Butter leans on the wall as he sets his bag down. Sunset raises an eyebrow at him.
"So what is it that you want to talk about?"
"What happened a few weeks ago at the school?"
Sunset stands frozen as her breathing goes faster than usual.
"What do you mean?" Sunset asks.
"That weird storm that happened, there is much more to it isn't there?"
Sunset sighs and rubs the top of her head.
"Yes there is, but if I tell you. you have to tell me why you are asking."
"Deal."
"You might think it's crazy, but there's magic here, magic that I brought with me."
"What do you mean?"
"I'm, not from this world, I'm from one where magic exists."
"Where did you come from?"
"A place called Equestria, a land full of ponies that can fly and use magic."
"I take it you were one that used magic?"
"Yes, I came here after I didn't get my way and was a bully until another pony came through the portal and defeated me with magic then I became who I am today after being pretty regretful of my past, now you have to hold up your end of the bargain."
"Let's just say, something came through that storm and is a part of me."
"What is this something?"
"I don't know a thing about it other than it gave me this stone."
Peanut Butter shows her the necklace. Sunset looks at it and smiles.
"That's a Lapis Lazuli, I just find it odd that you found it out of no where."
"Yeah."
"One mystery after another I guess, I'll have to ask my friend back in Equestria."
"Looks like it."
"There's more to tell you as well."
"What is it?"
"I'm not the only one with magic."
"Who else?"
"Twilight and the others."
"What?"
"Yeah, shocking I know."
"Why wasn't I told about this?"
"I didn't think it would matter."
"I can't believe you guys sometimes."
"What do you mean?"
"You hiding shit from me, I thought we were past that, especially with the current situation."
"I'm sorry."
Peanut Butter lets out a sigh.
"I forgive you." Peanut Butter says.
"That quick?"
"Not entirely, but for the most part."
"Fair enough."
They both walk together as they try to change the subject to their trip to the mall later that day. As they reach the door to their class the bell rings. They enter and take their seats in the back of the classroom as Peanut Butter takes out a slip of paper and goes to the front of the classroom and places it on the desk before walking back to his seat. Sunset turns to him with a raised eyebrow.
"What was that for?" Sunset asks.
"Something I might regret in the future."
"That would be?"
"Joining the writing club."
"You joining a club?, now I've seen it all."
"Whatever, Luna and Miss Do thought it would be a good idea and I caved."
"What happened to that fighting spirit from a while back?"
"Beats me, might have became my wit and sense of sarcasm."
"Sure sounds like it, I guess you’re making progress after all."
“Don’t press your luck.”
Just then Miss Do walks in and picks up the paper Peanut Butter placed on her desk earlier. She looks it over before smirking and placing it down to start her lesson. Peanut Butter takes out his notebook and writes in it. Sunset takes out the book they are assigned to read as Miss Do starts to have students read passages and explaining them.
After class Peanut Butter packs up his bag and is about to leave. Miss Do taps him on the shoulder. He turns towards her with a raised eyebrow.
"What do you want?" Peanut Butter asks.
"I just wanted to say thank you for joining the club."
"You're, welcome?"
"Our next meeting is next Wednesday."
"I'll keep it in mind."
"Good, now off to class with you."
Peanut Butter walks off to class and sighs. He goes to a bathroom away from other students and stands in front of a sink and stares into the mirror in front of him.
"What is happening to me?"
He turns the lever for cold water and cups his hands and fills them with the cold water before splashing it on his face.
"Why am I acting like this?, I shouldn't be like this." He acknowledges.
Peanut Butter punches the wall in between the mirror he is in front of and the one for the sink next to him. He pulls his hand back and hold it to only see a couple of scratches, looking it over as he sees himself in the mirror again. His hair a mess, his eyes wide and glass like. His breathing is fast and short. He looks around and hides in the stall. He places his bag on the hook on the door and sits on the plumbing against the wall. The bell rings as the rest of the students go to their classes. Sunset looks around for Peanut Butter almost running through the halls as she takes a long way to class. She passes by the bathroom and hears crying. She pushes the door open slightly.
"P.B., you in here?" Sunset asks.
"Go away."
"No I won't, what's wrong?"
"Nothing is wrong."
"Something is wrong P.B., you wouldn't be crying if you didn't have anything wrong."
"For fuck's sake Sunset, nothing is wrong !"
"Fine then."
Sunset walks off towards the main office and enters it shortly after. She turns to Luna's office and knocks on the door.
"Hold on." Luna answers as the sound of papers ruffling is heard through the door.
"Aunt Luna, I'm here to tell you something is wrong with P.B.."
The door swings open to show Luna on the other side.
"What's wrong with him?" Luna asks.
"I don't know, he was crying and yelled at me to go away."
"Show me the way."
Sunset leads her to the bathroom Peanut Butter is in. The faint sound of crying is still heard as Luna enters. She knocks on the door of the stall he is in and stands there.
"Go away!" Peanut Butter shouts.
"P.B., it's me, what's wrong?"
"Nothing is wrong Luna."
"You're lying."
"No I'm not."
"Yes you are, you can't pull the wool over my eyes."
"I don't know what is wrong with me."
"What do you mean?"
"I'm not acting like I usually do."
"What do you mean?"
"I mean I never acted like this before."
"Like what?"
"I don't know!"
"Sounds like you are adjusting and letting your walls down."
"I don't know, maybe?"
"I think so, you've made so much progress in these past couple months than most would in a year."
"Really?"
"Yes, it took Sunset about five months just to feel comfortable and let her walls down."
"She had friends to help her."
"You do too, you just have to let them in."
Peanut Butter stays silent. Luna is about to knock on the door when she hears a click with it opening to show Peanut Butter with his eyes red with puffy redness around them. He walks towards Luna and hugs her. She hugs back smiling and rubs his back.
"It's going to be all okay, Celestia is here for you, Sunset and her friends are here for you, and I'm here for you." Luna reassures him.
Peanut Butter cries as he hugs Luna tighter. Sounds of muffled crying can be heard as he cries. Luna puts the headphones around Peanut Butter's neck over his ears and turns on the player. He starts to settle down and looks up to Luna before taking them off.
"I got you those to help you for when you get like this." Luna says.
"I know, I was just so caught up in the moment that I forgot."
"It's okay, now get back to class."
"I will."
Peanut Butter goes to class with Sunset behind him as Luna goes back to her office.
Luna sits in her chair and looks up to the ceiling. She sighs and looks at a piece of paper on her desk with a number on it before picking up the phone. She dials the number on the paper as the phone rings.
"I'm calling to schedule an appointment." Luna says.
"Yes his panic attacks have been picking up."
"Next Tuesday at four would work perfectly."
"See you then."
She hangs up the phone and goes back to paperwork.
Later in the day as the final bell rings Luna goes home as Sunset and Peanut Butter head to the office. They walk into Celestia's office and wait for her to finish her work. They place their bags next to the small table at the corner and sit in the chairs next to it with Peanut Butter holding his necklace.
A few minutes later Celestia gets up and puts on her jacket. She picks up her purse and car keys before looking at them, Sunset is reading a book while Peanut Butter stares at his necklace.
"Are you two ready?" Celestia asks.
They both nod, get up, and pick up their bags before following her to her car. The sky is full of clouds as the leave the school.
Celestia drives towards Canterlot Mall as Peanut Butter notices the light posts in the parking lot are decorated for Hearth's Warming Day with lights wrapped around the pole with a flag on top hanging from the side.
They park near the entrance and exit the car before entering it. Lights and tinsel among other decorations fill the mall's halls and store facades with stores having their own decorations. They walk along the hallways and look into the shops as they wait for Luna. Sunset looks at clothes while Peanut Butter looks at books.
About fifteen minutes later Luna reaches the mall and meets them at the food court before they continue walking around the mall. Luna and Celestia have Sunset and Peanut Butter go ahead of them. Luna turns her head to Celestia with squinted eyes and her scratching her forehead a bit.
"I made an appointment for him." Luna mentions.
"It's gotten worse?"
"I think so."
"Did you make one for yourself?"
"Yes, I found someone who is better suited for my condition."
"What about your pills?"
"I have enough to last me until I get settled with them."
"Good."
"Yeah, so is everything planned for Thanksgiving?"
"Yes, I just got the last of the RSVPs."
"Good, I can't believe it's happening."
"Yeah, it's been so long, do you think he can handle it?"
"We'll ease him into it."
"Good idea."
"Let's worry about food for tonight, where do you want to go?"
"There's a new place that opened here that I've been wanting to try."
"What is it called?"
"Cake Inc."
Luna giggles and rolls her eyes.
"Alright, let's go." Luna suggests.
Luna and Celestia catch up with Sunset and Peanut Butter before heading to the restaurant.
After eating they walk around the mall a bit more before saying their goodbyes and going into their cars to head home. Luna and Peanut Butter get home and go inside. Peanut Butter gets into his pajamas and goes out to the kitchen. Luna looks at him as she puts away the leftovers from earlier.
"I set up an appointment with Dr. Mind for you next week." Luna mentions.
"Thanks."
"You're welcome."
"I'm sorry about earlier today."
"It's okay, you were having a panic attack."
"Yeah, I was."
Peanut Butter goes into the living room and turns on the tv. Luna smiles to herself as she closes the fridge door. She joins him on the couch as a show starts. Luna smiles big as the cold opening plays.
"Oooo I love this show!" Luna exclaims.
"What is it called?"
"The Spark."
"Huh, interesting."
They both watch TV for a couple hours before Luna turns the TV off before they both go to their rooms and go to bed.
The week passes as Peanut Butter goes by his uneventful week. His weekend was at home due to the weather as the new week starts the night before his appointment is in front of him as he eats dinner. He looks down at his plate as he pushes a lone green bean across a pool of honey mustard. Luna looks at him noticing he barely has eaten his food.
"Is there something wrong?" Luna asks.
"Nothing is wrong."
"P.B., I know when something is wrong."
"I don't want to go to the stupid shrink tomorrow."
"You don't really have a choice in this P.B., it's for your health and I feel you can benefit from it."
"How would you know?"
"Let's just say it's a feeling."
"I'll take your word for it, but I still don't like it."
"Good, now finish up we have a long day tomorrow and it's best you get as much sleep as you can."
"Fine."
Peanut Butter eats silently as he looks away from Luna. She sighs as she finishes and washes the dishes while he still eats.
He finishes eating and puts the dishes in the sink before silently walking to his room. Luna sighs before going to her room down the hall. She takes out her phone and dials a number on it before putting it to her ear and lays on her bed. After a few rings the person on the other end picks up.
"Hey Cadance, how are you?" Luna asks.
"That's good, I'm not doing so well."
"It's about P.B., he's being resilient to going to the psychologist."
"Dr. Clear Mind."
"I didn't know Twilight had the same doctor."
"If only they could get along."
"No they don't, according to Sunset he's too 'outside the box' while she's too 'within the lines'."
"He's been opening up more, though at a cost by the looks of things."
"I feel that there is something more going on with him."
"I'm not sure if he's hiding something or not."
"He was completely silent tonight, hardly saying a word to me."
"Okay, go take care of little Flurry and I'll talk to you later."
Luna places the phone on the far side of the bed as she looks up at the ceiling. She sighs as she looks at a picture on her dresser just right to the bed. It is a picture with her and Celestia as kids with their mother at a picnic table wearing party hats. She stares at the picture with a blank stare and expressionless face.
"I wish I knew what to do mom, I could really use your help." Luna expresses.
Luna continues to stare at the ceiling for a few minutes before her phone starts to hum on the opposite side of the bed. Luna reaches for it and looks at the number. She slides her thumb on the screen and puts the phone to her ear.
"Hello Celestia." Luna greets.
"So Cadance called you after me huh?"
"He is doing it resentfully."
"He may have experienced something traumatic other than, well you know."
"Yeah, we will find out tomorrow, hopefully."
"I wouldn't doubt that he'll be stubborn, Sunset was the same way huh?"
"Those two are alike in so many ways surprisingly, I think she is closer to him than I am."
"I know they are the same age, but I'm the one taking care of him."
"How could he not trust me?"
"I know it takes time, but,"
"Wait, she still doesn't trust you?"
"It's been over a year though."
"I have been to his aid whenever he needed it since we found him."
"No I don't really interact with him outside of those moments."
"Fine, I'll do more with him then."
"Thanksgiving will be at your place since I can't hold everyone."
"I know at least a few of them will join."
"I don't know how P.B. will react though being swarmed by all those people."
"I think having them come up one at a time would be best."
"I have a long day tomorrow so I'll talk to you later."
"Love you too, good night."
Luna presses the hangup symbol on her phone's screen before rolling over to her nightstand next to her bed and connecting her phone to her charger before placing the phone on her bed. She turns on her TV as she gets into her pajamas before climbing onto her bed under the sheets.
The next morning Luna wakes up to the sound of a door closing near by. She gets out of the bed and opens the door to see Peanut Butter's door open and hears him in the bathroom. She quietly walks closer to the bathroom to listen.
"Another day in this hell on earth, another night settles in as quickly as it starts, the memories of darkness, words on the page and I can't find my way home." Peanut Butter sings along side the sound of falling water.
Luna's eyes widen as she continues to listen.
"And it's almost like, your heaven's doing everything, your heaven's doing everything to keep me away."
Luna steps back quietly before going back to her room and opens her laptop. She checks her emails as well as the song that Peanut Butter was singing. She plays it as she lays her clothes for the day out on the bed.
Ten minutes later she hears the door open and then hear another door close a few seconds later. Luna quickly goes to the bathroom and shuts the door behind her. She looks into the mirror and sighs as she brushes her teeth with half opened eyes. She spits into the sink before using her mouthwash. Her eyes widen after five seconds as she swishes the mouthwash in her mouth before spiting it out.
"This stuff still stings in my mouth, maybe I should try a different brand." Luna says to herself as she goes into the shower.
She puts her head in the water and lets the water fall and run down her hair. Her eyes still half open. She takes a bottle of shampoo and squeezes some into her hand before putting the bottle back and lathering the shampoo in her hair. She rinses it off and does the same with the conditioner.
Luna steps out of the shower a few minutes later and grabs a towel before opening the cabinet and takes out a small orange container with a white cap. She takes off the cap and tips the container and taps it lightly until an indigo colored pill comes out. She holds the pill in her hand as she puts the cap back on the container and puts it in the cabinet. She takes a small cup and fills it with water before putting the pill in her mouth and washing it down with the water. She swallows before putting the cup back and wrapping her bathrobe around her and going into her room.
She gets dressed as fast as she can and packs her laptop into her laptop bag and picks it up along with her briefcase.She knocks on Peanut Butter's door as she heads to the living room.
"Come on P.B., we're running late, you need to be ready, we'll get breakfast at the drive-thru." Luna shouts while in the living room.
Peanut Butter comes out dressed with his backpack hanging over his shoulder walking to the living room before grabbing his boots and putting them on. Luna does the same with her shoes as they both rush out the door and get into the car.
After getting fast food for breakfast they reach the school right before the first bus shows. Peanut Butter grabs his food and heads off to meet with Sunset while Luna heads to her office. The sky is clear as the sun peeks through the buildings before entering the school. Luna opens the door to the main office as the secretary is taking calls.
"Luna, you had a call, I wrote the number and message for you." The secretary says as she hands a slip of paper to Luna.
Luna takes the note, "Thank you." She says with a small smile on her face.
She then opens the door to her office and goes inside. She sets down her laptop bag and briefcase before sitting on the chair behind her desk as she looks at the note. She sighs and picks up the phone.
"You called me Dr. Clear Mind?" Luna asks.
"Moving up the appointments?"
"A session is supposed to be longer than planned?"
"I think two in the afternoon would work better."
"Okay, see you then."
Luna groans as she falls back on her chair.
"Can anything else go wrong?" Luna asks as she stares at the ceiling.
Just then Celestia comes into Luna's office with a stack of paper. Luna looks towards her with the bottom of her right eye twitching. Celestia sets the paperwork on her desk.
"These need to be signed off today, The school board is placing new rules and we need to sign these to state that we have reviewed them." Celestia states.
"I'll get what I can done, but I'll be leaving with P.B. at one for our appointments."
"I thought it wasn't until four."
"It was just rescheduled."
"Ah, you look like a train wreck."
"Yeah, long night as you know."
"Yes, do you want me to get you some coffee?"
"Yes please."
"I'll be right back."
"Thank you."
Celestia leaves as Luna sighs and rubs her head. She goes through the papers as she waits.
Celestia returns with Luna's cup. The mug has a picture of a cat on it with the phrase 'I Hate Mornings' on it before setting it on Luna's desk. Luna looks up at her with a small smile.
"Thank you sister, hopefully this will help." Luna thanks before picking up the cup and sipping from it.
"You're welcome, have you decided on what to bring for the dinner for Thanksgiving?"
"No I haven't."
"You don't have much time Luna."
"I know, but in case you forgot, I have been taking care of a teenage boy for the past few weeks, sorry for not keeping up with family gatherings."
"Sounds like you needed that coffee after all."
"You think so?"
Luna takes another sip of her coffee as Celestia leans on the door frame.
"I'm sorry sister, it's just been a long rough few days for me." Luna apologizes.
"I understand, I've been there, remember?"
"Oh yes, I should have hooked you up to an IV filled with wine for those first three weeks."
"I think that would have been a good idea at the time."
They both chuckle at Celestia's remark.
"Hopefully the doctor will give me a bit more insight."
"He will."
"If you say so."
"I know so."
Luna smiles a bit before looking down at the paperwork.
"I'll leave you be to the paperwork. "Celestia says before returning to her office.
Luna takes out her laptop and turns it on. She clicks on the music player and has it play while she works.
As she is looking over papers one has her looking at it for over five minutes before walking to Celestia's office.
"Sister, what is the meaning of this?"Luna asks.
"What are you talking about Luna?"
"This form stating that we will be under investigation by the board for under performance."
"We've been falling behind and the board feels that we aren't doing our job."
"Maybe if we didn't have so many events we would do better."
"We wouldn't need those events if we weren't underfunded."
"This is still unacceptable."
"It's going to happen, I don't like it either, but we have no control over it."
"Fine, but I'm still upset about this."
Luna signs the paper and places it on Celestia's desk before going back to her office. She sits on her chair and leans back in her seat. She picks up her mug and takes a sip from it before looking out the window. She sighs as the wind blows a couple leaves off the trees, causing them to fall to the ground. She then turns back towards her desk and continues looking over the paperwork.
Three hours later Luna looks at the clock before she packs her laptop and picks up the school phone.
"Can you send Peanut Butter to my office?" Luna asks.
"Thank you."
She hangs up and puts on her coat before she organizes her desk.
Peanut Butter enters her office a couple minutes later.
"What's up?" Peanut Butter asks.
"Good news, you are getting out of school early."
"Why?"
"Our appointments got rescheduled, so we'll be getting lunch on the way over there."
"How far is this doctor?"
"About an hour's drive."
"That far?"
"It's worth the drive."
"I'll have to go to my locker to get my bag."
"Okay."
Luna picks up her purse, laptop bag, and keys before following him to his locker. As they walk the empty halls, Peanut Butter sighs.
"It's kind of eerie walking through a quiet hall." Peanut Butter says.
"Try this at night."
"Oh god I can't imagine."
"When I was younger I came here at night as a dare."
"How?"
"I hid in the library and spent the night there."
"Ah."
They reach Peanut Butter's locker as he pops the lock on it. Luna raises an eyebrow at this.
"How did you learn that?" Luna asks.
"Someone taught me."
He grabs his jacket and puts it on before slinging the bag over his shoulder by one strap. Luna leads as he follows her to the car.
They both get in as Luna and Peanut Butter put their belongings in the back seat and get in the front. They both buckle their seat belts before Luna starts the car and pulls out of the parking space. Peanut Butter changes the station on the radio to a rock station. Luna smirks at this.
"You've grown fond of that station haven't you?" Luna asks.
"Yeah, rock speaks to me for some reason."
"That's good to know."
A half hour later Luna pulls into a drive-thru at a fast food restaurant and turns to Peanut Butter.
"What do you want to eat?" Luna asks.
"The number three with a Popsi."
"Okay."
She pulls up to the speaker and orders the food then drives to the window to pay. She gives the food to Peanut Butter to hold onto before putting the drinks in the cup holders and driving off again. They stop by a parking lot that is in front of a lake with Luna parking with the front facing the lake. Peanut Butter looks at Luna raising an eyebrow.
"Why are we here?" he asks.
"We still have some time before our appointments and I thought we could have lunch here."
"Why here though?"
"My mother did this with Celestia and I when we were kids, I thought I'd share the experience with you."
Peanut Butter lowers his head and looks away with a small smile on his face.
"Gee, I don't know what to say other than thanks."
"You're welcome, now let's eat."
They both eat their lunch with little to nothing said to each other before heading off again.
Another half hour pasts before Luna pulls into a parking lot next to a large house. The house has a light blue outside with white shudders and a large oak tree in the front. Luna and Peanut Butter get out of the car and enter the front of the house.
As they enter they see a living room themed waiting room with a couch, end table, and a fireplace. Peanut Butter sits on the couch while Luna checks them in.
A couple minutes later she sits next to Peanut Butter and waits. Just then the doctor comes out of a room, He is short with salt and pepper hair wearing a grey wool sweater with dress pants and brown loafers.
"Miss Solstice, you can come in now." He says.
"Thank you, P.B. you stay here until I come out."
Peanut Butter nods as he looks down. Luna goes into the room as Clear Mind shuts the door.
"Take a seat on the couch please." The doctor requests.
Luna sits down and takes out papers from her purse and gives them to him. He looks them over and sets them aside before turning to her.
"Thank you for those forms, makes the transition a lot easier." Clear Mind thanks as he gets a pen and paper out.
"You're welcome."
"So how have things been for you?"
"Busy and chaotic thanks to the new addition to the family."
"Are you referring to the young man out in the waiting room?"
"Yes."
Clear Mind grabs the papers and looks them over.
"How has the medicine been working?"
"Very well actually, I think this is the best one for me."
"That's good to hear, I'll give you a script for a refill after we take care of things here, so how have the flashbacks been?"
"They, have been a bit more frequent lately."
"How frequent?"
"At least four or five a week."
"What have they been about?"
"Most of them about losing my mother, other times it was from what I did afterwards and the hell it put on my sister."
"What did you do?"
"Drink myself to sleep, steal, and do drugs."
"You were arrested a couple times weren't you?"
"Yes."
"For what?"
"Breaking and entering and drug possession."
"Good to see that you have cleaned up since then, when did the flashbacks start picking up?"
"About the same time I took in P.B.."
"What does that stand for?"
"Peanut Butter."
"Ah, what an interesting name, how long ago did you take him in?"
"A couple months ago."
"Does he remind you of yourself?"
"At times."
"How so?"
"The way he acts at times and how he looked when I saw him reminded me of myself and how far I've come."
"Ah, from my point of view, it maybe time to confront your past, while the flashbacks will always remain, but maybe accepting your past will help you."
"I don't know if I can accept the things that I did."
"Don't rush it, you'll be ready when you are ready."
"Thank you doctor."
"You're quite welcome."
"There really hasn't been much else going on, work and home have been mostly the same."
“Well, what is the same for you at work?”
“Signing papers, scolding students, and trying to control chaos.”
“Sounds stressful.”
“That and boring too.”
“Do you feel as if your life has stagnated?”
“I’m not sure, Peanut Butter has made it more interesting sometimes at least.”
“That doesn’t mean it isn’t stagnate.”
“I don’t know.”
“A change may help you.”
“What kind of changes?”
“Weekend adventures, doing something spontaneous, change things up every once in a while.”
“I’ll try.”
"That's alright."
"Thank you."
Clear Mind takes a pad of paper and writes on it before giving her a slip of paper. Luna puts it in her purse.
"Would you like to have Peanut Butter come in?"
"Yes, though call him P.B.."
"Is that what he prefers?"
"Yes, he might be a bit testy and resistant."
"Not my first time dealing with people like that, especially teenagers."
"I'll get him."
Luna gets up and opens the door and goes to the waiting room to see Peanut Butter staring out the window. She puts her hand on his shoulder causing him to jump before turning his head towards her. His eyes are wide before sighing.
"Don't do that, you scared the shit out of me!" Peanut Butter shouts.
"Sorry, but it's your turn."
"I don't want to."
"You don't have a choice."
They stare at each other for a minute before he gets up.
"Fine, I'll go." He says begrudgingly as he heads to the office.
"I'll be in there when you're finished."
"Whatever."
He closes the door and sits down across from Clear Mind.
"Why hello P.B., I'm doctor Clear Mind, how are you?"
"I'm fine I guess."
"Do you know why you're here?"
"To fix me or drug me up."
"No, I'm here to help you, that's what I do for a job."
"Good for you."
"I'm sorry for what happened to you all those years ago."
"Don't be, it's all in the past now."
"Doesn't make it any less hurtful."
"Time heals all wounds."
"Not always."
"How so?"
"Trauma will always leave a mark, no matter how long it has been and you have suffered a great deal of it I bet."
"What makes you say that?"
"You are dodging my questions and being defensive, a trait common for those that have had that experience, you just blocked it out for so long in denial that it doesn't bother you anymore."
"Whatever, I'll play along with your game."
"Very well, so P.B., tell me about your time out in the world."
Author's Note
Holy crap, I finally finished the first part of this two part chapter. Sorry for the long wait, life and priorities got in the way. You might see the second part in a couple weeks since I am working to get stuff done before I go to Retrocon.
Peanut Butter adjusts his position on the couch to him laying down with his feet over the edge with him staring at the ceiling. He sighs and looks towards Clear Mind.
"It was hard after the crash, those five years I was on my own in Manehatten." Peanut Butter admits.
"How so?"
"Well for starters I had days without food and had to steal, I slept in either the streets, benches, or abandoned houses if I was lucky."
"What else?"
"Hid from truancy officers thinking I'm some kid that skipped school, do my job wi-"
Peanut Butter covers his mouth as he shuts his eyes.
"With who P.B.?"
"No one, just no one."
"Lying isn't going to help you any, what you say in here, stays in this room."
"With The Changelings."
"The largest gang in Manehatten?"
"Yep."
"Why were you with them?"
"I owed them my life at the time."
"Why is that?"
"They got me out of the gutter and took me in for a while."
"In return for helping them?"
"Yeah."
"Any reason why you haven't told anyone?"
"They don't need to know about my time there nor what I did."
"Will you tell them?"
"I don't know, maybe?"
"I think it would be good for you to say something eventually."
"No."
"Why?"
"It's none of their business."
"Okay, how was your home life before the crash?"
"Peaceful, calm, and loving."
"Have you felt that here?"
"Here as in my life living with Luna?"
"Yes."
"At times I'll admit, but they are far and few in between."
"Ah, so you're adjusting well?"
"You could say that."
"You've been here for how long?"
"The hell if I know, three months maybe?"
"Okay, well I know you're hiding something from me when it comes to your past."
"Because you don't need to know what it is."
"It could help you."
"That's something that has been bothering me, that phrase really pisses me off, you know why?, It's because whenever someone says that it turns to nothing more than a lie and wishful thinking."
"Is that so?"
"Yeah."
"I take it people have lied to you?"
"That and used me."
"That's a shame, so why did you leave The Changelings?"
"Their leader thought I could do better and dismissed me."
"What did you do?"
"Carried out deliveries and spied on other gangs."
"Any stories?"
Peanut Butter turns his head towards Clear Mind and glares at him before looking back up at the ceiling.
"No there isn't."
"Fine, but the more you avoid it, the more it will eat at you until you can take it anymore."
Peanut Butter sighs and looks back at him.
Silence remains in the office for a minute before Peanut Butter looks at Clear Mind.
"You promise nothing will be disclosed outside of this room?" Peanut Butter asks.
"I cannot disclose what happens in these sessions, so yes, I promise."
Peanut Butter sighs as he sits up holding his head with his hand as his elbow sits on his leg.
"I, I killed someone, I killed them for money that they owed to the gang."
"That is a pretty heavy burden to carry."
"It is, I have been carrying it for three years."
""That is quite a long time, have you told anyone else?"
"No, it's none of their business and they don't need to know."
"I see."
Peanut Butter glares at Clear Mind after a couple minutes of silence.
"You tricked me into talking." Peanut Butter accuses.
"Actually, I didn't, you 'played along' I recall."
"Whatever."
Peanut Butter faces the ceiling with a sigh as Clear Mind writes on his notepad.
"So P.B., if you are still willing to play along, how has school been?" Clear Mind asks.
"Difficult to say the least."
"How so?"
"Having to adjust, catch up, and deal with people I do not like."
"Like who?"
"Blueblood, a snobby entitled rich shit that has hated me since elementary."
"Why is that?"
"I stood up to him after he picked on a kid."
"I see, you must have hurt his ego pretty hard in order for him to have a grudge."
"Probably did."
"Anyone else?"
"Not really, other than a stuck up girl named Twilight Sparkle, but other than her, the others are just annoying, but bearable."
"I see."
"Yeah, she's too in the lines and doesn't think to experiment or go the extra mile, ya know?"
"You're quite the free spirit."
"I had to be to survive and keep my sanity in a crazy world."
"I see and I do agree."
"People don't get that I did what I needed to in order to survive, some of it I may not be proud of, but it was better than being dead in a ditch or ally somewhere."
"This is true."
"They expect me to act normal, like nothing happened, but things happened and it's hard to adjust."
"That it is, in your situation it's perfectly normal to have these issues."
"What issues?"
"Do you have frequent panic attacks?"
"Yes, at least two a day."
"I see, well I know you didn't want to be on meds, but until we find you some decent coping methods it will be for the best."
"No, I'm not going on meds."
"It will help you."
"I don't care, you're just like the rest of them, trying to drug me up and brush me under the fucking rug like a nobody."
Peanut Butter quickly gets up and heads for the door.
"Please listen," Clear Mind says as Peanut Butter opens the door.
"No, you had your shot and blew it, I'm done here."
Peanut Butter walks out of the office and down the hallway as Clear Mind follows behind him.
"P.B., at least consider it." Clear Mind suggests to him.
"I'm not going back on that shit again."
"Again?"
"You heard me."
Luna gets up and looks down the hall to see Peanut Butter walking towards her with the hood of his jacket up with Clear Mind behind him.
"What happened in there?" Luna asks.
Peanut Butter stays silent as he sits on the couch looking towards the wall.
"P.B. was making good progress until I suggested medicine for his anxiety."
"Then this happened?"
"Yes, though after what he just said to me as we went to the hall I can see why he doesn't like psychologists."
"Why?"
"All they did was drug him and ignore his issues."
"What issues?"
"His anxiety being the big one, he has bottled a lot of emotions in without knowing how to deal with them and maybe something more, possibly PTSD."
"He must have seen a lot then."
"That he has."
"I'll write a script for him, but let him take them on his own terms."
"I understand."
Clear Mind writes on a pad of paper before tearing off a sheet and handing it to Luna. She places it in her purse before looking at Peanut Butter.
"There's more he isn't telling, but I won't push him." Clear Mind says.
"What could he be hiding though?"
"We'll find out in time, when would you like the next appointment?"
"Does next Tuesday sound good?"
"I'll have to check my schedule."
Clear Mind goes back to his office and returns a few seconds later.
"I'm free at four in the evening." He states.
"Perfect, thank you Doctor Clear Mind."
"No problem, have a good day."
"You too, come on P.B., let's go home."
Peanut Butter gets up and walks to the door with Luna behind him. They both leave and get into the car before driving home.
They return to Canterlot only to stop at a drug store near by the apartment. Luna parks her car in a parking spot in front of the store and turns off her car.
"You can stay in here if you want, I'll only be a few minutes." Luna says as she picks up her purse.
"Yeah, okay."
Luna's face has a small frown before she has a small smile on her face.
"Look, I know you didn't want to go there, but I'm proud of you for giving it a chance."
Peanut Butter lifts his head slightly and turns his head towards her.
"Thanks, it means a lot that you said that."
"You're welcome, how about after this we get some ice cream?"
"That, that would be nice, thank you."
"It's not a problem."
Luna leaves and locks the car before going into the store. Peanut Butter stares out the window as people come and go. He keeps his hood up as he looks out the window, hiding his face.
Five minutes later Luna returns to the car and opens the door before getting in and placing a shopping bag in the backseat. She looks over to Peanut Butter and notices that he didn't react to her coming back. She leans forward a bit to see his eyes closed and with his mouth slightly opened. She smiles and shuts the door quietly before starting the car and heading home.
Luna parks in her spot by the stairs and turns off the car. She gets the bag she placed in the backseat and her purse before she gently shakes Peanut Butter. He stirs and looks at her with his eyes half open.
"Time to get up P.B., we're home, did you have a nice nap?" Luna asks.
Peanut Butter nods and gets up to grab his book bag before getting out of the car and walking up the stairs. Luna closes her car doors and follows him up the stairs. She takes her keys out of her purse and unlocks the door before opening it and going in.
Peanut Butter follows her inside and drags his feet back to his room. Luna looks at him before he shuts the door. Luna giggles a bit before going to her room to change. As she puts on the top of her pajamas on her phone rings on the bed. Luna picks it up and looks at it, she raises an eyebrow when it is an unknown number. She answers her phone and puts it up to her ear.
"Hello?" Luna asks.
"Oh Miss Proper, how are you?"
"That's good, may I ask why you call?"
"A one on one interview with P.B.?"
"After Hearth's Warming break would be best."
"Okay, see you then."
Luna hangs up the phone and puts it in her pajama pants pocket before she goes out to the kitchen to make dinner. She chops up chicken, vegetables, and some cashews before getting a pot out and filling it with water. She puts it on the stove and turns the burner on before getting a pan and heating it up. She throws the chicken in and cooks it.
The water starts to boil as she finishes the vegetables and adds noodles to the water and puts the vegetables in a bowl with the chicken. She mixes them up adding sauce to it before switching over to the noodles.
When the pasta finishes cooking Luna strains it and mixes them with the rest of the ingredients and warms the cashews as she plates dinner. She takes out the cashews and crushes them before sprinkling the pieces over the food. She places the plates on the island counter before walking to Peanut Butter's door and knocking on it.
"Dinner is ready, come eat." Luna says.
"Coming."
Luna sits on a stool and eats as Peanut Butter comes out in his pajamas and a jacket. He sits on the stool next to Luna and starts eating.
After they finish Luna looks at him.
"We're not done yet, don't want to forget dessert." Luna mentions as she puts the plates in the sink.
Peanut Butter sits as Luna gets two bowls and spoons and places them on the counter by the refrigerator while going into the freezer pulling out a tub of ice cream. Luna takes a couple scoops of ice cream and puts them in each bowl before taking out a can of whipped cream and putting some on top of each as well. She puts the tub and can back before placing the bowls on the island. Peanut Butter starts eating the ice cream with a smile on his face. Luna smiles back as she eats her ice cream.
They both finish as Peanut Butter places his bowl into the sink with Luna doing the same shortly after. Peanut Butter looks back at her with a small smile.
"Thanks for dinner and the ice cream." He thanks as he turns to walk to his room.
"You're welcome P.B.."
"I'm going to bed early, good night."
"Good night P.B., sweet dreams."
"You too."
Peanut Butter shuts the door and locks it while Luna cleans the dishes.
After she finishes cleaning she goes to her room and turns on the television before laying on her bed and watching her shows. She looks at her calendar on her bed and checks off the current day.
"Two weeks until Thanksgiving, great, just great." Luna vents as she lays her head on the pillow.
Author's Note
And part 2 is done which means this two parter is a wrap, the next chapter will be the thanksgiving chapter so next month might have the chapter, I need a bit of a break too as this next one might be a bit big. Same goes for the holiday chapter. After that, the storm hits. ;)
Two weeks pass as life goes to normal for Luna and Peanut Butter. Two days from Thanksgiving while Luna cooks dinner while Peanut Butter is on the couch writing in his notebook when there is a knock on the door. Luna stops chopping vegetables and turns her head towards the door with a raised eyebrow .
"Coming!" Luna shouts as she puts down her knife.
She walks to the door as she wipes her hands on her apron before standing in front of the front door and opens it.
"I swear if you are another Sombra's Witness I'm going to flip." Luna says as she peeks to see who it is.
Standing outside of the doorway is an older looking woman with salt and pepper hair, green eyes, and a few wrinkles around her eyes and mouth and wearing a dark red dress with a white wool jacket over it, and red high heels. Luna steps back in surprise as she steps aside from the door way.
"Aunt Auburn, I thought you weren't supposed to show up here until tomorrow." Luna says as the lady walks in.
"I got hear early so I can catch up with you and your sister."
"Well that's good to hear, please sit where you would like, I'll put some tea on for you."
"Thank you."
Luna closes the door and goes back to the kitchen to make tea as Auburn Sky goes to the living room to see Peanut Butter laying on the couch still writing. She jumps back and quickly screams causing Luna and Peanut Butter to look at her with Peanut Butter raising an eyebrow.
"Aunt Sky what's wrong?" Luna asks.
"Who is this young man in your house and why is he here?"
"I was going to surprise everyone, but this is Peanut Butter, I'm his legal guardian."
"First Celestia with Sunset, now you with this one, I swear you two are so similar, how old is this one?"
"About a year older than Sunset."
"I see, you do realize teenage boys are a handful right Luna?"
"I know, I deal with them all the time at the school especially yours, this one though hasn't been that bad."
"I heard that Luna." Peanut Butter snips as he peeks above the couch.
Luna chuckles before she puts a mug of water in the microwave and presses the heating time before pressing start.
"The mouth on this one is appalling." Auburn says.
"Reminds me of myself when I was his age."
"Yes it does and it should be dealt with."
"Aunt Auburn, he is a good kid, he hasn't had it easy."
"Doubtful, unlike my son this one is a delinquent waiting in the wings."
"I wouldn't mention your son around P.B. if I were you."
"Why not?, my Blueblood is a gentleman."
"More like a snobby shithead if you ask me." Peanut Butter snarks.
Auburn gasps and turns towards him with her eyebrows curved into an angry expression.
"How dare you talk ill of him like that!" She scolds.
"He goes after me for no reason thinking he's the big shot only for me to put him in his place."
"Wait a minute, he mentions someone who annoys him that he calls a street rat, is that, you?"
"Yep."
"If you just did what he said and just accept it then things wouldn't be bad for you."
"That's not how I do things and that's not how life works."
"I can see why he finds you annoying." Auburn scowls.
Peanut Butter gets up and places his notebook down and stands tall facing Auburn with his fists clenched.
"I have seen what people like him become and what they do, I will not stand by and let him get away with those things."
Peanut Butter grabs is notebook and marches past Luna and Auburn and goes into his room. Luna sighs as Auburn looks towards her with a raised eyebrow.
"I do hope you have no plans on adopting that child, he's a troublemaker in the making." Auburn says as Luna serves her tea.
"You just met him, he's not really a troublemaker, he's still adjusting and can be a bit hostile at times and I warned you to not mention Blueblood."
"You're making excuses for him."
"You have no idea what he went through Aunt Auburn."
"That is no excuse for his behavior."
Luna drinks her own tea as she glares at her.
"He's part of this family, whether you like it or not."
"Fine, but don't say I didn't warn you."
Luna and Auburn sit and drink their tea in silence as Luna continues checking on what she is making. After Auburn finishes her tea she places her cup down and gets up. She picks up her purse and heads to the door.
"I will let Celestia know that I will not be joining and I will be with my husband and son for the holidays." Auburn mentions.
"Okay, thank you for stopping by."
Auburn leaves with a huff as Luna is pinching the bridge of her nose before going to shut and lock the door. She walks over to Peanut Butter's room and knocks on his door.
He opens the door a few seconds later to see Luna with a raised eyebrow towards him.
"Hey Luna, what's up?" Peanut Butter asks.
"I'm sorry for how she treated you, but I feel you are also at fault for what just happened."
"She started it with that smug attitude of hers towards me."
"It takes two to get into an argument P.B.."
"I know, but she still started it."
"And you could have finished it by ignoring her, look all I'm saying is that you could have handled it better, I know you're still trying, but I need to point it out to you so you can be aware, okay?"
Peanut Butter looks down and away from Luna.
"Okay, are you still bringing me to A.J.'s place tomorrow?"
"Yes I am."
"Thank you."
"You're welcome."
Peanut Butter shuts the door as Luna heads to the kitchen as the rest of the night is quiet between them.
The next day comes as Peanut Butter is dressed in boots, jeans, t shirt, and his light brown hoodie with ear muffs matching the color of his hoodie at Luna's request due to the weather as Luna drives him to A.J.'s farm. Peanut Butter looks out the window during the trip with a small smile on his face as Luna pulls into the driveway and parks her car.
"Now P.B., I want you to be good while you're here, I'll be back at three to pick you up." Luna says.
"I will."
"Good, have fun."
"I will, bye."
Luna backs up and drives off as Peanut Butter turns around to see Applebloom run towards him before jumping to hug him. Peanut Butter catches her and hugs her back with a giggle.
"It's good to see you too Bloom." Peanut Butter greets.
"Glad you could come, A.J. and Big Mac are in the fields out back, we can take thuh four wheeler to get there."
"Alright Bloom, let's go, get your helmet while I get it started."
"Okay."
While Applebloom gets her helmet Peanut Butter goes to the four wheeler by the garage and looks it over before starting it up, revving the engine up a couple times before Applebloom returns in a green helmet with apples around it. She gets behind him and wraps her arms around him before slowly turning the vehicle around before speeding towards Applejack and Big Mac with the engine roaring.
A couple minutes later they see Applejack and Big Mac in the distance before slowing down and stopping right next to them. Applebloom gets off as Applejack puts a basket full of apples on the four wheeler.
"Nice to see ya P.B., just in time too, we got a few more trees left and we'll get it done quicker with you helpin'." Applejack says.
"It's nothing, besides it's been a while since we last hung out."
"Yeah, it's long due, about five years over due."
"Yeah."
Peanut Butter revs up the four wheeler as Applejack covers the top of the basket.
"Yer good ta go."
Peanut Butter rides off towards the house kicking up some dirt along the way as he follows the same path he did to get there.
After two hours they all finish and ride back to the house on separate vehicles.
They park the vehicles in the garage by the house before going inside. at the front entrance of the house Applejack stops Peanut Butter before going inside holding an old handmade picnic basket with a blanket over the top of it.
"What do you say P.B.?" Applejack asks.
"Sure."
They both go to the garage and get on one of the four wheelers and head out to the orchard towards a clear hill near by.
Once there Applejack lays out a blanket on the grass before sitting on it next to the basket as Peanut Butter sits next to her. She takes out a couple plates and takes out a couple sandwiches and then takes out thermoses and hands him one and a plate with a sandwich. She opens her thermos as steam comes out of it like smoke from a chimney. Peanut Butter does the same to discover hot chocolate in his thermos.
"Thanks for the help P.B., it means a lot to me and my family." Applejack thanks.
"No problem, I've always tried to help you guys when I can."
"Yeah, but you always did it when it was just Big Mac and Granny."
"I did that to protect you."
"I know P.B., but that's in the past now, what matters now is that you're back."
"Yeah, it's a nice view here by the way."
"It is, I thought it would be a perfect spot for us to catch up proper."
"You always had a knack for that."
"That I do."
"So much has changed since then huh?"
"Yeah, it has, how were things for you?"
"Difficult to say the least, I made a few good friends along my travels, though let's face it, none of them could top you and Rarity."
"Yeah, anyone in particular?"
"Well there is one."
"Oh?"
"Yeah, her name was Cherry Blossom, she, was a good friend of mine growing up and her family was super nice."
"That's good to hear, why didn't you stay with them?"
"Personal reasons, but I was always welcomed."
"Ah, I noticed you said was, what happened?"
"I'd rather not talk about it."
"I understand."
"I still cared about you two even after I left."
"Why?"
"Because you two were my first real friends."
Applejack smiles slightly looking away.
"That means a lot ta me P.B.."
"Well it's true."
"Ah know, but still, I never heard ya say anything like that until now."
"I see, I'll try to say that stuff more often then."
"I never really got over you, ya know."
"I had a feeling."
"I just suppressed it fer years that I sort of forgot, then when you showed up it came back with joy and anger."
"Why anger?"
"Because you showed up out of the blue after all those years and found out that you have been here for longer than when we found you."
"I see."
"Yeah, ah'm glad we are still friends though."
"I'm still surprised that you still consider me your friend."
"I didn't at first, but after thinking it through I feel different."
"How so?"
"I don't see you as who you were from back then, but at the same time, I feel like the best parts of ya are still there, just damaged ah guess."
"I guess that's true, though I'm trying to fix myself little by little."
"I'm glad you are and I'll be here fer ya like when we were kids."
"Thanks A.J., I needed to hear that."
Peanut Butter eats some of his sandwich and sips from the thermos. He looks out over the rows of apple trees in front of them seeing a bit of the city in the distance. He smiles before shifting his eyes to Applejack and smiles before taking another bite of his sandwich. He suddenly feels something wrapping around his chest and turns his head to see Applejack hugging him with her head on his arm. He blushes before returning the hug with a hug of his own. Applejack lets go as does Peanut Butter, both smiling and blushing as they look at each other.
"Ah hope that wasn't too awkward for ya P.B.." Applejack says.
"Not at all, it was nice honestly."
"I think we need ta head back, Luna should be back by the time we get there."
"Yeah, time does fly."
"It sure does."
They both pack up and get on the four wheeler to head back to Applejack's house. Peanut Butter revs the engine and rides towards Applejack's house.
As they return they see Luna's car in the drive way with Luna leaning against it looking in their direction. She sees them pull into the garage as Peanut Butter gets off of it to take off his helmet and put it away. Luna smirks as he walks towards her.
"I'm surprised you know how to drive one of those." Luna admits.
"I'm full of surprises."
"That you are."
Peanut Butter puts the helmet back on the hook it was on and turns to Applejack.
"I'll catch you later A.J." Peanut Butter says.
"Catch ya later P.B."
Peanut Butter gets into Luna's car as Luna gets in before she starts it and pulls out of the driveway.
As Luna drives, Peanut Butter looks out the window looking at the cars and houses pass by before turning his head towards her.
"So what's the plan?" Peanut Butter asks.
"Well, tomorrow we will be spending the day home and Thanksgiving we will go to Celestia's for the day."
"Sounds good."
Luna pulls into her parking space and turns off the car before getting out with Peanut Butter doing the same. They go up the stairs and go inside the apartment.
When inside Luna goes to her room while Peanut Butter takes off his shoes and places them on the rack near the door before going into his room. He comes back out in black pajama pants, a blue shirt, black socks, and a dark red hoodie and sits on the couch before turning on the TV.
Luna comes out of her room a few minutes later in dark blue sweatpants, a dark blue shirt, and sky blue slippers as she heads to the kitchen and takes out a small popcorn popper, a large bowl, and a bag of popcorn kernels. She plugs in the popcorn popper and adds in the kernels before placing the bowl underneath the vent of the popper to catch the popped pieces of popcorn.
"It's been a while since we did this." Luna mentions.
"Yeah it has, I was starting to miss our movie nights."
"Good news is that we have tonight and tomorrow to watch what we want."
"We're doing one with Sunset and Celestia on Thanksgiving aren't we?"
"Yes, we're spending the night there so I want you to pack a bag of clothes for the next day along with your toothbrush, toothpaste, and pajamas."
"Okay."
"What should we have for dinner?"
"I'm okay with whatever, Luna."
"Pizza it is, did you check your blood sugar?"
"Did that in my room."
"Did you write it down?"
"Yes."
"Good."
"Oh hey, Fred's Hot Dogs is on."
"Oh nice."
"Yeah."
A few minutes pass as Luna melts butter for the popcorn as the bowl is nearly full. Peanut Butter changes the input as the Neighflix logo dimly shows on the TV. Luna spreads the melted butter over the popcorn before tossing the popcorn in the bowl to spread the butter before she unplugs the popper and sits down next to Peanut Butter on the couch.
"What do you want to watch?" Luna asks.
Peanut Butter looks at the screen with a raised eyebrow and a scrunched up face.
"I have never heard of any of these movies."
"Let me help you out there."
Peanut Butter gives Luna the remote as she looks through the selection before choosing a movie called 'The Arctic Transit'. Peanut Butter's eyes go wide at seeing it. He turns his head towards Luna with a surprised look on his face.
"They actually made it into a movie?" Peanut Butter asks.
"Yeah they did, I take it you were read the book as a kid?"
"Yeah, dad used to read it to me every year."
"Would you like to watch it?"
Peanut Butter is silent for a minute before nodding.
"Yes please."
"Alright."
Luna hits play on the remote before the movie starts playing. Peanut Butter smiles as he takes some popcorn from the bowl and eats it.
The movie finishes and the screen returns to the selection menu. Luna picks another movie and starts it.
As the night goes on they watch more movies. After the fifth movie Luna looks at the clock and sees that it is one in the morning. She looks at Peanut Butter who is fast asleep on the couch. She smirks and picks up a blanket near by and moves the bowl of popcorn before unfolding the blanket and placing it over him. She quietly tip toes to her room and shuts the door before going to bed.
The following morning Luna gets up and walks out to the living room and looks at the couch to see Peanut Butter still sleeping. She then goes to the kitchen and fills the pot of her coffee maker.
An hour later Peanut Butter wakes up to the smell of breakfast cooking before looking up over the back of the couch. Luna turns her head to see the top of his head show above the couch. She smiles as she sees this.
"Looks like someone is up." Luna says before giggling to herself.
"Good morning to you too Luna."
"Hungry?"
"Yeah."
"Breakfast will be ready in a bit."
"Okay."
Peanut Butter gets up and goes to the bathroom as Luna continues to cook.
A few minutes later Peanut Butter comes out and returns to eat breakfast. Luna finishes as he sits down and they both eat.
The rest of the day is quiet as they watch shows and movies. With Luna cooking for the next day.
The following day Peanut Butter and Luna get up early and pack the car with their bags and food for dinner at Celestia's house. Peanut Butter is wearing his usual outfit with the exception of a grey and black plad button down shirt instead of a hoodie. The car is packed as Luna brings down the last bowl of food with her. She gives it to Peanut Butter before getting in the car with him.
"Now P.B., I'm going to let you know ahead of time that we will have other family members at Celestia's home, if you get overwhelmed let me know and I'll take you to a quiet part of the house." Luna mentions.
"Okay, I just hope they don't act like the other one did."
"No they don't."
"Good."
"If we get there in time we can watch the parade with them on TV."
"That would be nice."
"There's other surprises as well."
"Oh?"
"Yes, but you'll find them out through out the day."
"Okay."
A half hour later they arrive at Celestia's house and pull into the drive way. Sunset opens the door as Luna and Peanut Butter unload the car and bring everything inside. Peanut Butter places the food on the table in the kitchen as Luna puts the overnight bags in Celestia's guest room on the second floor.
Peanut Butter and Sunset sit in the living room on the couch watching the parade on TV as Luna and Celestia work in the kitchen. Luna looks over towards the television seeing the backs of Sunset's and Peanut Butter's heads as well as the television and smiles. Celestia puts the turkey on the tray above the oven.
About three hours later there is a knock at the door. Sunset gets up and answers the door. She opens it to see an older looking man with salt and pepper hair, a blue button down shirt, red tie, black dress pants, and brown loafers. Sunset smiles and hugs him when he comes inside.
"Uncle Nova!" Sunset shouts gleefully.
"Hey there Sunset, how have you been?"
Sunset stops hugging him and lets him into the living room.
"I've been well, how about you?"
"I've been doing fine, your aunt is bringing in some food, I see you're watching the parade."
"Yeah, I am."
"Where's your mother and Luna?"
"Kitchen."
"Okay, I'll have to pick on them a bit before I settle in the living room."
Just as he enters the kitchen a woman with a dark red dress, blonde hair, and high heels comes in holding a bowl with plastic wrap. Sunset comes over to her to help bring in food.
"Hi Aunt Hem." Sunset greets.
"Why hello there Sunset, thank you for taking that bowl by the way."
"You're welcome."
Sunset takes the bowl into the kitchen before going back out into the living room and hugging her aunt and goes back towards the couch. Her aunt sits down on the chair against the wall facing the TV and notices Peanut Butter on the couch. He looks away as she sees him.
"Oh Sunset, you never said you'd have a friend over." Hem Press says.
Sunset looks towards her aunt.
"Well I wouldn't exactly say my friend."
"Oh, so he's your boyfriend?"
Sunset's face goes red.
"I think it's best if Aunt Luna explains it."
Sunset gets up and comes back with Luna a few seconds later.
"I see you have met the newest member of our family Hem Press." Luna says.
"Well not formally, he seems pretty shy if you ask me."
"He is, his name is Peanut Butter, but we call him P.B.."
"Ah, he looks a lot like that young man you had over when you were in high school."
"Well he is his son."
"That explains the resemblance."
"It does, as for his shyness, he'll open up in time."
"Any tips?"
"Let him talk to you on his own, he hates being pushed to talk if he doesn't want to."
"I'll keep it in mind."
As the day goes on more family members come with food and well wishes. Peanut Butter goes into the guest bedroom on the second floor as more relatives arrive causing more noise to fill the house.
Meanwhile in the kitchen, Luna and Celestia are setting up the table with food. Celestia goes to the living room and takes out a small bell in her apron pocket and rings it. The room goes silent as all eyes are on her.
"Attention everyone, dinner is almost ready, please sit down at the table, kids, go to the kitchen and sit at the table." Celestia shouts.
Everyone makes their way to their seats with Sunset going to the adult table. Celestia raises her eyebrow as Peanut Butter is not seen. She goes upstairs and looks towards the guest room. She knocks on the door before opening it to see Peanut Butter asleep on the bed. Just then Luna comes up the stairs and sees her. Celestia turns her head towards her and places her finger over her mouth and shows Luna what she finds. Celestia shuts the door quietly.
"I think we should set aside food for him." Celestia suggests.
"Yeah, I think nerves got the better of him."
"Probably."
They both head downstairs to eat with the rest of their family. During the meal they set aside a plate of food for Peanut Butter and places it in the fridge covered in plastic wrap with a sticky note with his nickname on it. Hem Press looks towards Luna as she returns to the table.
"Is P.B. not joining us?" Hem asks.
"He wasn't feeling well so he went upstairs."
"That's a shame."
"Yes, but he has been overwhelmed by a lot of people before so I at least get why he is upstairs."
"He sounds like he is your pride and joy."
Luna pauses for a minute, looking down before a small smile is on her face. She looks back up at Hem Press.
"Yes he is."
"I'm glad to hear that Luna."
A short older man looks at Luna holding his fork full of food.
"I heard you followed in your sister's footsteps and got yourself a younglin'." He says.
"That I do Grandpa Star Rise, he's not feeling well so you probably won't be seeing him tonight."
"That's a shame, hope he feels better."
"I hope so too."
As the evening continues, leftovers are packed and dishes are washed as family members start to leave. As the last of them leave Celestia, Luna, and Sunset hear footsteps coming from the stairs. They look to see Peanut Butter looking away from them with his head down.
"I'm sorry for not being down here to meet your relatives." Peanut Butter apologizes.
"It's alright P.B., you had your reasons." Luna says.
"Then why do I feel like shit?"
"That's normal P.B., but we aren't mad at you, we left you some food in case you were hungry."
"Thanks, I'll take up on the offer."
Peanut Butter goes to the kitchen and sees a plate covered in plastic wrap with a sticky note with the letters 'P.B.' on it. He smiles as he takes off the plastic wrap and heats it up in the microwave.
After the food is warmed up he takes the plate and sits at the dining room table and eats. He looks towards the living room and sees Celestia, Luna, and Sunset bring in boxes from the garage and set them down in front of a tree in the corner of the room. He raises an eyebrow at them.
"What's all that for?" He asks.
"It's a tradition in our family, we decorate our Hearth's Warming tree on Thanksgiving, we'll start when you're finished eating." Luna explains.
Peanut Butter continues eating his food while the others watch TV.
After he finishes eating he places his plate in the sink and goes to the living room behind the couch. Sunset opens a box and pulls out a bundle of lights with Celestia and Luna taking out tinsel and more lights. Sunset looks at Peanut Butter and smiles.
"Ready?" She asks.
"Yeah, I'm ready."
"Awesome, help me untangle these lights."
"Sure."
Peanut Butter walks over to Sunset and helps her with the lights. Luna and Celestia smile as they do the same with their own bundle of lights.
After the tree is decorated they all go to their rooms with Peanut Butter going into the bathroom to get into their pajamas and return to the living room.
"Time for the Hearth's Warming movie marathon everyone." Celestia announces before going into the kitchen.
Luna nudges Peanut Butter with her elbow with a grin.
"This is something she and I started a couple years ago to start the holidays, it just sort of stuck." Luna whispers.
"Nice."
"I'll go help her with the snacks."
"Okay."
Luna goes into the kitchen. Peanut Butter sits on the couch with Sunset. Sunset looks towards him with a smile.
"Having fun?" She asks.
"I am actually."
"Good, I was hoping to hear that."
"So what was it like while I was upstairs?"
"Very busy to say the least, loud too."
"Yeah, it was starting to get that way when I came up, too much noise and too many people."
"Yeah, it's understandable that you went up there."
"I hate that I did though."
"It's okay, I did the same thing my first family gathering too."
"I still feel guilty though."
"That's normal P.B., they understood."
"Luna was talking about me?"
"Only when someone asked about you."
"Oh, okay."
"She didn't want people to make assumptions of you, she told them that you are a good person, just trying to put yourself back together is all, and they understood that perfectly."
Peanut Butter smiles a bit as he looks down at his hand as he moves his fingers around.
"That's good to know Sunset, thanks for letting me know."
"You're welcome."
Just then Luna and Celestia return. They place the popcorn and other snacks on the coffee table and go back and return with drinks.
"Alright, kids on the floor." Luna says as she places her glass of wine on a coaster on the end table next to her.
Peanut Butter and Sunset get on the floor in front of the couch as Neighflix starts up on the TV. Celestia scrolls through the list and finds a movie.
"Oooo, A Hearth's Warming Story." Celestia says.
"After that let's watch The Arctic Transit." Peanut Butter says.
"Good pick, Sunset?"
"How The Snart Stole Hearth's Warming." Sunset answers.
"Good choice, Luna if you say Live Fast I'm skipping you."
"But it is a Harth's Warming film, I swear."
"Not by my book."
Luna sticks her tongue out in Celestia's direction causing Sunset and Peanut Butter to giggle.
"Fine, It's a Pretty Good Life."
"Thank you."
Celestia pushes the play button on the remote as the movie loads.
Throughout the night they laugh and smile as the movies play. Sunset and Peanut Butter pass out during the fourth movie next to each other on the floor with Sunset leaning on Peanut Butter. Luna and Celestia smile looking at them. Luna looks out the window and sees dark clouds in the sky in the near distance.
"A nasty storm is coming." Luna says.
"Good thing you two are here then."
"It is."
Author's Note
And that is the end of this chapter, boy that was something. Hope you guys enjoy the parody titles I made up like I did. I'll leave this little paragraph for you guys to think about and a song. Hope this chapter holds you over until early 2017. So until then, enjoy the edits and my blogs.
Dark clouds along the horizon of life flashing with lightning and roaring with thunder and rain are always seen. While the storm may pass, nothing will be the same after it passes no matter what you do. Life is like the weather, ever changing and unpredictable. The best one can do is prepare and pray. Pray that they will be the least damaged after it passes.
As the new year starts and the students return from their winter break Peanut Butter and Sunset hangout in the main hallway. Peanut Butter hangs his coat in his locker as Sunset leans against the locker next to him.
"Getting back into the swing of things P.B.?" Sunset asks.
Peanut Butter groans and rolls his eyes at her.
"I'll take that as a no."
"Not even close."
He shuts the locker and picks up his book bag and sees Moondancer coming down the hall. She quickly comes up to Peanut Butter and Sunset with a smile on her face.
"Hey P.B.." She greets.
"Hey Moondancer, how was your break?"
"Pretty good, I went on vacation for most of it."
"Awesome."
"You?"
"Stayed at home and spent Hearth's Warming with Luna, Celestia, and Sunset."
"Not bad."
"Yeah."
"I have to get to homeroom, I'll see you at the club meeting."
"Alright, catch you later."
Moondancer runs off as Peanut Butter sighs. Sunset smirks at him.
"I think she likes you." She says.
"Why do you think that?"
"No one just runs up to you like she did and also girls intuition."
"Ah, if that's the case the feeling isn't mutual."
"I can tell, you have your eyes set on someone else don't you?"
"Not really."
"That's a yes."
"Fine."
"Who is the lucky girl?"
"None of your business, besides, I saw you eyeing Flash a few times."
Sunset blushes.
"Y-you're lying." She says in a flustered tone.
"That proves my point."
Soon they are joined by Applejack, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, Twilight, and Rainbow Dash as they talk about their breaks and what they did. Peanut Butter looks outside towards the parking lot and sees someone get out of their car, he raises his eyebrow, but then looks away back towards his friends. Sunset looks at Peanut Butter.
"What's up P.B.?, something wrong?" She asks.
"Not really, just thought I saw someone that has a familiar vibe to them, like I should know them."
"Ah."
"Yeah, probably nothing."
"Probably."
Just then the class bell rings causing them to go their own way to class.
As lunch rolls around Sunset, Peanut Butter, and their friends meet in the cafeteria. Peanut Butter looks and doesn't see Applejack. He looks again and then to Rarity.
"Hey Rares, where's A.J.?" He asks.
"I don't know, she went to go to the bathroom and haven't seen her since."
"Probably went to the nurse's office."
"Possibly."
After lunch period was over the speakers emit a loud beep for a second before a voice is heard.
"Please report to the office Peanut Butter, Peanut Butter, please report to the office." The voice says before the sound of a click is heard.
"I wonder what for." Peanut Butter wonders.
"Well go find out."
"Okay."
Peanut Butter heads towards the office with his backpack slung over his shoulder by one strap.
He enters the office to be greeted by the secretary that is sitting behind her desk.
"If you can please enter the room over there and wait for your interview to start." She says pointing to a room next to Celestia's office.
Peanut Butter walks towards the room and enters it.
Peanut Butter sits on a chair in the room as he waits for the interview to start as he taps his fingertips on the table and notices how bare the white room is outside of the table and two chairs, one of which he is sitting in. Just then the door opens as Proper comes in causing his eyes to widen before he glares at her. She sits down on the other side of the table taking out a folder and placing it on the table before opening it. She takes out a pen and looks at him with a small smirk.
"So we meet again." Proper says.
"That we do Proper, how long has it been?"
"I say about three years since Manehattan."
"Sounds about right, what are you and your sister up to this time?"
"Living our normal lives, I became a social worker and Prim continued in education."
"I remember what happened back then, what you two did."
"Oh do you?"
"Yeah."
"Well let us not dwell on the past for too long, how has life been for you?"
"It has been well."
"That's good, eating three balanced meals a day?"
"Yes."
"That's good, your grades seem to be in good standing too which is good."
"Why wouldn't it be?"
"Don't know, but it looks like you are seeing Doctor Clear Mind for some issues."
"What would you expect after what happened?"
"This is true, though nothing would have went wrong if you didn't rear your head in."
"I had to."
"You could have been a part of something bigger, but you chose to stay at the bottom."
"Better than living a lie."
Proper takes a deep breathe and closes the folder up and puts it away before staring at him.
"Since work is out of the way we can chat for a bit since you want to dig up what happened in Manehattan."
"Like your experiment with that school?"
"Getting straight to the point are we?"
"Why wouldn't I?."
"If it wasn't for you we would have succeeded."
"For the cost of innocent lives, I wasn't going to let it happen."
"Oh that is where you are wrong kid, you might have saved some of them, but you didn't save all of them little hero especially your little friend Cherry Blossom."
Peanut Butter's eyebrows go down towards his nose as his nostrils flare as he glares at her with his fists clenching as he stands up. A small breeze blows, though neither flinch.
Peanut Butter relaxes his fist and sits down.
"So are we done here Proper?" Peanut Butter asks.
"Yes we are, oh this is from Prim and I, don't open it for five minutes."
Proper places a folded up piece of paper on the table and pushes it towards him before picking up her briefcase and walks out of the room. Peanut Butter picks up his book bag and the paper and walks out of the room before walking to the bathroom.
He enters one of the stalls and locks it before opening the folded paper.
The experiment will go on boy.
His eyes go wide as his mouth opens as if his jaw is dropping as he drops the paper into the toilet. His breathing goes heavy and fast as he falls back, pressing his back against the door.
"No, no, no, no, no, not again, please god, not again!" Peanut Butter shouts.
Just then shouting is heard in the hall as Peanut Butter picks up his book bag and goes out to see Rarity in the hall as she rushes to him with her phone in one hand and being out of breath.
"What's wrong Rares?" He asks.
"P.B. there you are, Applejack is in trouble, look at this." Rarity panics as she shows him a text.
Peanut Butter looks at it with eyes wide open.
I have your little girlfriend, street rat, meet me in the dark hallway in the back of the school if you want to see her again.
Peanut Butter's nostrils flare as he looks as Rarity.
"Rarity, go get Celestia and Luna, I'm going after Blueblood, it's time this ended, once and for all." He says in a monotone voice.
"It's a trap P.B., even you know that."
"Just do it Rarity."
"Alright, just try to not get hurt."
"I won't."
Rarity nods as they go their separate ways.
Author's Note
So things are picking up. I got some explaining to do so I might as well do this here, I know I said I wasn't releasing chapters until January, but this chapter and the two after this one are done, I decided to just release one a month since that is when I'll be at my most busy with seasonal job. Hope you enjoy this arc of chapters. Also a heads up, next chapter has a bit of gore in it, but it is the only chapter with it. After the chapter is up I'll put the gore tag on the story.
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Sacrifice (Only Chapter with gore in it) (edited)
Peanut Butter runs through the halls to reach the hallway that was mentioned to him in Rarity's text message. He grits his teeth as his eyebrows narrow . He turns the corner and looks down the dim hallway seeing six figures with one standing in front of the other struggling to break free.
"I'm here Blueballs, let her go." Peanut Butter says in a stern voice.
"I think not just yet street rat, Trick Shot keep her company while the rest of us deal with him."
He nods as Applejack is transferred to him. Applejack stomps on his foot and runs off.
"Damn it Trick Shot get her!" Blueblood shouts as Trick Shot chases after her.
Blueblood's gang surrounds Peanut Butter as he stares directly into Blueblood's eyes. A small click is heard causing Peanut Butter to move his eyes around. He sees Blueblood's right hand is holding a silver pocket knife about four inches long with teeth along the cutting edge. Peanut Butter gives a small smirk.
"What's the matter Blueballs?, can't fight your own battles without a toy or your goons?" Peanut Butter asks.
A smug look is seen on Blueblood's face as Peanut Butter takes a fighting stance.
"We'll see how much you'll be talking after I get through with you, boys gag him and hold him down, I want him to suffer, since that bitch escaped I have to use this as a means to his end." Blueblood snarks.
"What did you call her?"
"A bitch, though you two would be something, a street rat and a hick."
"That's it, I had enough of your shit for far too long you fucking asshole."
Peanut Butter takes off his shirt and reveals a tattoo on the back of his shoulder. It shows an insect head with insect wings on each side with a scar across it. One of the goons sees this and jumps back in fear.
"Uh boss, he has the Changeling gang tattoo." One of the boys points out with a worried tone in his voice.
"What?, it doesn't matter, pin him down."
Peanut Butter throws a punch to the boy closest to him and lands a punch to his gut as he swings at the goon behind him with his other fist and one at the other one next to him. It lands on his arm as a small breeze starts to blow and gain speed. Peanut Butter sees this and looks puzzled as the goon to his right grabs Peanut Butter's arm and twists it causing him to shout in pain as he tries to escape it by elbowing him in the gut before breaking free and upper cutting him in the gut. He stands staring at Blueblood in the eyes.
"Do you think I'm supposed to be afraid of you?, are you serious?, I find it hilarious that you think that, I had enough of your bullshit, I've been busting my ass to get my life back and having both new friends and gaining back the ones I lost, you threatened someone I care about, something I thought I'd never do or be able to do, I will not submit to you, I am not afraid of you!" Peanut Butter exclaims before charging towards Blueblood with his fist clenched and giving off a glow of green fire as an aura forms around his fist.
Blueblood smirks as he punches Peanut Butter in the gut causing him to clench up and the aura around his fist to disappear. He is falls to the ground on his knees giving the others a chance to pin him down with his face staring up at the ceiling. Two of them held down his legs and one is holding his arms above his head holding them by his wrists. Peanut Butter struggles as Blueblood walks over and shoves a balled up sock in Peanut Butter's mouth and gets on top of him.
"Not so talky now are we street rat?, I'm going to make you suffer." Blue Blood sneers.
Blueblood slides the knife across Peanut Butter's chest causing him to scream through the sock. He sees the scars on Peanut Butter's chest. He smiles as he glides the knife along his chest. Peanut Butter screams through the sock as the slicing and ripping of his body becomes unbearable. He squirms trying to break free. Blueblood smirks seeing this. He glides it along Peanut Butter's chest again before taking the knife to his right eye. Peanut Butter closes his eyes tight moving his head. Blueblood slides the knife across his right eye causing his brow and cheek to bleed. Peanut Butter screams louder into the sock and tries to break free with no luck. Blueblood glides the knife across his arms next. Tears form around the bottom of Peanut Butter's eyes and they mix with his blood.
"You think you're hot shit now?!?" Blueblood shouts as he drives the knife into Peanut Butter's left arm.
Peanut Butter screams in agony as the knife is pulled out of his arm. Blueblood looks over at the goon holding Peanut Butter's arms and nods at him. In an instant he presses Peanut Butter's arm in the opposite direction. Peanut Butter struggles as the pulling of his arm quickly becomes unbearable and suddenly he feels a pop as the bone in his right arm breaks. Peanut Butter screams again as he slowly looses conscious. BlueBlood nods to the one holding his legs and proceeds to break Peanut Butter's legs. Before he could though they hear yelling in the hallway. BlueBlood sneers as he looks at Peanut Butter.
"Time to join your family street rat." BlueBlood says before stabbing Peanut Butter in the chest leaving the knife in him.
Peanut Butter screams again as the sharp stabbing pain flows through his body. Blueblood motions his goons to leave as they leave through the door at the end of the hallway. Peanut Butter doesn't move as the shouts get louder. As the sources of the shouting get closer his eyelids start to get heavy. Luna, Applejack, and Rarity arrive to see Peanut Butter lying on the floor.
"Oh my god!" Luna shouts as she runs towards Peanut Butter.
"Holy shit!" Applejack shouts as she is taken back by the scene.
"Applejack go to the nurse and tell her to call an ambulance and the police."
"Ah'm on it."
Applejack runs off to get the nurse. The echos through the halls grabbed the attention of the other students. Looks of terror, fear and worry on their faces as they try to see what is going on. The teachers in the same shock remain vigilant in crowd control. Luna gets on her knees kneeling in the pool of blood around Peanut Butter as she looks over him with all the cuts and stabs. She cries as she holds his head on her lap. His eyelids continue to struggle to stay open as the gag is removed he screams out before switching from screaming to trying to breathe. Luna starts to cry as she rub the top of his head trying to comfort him.
"You're going to be okay, please just stay awake for a little while longer, help is coming, it's going to be okay." Luna cries fighting back her tears.
Applejack returns with Nurse Redheart followed by the rest of her friends who look in horror at the state of their friend. Fluttershy turns away with her face in her hands as she starts crying. Pinkie's hair deflates as she comforts Fluttershy. Sunset's eyes widen and well up before she clenches her fists and looks towards her friends.
"Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy, go wait outside for the medics and bring them here, Rarity, go with them and wait for the cops, Blueblood texted him through your phone they can trace the number and hopefully find him. Pinkie Pie help with crowd control, Applejack, come with me." Sunset Shimmer orders.
They all nod and do what they are assigned. Sunset Shimmer and Applejack go towards Peanut Butter as they kneel next to Nurse Redheart around Peanut Butter as they feel his blood around their knees.
"What do you need help with?" Sunset Shimmer asks.
"We need to slow down the bleeding without hitting that knife and we need to get his arm back in place." Nurse Redheart says.
Sunset takes off her jacket and tries to fix his arm after hearing a loud pop and hearing him scream weakly. Luna cries while resting his head on her lap telling him and herself everything is going to be okay as she continues to rub the top of his head. A minute later they hear more shouting as paramedics arrive with a stretcher.
"Alright get back." One of them says as everyone gets back except for Luna.
"Ma'am are you his mother?" Another paramedic questions.
"I'm his legal guardian, yes."
"We'll need you to get back while we put him on the stretcher."
Luna nods and reluctantly gets up and backs away. The paramedics put him on the stretcher carefully as they check him over. They rush through the school and out the door with Luna, Sunset Shimmer, Fluttershy and Applejack right behind them. The paramedics and Luna get into the ambulance as they speed out with lights and sirens on. Applejack runs after the ambulance right after they leave. Sunset and Rarity were about to follow before Celestia stops them.
"Hop in my car, it will be faster to get there." Celestia says before heading to her car.
Sunset and Rarity follow Celestia to her car and get in before driving off. Everyone is dismissed for the rest of the day as Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie head to the hospital as well. They all hope for the best as they run in the same direction as Applejack did.
As Applejack runs, tears start to fall down her face as she rushes past intersections as fast as she can to the hospital.
"I don't wanna lose ya Peanut Butter, please for my sake don't go dyin' on me before I have a chance to talk to ya." Applejack says to herself as she sprints towards the hospital.
Meanwhile in the ambulance, the paramedics manage to slow the bleeding of Peanut Butter's cuts. They place medical wrap over half of his head has a patch covers his right eye. Against Luna's wishes Peanut Butter completely losses consciousness. Luna is still crying as she looks over Peanut Butter. She looks at him as he lays on the stretcher motionless covered in scars and blood before she looks away as another round of tears hits. The ambulance stops as the paramedics get out with the stretcher. Luna follows them to the doors outside of the operation room before being stopped by a nurse.
"I'm sorry ma'am you cannot go in there." The nurse says.
"I don't care, he needs me!"
"You'll have to wait outside the waiting room like everyone else."
"That's my son in there!"
Luna freezes as her breathing goes heavy before breaking down again falling to her knees and covering her face with her hands as she cries again. The nurse places her hand on Luna's shoulder.
"He's in good hands, I'll take you to the waiting room, I'll need you to fill out some forms when you're ready."
She helps Luna up and takes her to one of the chairs in the waiting room. Just as she was seated Celestia, Sunset Shimmer and Rarity come in. They rush to her side with Celestia hugging Luna tightly. Luna cries as she hugs her back. They stay silent as Sunset Shimmer joins in the hug. Rarity's expression is distant as she sits down on one of the chairs in the room. She takes out her design book and a pencil and starts sketching without thinking of design nor colors. After a few minutes Celestia and Sunset sit next to Luna with Celestia on the left and Sunset on her right as Luna fills out forms. They hear fast paced footsteps as Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie show up.
"Did we really beat Applejack here?" Rainbow Dash asks.
"Well we did take the bus, Rainbow." Fluttershy acknowledges.
"Yeah Dashie don't you remember?" Pinkie exclaims.
"I know we took the bus, still though."
Just then Applejack and Applebloom enter. They both breath heavily catching their breathe from running. Applejack still has tears in her eyes as she looks at Sunset.
"Where is he?" Applejack demands.
"He's in the operating room right now, it will be a while before hearing anything about his condition."
"Bloom, go with Big Mac back home, tell 'im I won't be back till late or until mornin if I'm allowed to, you're not staying here."
"But sis I-"
"No buts, now git."
"Fine."
With a huff and a pout Applebloom heads back to Big Mack's truck. Applejack sits next to Rarity, slouching in a relaxed position. She looks at Rarity's sketch with a puzzled look on her face.
"Hey Rare, what cha workin' on?" AppleJack asks.
"Something for P.B., I think he can use something to cheer him up, I'm not used to making these though."
"A pony with bat wings and ears? Why somethin' like that?"
"I'm not sure, It just feels right, it's an adorable little thing isn't it?"
"Sure is," AppleJack pauses for a bit. "Hey Rarity?"
"Yes?"
"Do ya think Peanut Butter and I would make a.....a good...um.."
"Yes, you two would make quite the item in my opinion, but can you put up with his attitude?"
"Not like I haven't already?"
"Good point."
"I just hope ah can tell 'im."
"All we can do is pray and hope for the best darling."
Three hours pass as there is only silence with the occasional person walking through or a patient getting prepped for surgery. Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy are the first to leave as they head home. Pinkie Pie soon follows for her own reasons. Celestia and Sunset Shimmer go on a food run while Luna, Rarity and Applejack stay behind. Fifteen minutes later a doctor comes out with a clipboard with papers on it.
"Miss, Solstice?" The doctor asks.
Luna stands up and looks at the doctor.
"How, how is he?" Luna asks.
"He's in very rough shape, but he's alive, the knife just missed his heart, but the teeth on the knife didn't make it any easier to get it out, he must have a really good guardian angel looking out for him."
"Can I see him?"
"I'm afraid not for a couple days at least, he's in a medically induced coma so he will probably be asleep when you are able to see him, I'll call you when you can visit him, go home and get some rest."
"I want to stay here with him, he needs me."
"He's in good hands, now go home and get some rest."
Celestia and Sunset Shimmer come in and see Luna with the doctor.
"How is he?" Celestia asks.
"He's alive, but in a coma, we can visit him in a couple days."
"I see, I'll give you a ride home if you would like."
"Can I stay with you until I'm able to see him?, I just don't want to be alone."
"I understand, I'll take you over to your apartment so you can get a bag of clothes together."
"Okay."
Luna looks over at Applejack and Rarity with a tired look on her face.
"You two should be getting home yourselves."
Applejack looks at Rarity.
"Mind if ah stay at your place Rare?" AppleJack asks.
"I don't see why not."
They leave as Luna follows Celestia and Sunset Shimmer follow behind going to Celestia's car. The car ride is silent as they make their way to Luna's apartment. The feeling in the car is thick with sadness and hurt. After twenty minutes they reach Luna's apartment and go inside. Luna goes to her room and gets a duffel bag with a few days worth of clothes in it and leaves the apartment. She puts the bag in Celestia's car and they head to her home.
They pull into the drive way and enter the garage. All three of them get out of the car and enter the house.
"Sunset go to bed, you need sleep and your Aunt Luna and I need to talk."
"Okay, good night mom, good night Aunt Luna, love you both."
"Good night Sunset, love you too."
Celestia gets a couple of wine glasses from her cabinet and places them on the counter.
"Red or white?" Celestia asks.
"Red please."
Celestia grabs a bottle of red wine and pours it into the glasses.
"I'm so sorry about what happened, Luna."
"It's not your fault, if anything it's mine."
"Don't blame yourself for it Luna, he did what he felt was right to save his friend."
"Why didn't he come to you or I then?"
"You have to remember, he was on his own for five years, he's only been here for five months, he isn't going to change his entire mindset in that short of a time span."
"True, but I failed Home Run."
"Like I said Luna, it was out of your control."
"When he was rushed to the operating room and I tried to enter I, I called him my son, I don't know why I said it, it felt right at the time."
Celestia stays silent before a small smile shows on her face.
"Luna, did you plan on adopting him from the start?”
Luna blushes and looks away.
"Yes, I've been thinking lately that while I might not want to tread into the waters of a relationship just yet, I feel that maybe I'm ready to be a parent of an older child, he needs someone in his life to be a parent to him, I know I can't replace Home Run or his wife, but damn it I want to be someone he can trust."
"I think now is a pivot point that could lead him to that road Lulu, remember when you broke your arm after climbing that tree?"
"Yes."
"She stood by your side the whole time making sure you were okay and if you needed any help, well that's what P.B needs now and after he wakes up is someone that will help him and make sure he's okay, just don't be as overbearing as mom was."
"Oh not by a long shot, we weren't allowed to go outside by ourselves until we were twelve remember?"
"Yes I remember, she nearly had a heart attack when we started driving."
"Or the time when we played that April fools joke when we told her that we both got pregnant."
"Oh my god, how can I forget?, she grounded us for a month and made us babysit the local kids during that."
"Wasn't much of a punishment, we got secretly paid for it by some of the parents, we did it as a summer job too."
"Funny how we become adoptive mothers years later."
"Yes it is pretty funny the more I think about it, you've done well with Sunset Shimmer, she's turned around since the, incident."
"Between myself and her friends I think so too, I'm proud of her."
"You should be."
"You've made progress with P.B as well."
"How so?"
"Well according to Sunset he's a lot more open than he was a while back, he also has taken his actions into consideration and how you would react, especially after his last temper tantrum."
Luna's eyes go wide hearing this. She smiles and finishes her wine. Celestia finishes hers and places the glass in the sink. Luna does the same before hugging Celestia.
"Come on Luna, I'll take you to the spare bedroom." Celestia says before taking Luna's bag and heading upstairs.
They reach the spare bedroom as Luna hugs Celestia before going inside and falling onto the bed and falling asleep soon after.
Meanwhile at Rarity's house Applejack gets off the phone with Big Mac. She sighs as she hangs up. She looks at Rarity who is hard at work.
"Your brother gave you a hard time again dear?" Rarity asks.
"Eeyup, but he knows P.B and how much he means ta me so he let me off the hook fer now at least."
"That's good at least, I was serious when I said that you two would make a wonderful item, I can recall when you two were partners in crime back in elementary."
"I guess yer right on that part, I can remember when he landed a spitball on the back of Mr. Doodle's shirt and slid down the back of it and when he was found out about it I pointed to that kid with the crazy glasses and that weird haircut."
"Oh yes I remember that, All three of you got detention for it."
"It was worth it."
"I bet it was, I can recall that time during that spring break party when you two switched people's drinks around when they weren't looking."
"Oh the looks on their faces was priceless."
Applejack laughs at the memory while Rarity continues her work. A minute later she blushes a bit as Rarity looks at Applejack and notices the look on her face.
"I see someone is a smitten kitten."
Applejack blushes a deeper red and sighs.
"Yeah yer right, Cupid got me good, I just hope ta tell 'im when he wakes up, if he wakes up."
Rarity goes to Applejack and places her hand on her shoulder.
"He will wake up, we just don't know when."
"If ya say so Rare, but I'm still worried."
"It's okay to be worried Applejack, try to get some sleep darling, you look like a wreck."
Applejack looks at Rarity's mirror and notices her hair frizzled and looking tired with worry. She sighs and giggles a little bit.
"Yer right Rare, hopefully ya get some sleep too."
"I will. I just want to get the templates and patterns cut out first."
"Okay."
Applejack lays down on Rarity's couch and falls asleep after a few minutes. Rarity looks over to her with a small smile.
"If you only knew Applejack." Rarity whispers as she continues her work.
As she works she recalls her memories and lets her mind wonder while she works. Memories of parties, sleepovers and adventures they had as kids. She stops working and looks at the picture from when they were kids. She smiles as the warm feeling of nostalgia and happiness overflow. She finishes the patterns and places them together before she goes to bed after a long day.
The next day school is canceled due to what happened. Though grief is felt through out the city of Canterlot among the high school students as they hear the news from either friends or the news. At Rarity's house, Rarity and Applejack are fast asleep though it is almost noon as Rarity's phone starts to ring. She stirs from her sleep as she wakes up and reaches for her phone with her eye mask still in place on her head. She grabs her phone after a few seconds of patting around it and takes off the eye mask to see Fluttershy calling. She swiftly answers the phone.
"Good morning Flutershy."
"I'm fine, you?"
"No dear it's ok I was just getting up anyways."
"Fluttershy please, it is quite alright."
"She's still asleep, hopefully she'll feel better, but who knows."
"I'll see if we can visit him once I get in touch with Sunset."
"I'll let you know when I know."
"Talk to you later Fluttershy."
Rarity hangs up with Fluttershy and sends a message to Sunset asking about visiting Peanut Butter. A few seconds later she gets a response saying that no one can visit for a couple days. She relays it to Fluttershy before looking at the patterns on her work bench before placing her head on the pillow again. She sighs as tears well up at the bottom of her eyes. She breaks down as her emotions get the best of her as she turns her head facing her pillow and starts crying.
Peanut Butter lays in bed at the hospital as his mind floats in darkness.
He opens his eyes to see a run down house. After his vision clears his eye go wide as he looks at his childhood home. He gets up and walks inside with a curious look on his face as the inside of the house is well kept and lights on. He hears footsteps and moves his head around to find what is causing it. He sees a small shadow disappear around a corner and follows it, only to wind up in the same hall. He sees the shadow again and chases it, ending up at the same hallway again. He stands and he pinches the bridge of his nose.
"What the hell is going on here?" Peanut Butter mumbles to himself.
"Play, play, play!"
"Who was that?"
Peanut Butter looks upstairs and walks up it to lead to the second floor. He walks around and opens a couple doors. He sees a nursery in one of the doors and the other was a bathroom. He finds another door and opens it to see his old room. Blue walls with stars and moon on the ceiling with toys scattered on the floor. His eyes go wide as his breathing goes heavy. He stands back holding the sides of his heads with his hands as he closes his eyes.
"What the fuck?!" Peanut Butter screams.
"Why am I seeing all this?"
"I left this all behind me!"
He slips on the rug and falls over the rail, but lands on something soft. He opens his eyes to see himself in his room again. He looks over to see a cloaked female figure standing next to him.
"Who are you?" Peanut Butter asks.
"I am Emerald Tempest, the guardian of wind."
"What is going on?"
"You're in your mindscape."
"My what?"
"Think of it like a dream, you're currently in a coma in a hospital bed."
"Ah, so care to elaborate on who you are?"
"You know that wind that you felt earlier?"
"Yeah, what about it?"
"Well, let's just say that was me."
"I'm not following."
"Do you remember when Sunset told you about magic?"
"Yeah."
"You kind of have the same powers, minus the ears and wings thing."
"Huh?"
"What did you notice when you fought against Blueblood and the others?"
"I stood up to them and was saving A.J.."
"Could you say that it was, courageous of you?"
"I guess."
"It's your courage and emotions that brings it out."
"Okay, but where do you come in?"
"Consider me as a manifestation of that power."
"Ah."
"Yeah, you're going to be asleep for a while."
"What about my eye?"
"It's safe, you'll have a scar though."
"Not my first one."
"No it isn't."
Peanut Butter sits up to look at the figure in the eyes.
"So what now?"
"We talk, get to know each other, that's how these things go."
"So where did you come from and how did you find me?"
"I came from another world and I found you out of chance."
"Ah, so you're your own being?"
"In a way, yes."
"What do you mean?"
"No physical body, but sentient spirit."
"So why does courage trigger that power?"
"Don't know."
"This will be interesting to try out when I wake up."
"It would, oh I'm supposed to give you this."
Peanut Butter puts his hand over his right eye and cries out in pain for two minutes before he takes his hand off his eye before gasping.
"What did you do to me you asshole?!" Peanut Butter shouts.
"Look in the mirror."
Peanut Butter stumbles to the bathroom down the hall and looks at the mirror to notice his right eye is an emerald green, his breathing grows heavy as he glares at the figure.
"What did you do?" Peanut Butter asks in a deep voice.
"That eye will allow you to see me in the waking world as well as see others with magical abilities."
"Okay, still you should have asked."
"Sorry about that, now don’t go thinking this power is free."
“What do you mean?”
“In due time, I will come to you and will ask for the price.”
Peanut Butter sighs.
"So why my childhood home?"
"About that, there are some people I'd like you to meet."
A man, woman and small child step out of the shadows. Peanut Butter's jaw drops as his eyes widen.
"Mom, dad, and Strike Out?, is that really you?" Peanut Butter asks in disbelief.
Peanut Butter stares at his family as tears roll down his cheeks. His mother and father smile before he runs to them and hugs them tight in his embrace. They hug him back and hold him close smiling as they rest their heads on his head.
"I missed you guys so much." Peanut Butter cries.
"There, there son, it's okay, we're here for you, we always have been." His mother says.
"You have?"
"Of course we have, we have been watching over you and while some of the choices you made aren't something we are happy with, we still love you."
"I've been so alone all these years, I don't know how to cope."
"It's okay kiddo, your mother and I understand." His father says.
His father kneels next to Peanut Butter and hugs him tight.
"My little man is growing up, you couldn't be in better hands than Luna's you know."
"Really?"
"Yes, you were originally supposed to be in her care after the crash, but we didn't get the paperwork filled out."
Peanut Butter looks at him with tears flowing down his cheeks.
"Huh?" Peanut Butter asks.
"That's right, she's a good family friend and would have taken great care of you right after the crash, I bet she has taken good care of you if you are where you were before all this happened."
"She has dad, she has."
"Good, I saw you gave her a bit of trouble and still do give her trouble here and there, cut her some slack okay kiddo?"
"Yeah dad, I will."
"That's our good boy."
Just then a light can be seen in the distance. Peanut Butter looks up and sees the light. He looks at his family then back to the light and then back to them. Tears well up at the bottom of his eyes as his parents smile towards him.
"Go on son, go home, we'll always be here and will be seeing you in the end of it all." Home Run says.
"But what about you guys?"
"We'll be here for you champ."
Peanut Butter gets up and smiles before hugging his mother and then his father and lastly his little brother.
"I'm gonna miss you guys." Peanut Butter says before turning towards the light.
"We'll miss you too, tell Luna I said hi."
"I will dad."
"Good boy."
Peanut Butter looks back at them as a tear runs down his cheek before he runs towards the light. As he does, light wraps around him as he hears the sound of beeping and faint voices around him.
Luna sits in the hospital room on a chair next to Peanut Butter looking over him seeing the tubes and wires on him hooked up to multiple monitors with a beep every few seconds. She places her hand on top of his head and runs her fingers through his hair and sighs.
"It'll be okay, it will all be okay." Luna repeats weakly.
"I know it will mom." He wheezes softly.
Luna jumps back seeing Peanut Butter open his eye then turning his head to see her. Tears start running down her cheeks before hugging him. She gets back up and calls over a nurse. Suddenly the room is flooded with three nurses and a doctor. The nurses look over the machines and check over Peanut Butter. The doctor comes over to Peanut Butter and looks over the papers on his clipboard.
"Well young man, you must have had a good guardian angel looking over you since you're alive, let alone awake." The doctor says.
"Yeah, I guess I do."
"Don't talk, you're still weak and need all the energy you have."
Peanut Butter nods.
"I'll be back later to talk to your guardian more."
The doctor leaves along with the nurses as Luna looks at Peanut Butter with a small smile as tears well up under her eyes.
"Dad says hi by the way." Peanut Butter mentions.
"You actually saw him?"
"Yeah, he said I was supposed to go to you after the crash and that he hoped that you are taking good care of me."
"What did you tell him?"
"I told him I couldn't be in better hands."
"Good, if you said otherwise I would have had to smack you around a bit."
Peanut Butter chuckles a bit before coughing, "Yeah, it was a crazy experience, also ow."
"Take it easy P.B."
He nods with a smile on his face.
"I will."
"Good."
"Did they find Blueballs?"
"They haven't found him yet."
"Slippery bastard, someone will find him."
"Yeah, it won't be you though, you're lucky that you are alive."
"I told him it would be hard to kill me, case in point."
"Now is not the time for jokes, P.B., you could have died back there."
"But I didn't."
"I swear you are like your father."
"How so?"
"He got into a huge fight and he wouldn't quit, even after a broken arm."
"Damn he was hardcore."
"No, he was stubborn about the risks and didn't care about his safety, like you."
"Oh."
"Look, I know you were looking out for your friend, but diving in like that was insane and to be honest, pretty stupid."
Peanut Butter looks away.
"I know it was stupid, but I'd rather suffer than my friends."
"They've suffered enough P.B.."
"I know, I tried not to, but I had no choice, it could have been A.J. in here instead of me and I wouldn't forgive myself."
"How do you think I feel or how she feels?"
"The same most likely."
"Yes, I've been worried sick about you for days."
He stays silent. He looks around to see balloons in the room. He looks to his left at an end table and sees cards and flowers from many people. Just then there is a knock on the door.
"Luna, are you in here?" The person asks.
"Yes I'm here."
Celestia is seen entering the room as Peanut Butter waves his hand weakly from his bed. Celestia smiles as she goes back out and comes back with Sunset. Sunset looks to see him awake and smiles wide before hugging him.
"Ow, I missed you too Sunset, ow." Peanut Butter says.
Sunset lets go with her hands over her mouth and nose.
"Oh I'm so sorry P.B., I'm just happy you're alive."
"I'm glad you are Sunset, just try to be more careful next time you want to hug me to death."
"Okay."
"But it is good to see you Sunset."
"Yeah it is, how are you feeling?"
"I ache all over and I'm thirsty as hell."
Peanut Butter takes a glass of water and drinks the water in the glass before setting it down.
"I'm gonna tell the girls that you're awake."
"Just tell A.J. and Rares, they'll want to know more than the others."
Sunset smiles before looking towards her phone and holding it to her ear.
"Hey A.J., it's me, what's up?" Sunset asks.
"Well that's good to hear."
"Yeah, hey, someone wants to say something."
Sunset holds the phone towards Peanut Butter.
"Hey A.J., what's up?" Peanut Butter says weakly.
Just then a loud scream can be heard from the phone.
"I think that went over well." He says before he coughs.
"How long until she gets here?"
"Knowing her, five minutes."
"I think you're over estimating her P.B.."
"I've known her for much longer, trust me, she's a speed demon who can give Rainbow a run for her money."
"Want to make a bet?"
“Bet you ten bucks.”
“Twenty.”
“Deal.”
Peanut Butter turns his head towards Celestia.
"So how are things?" He asks.
"Things are coming along, we still haven't found Blueblood yet, Auburn Sky probably has him hidden somewhere."
"Probably, the bastard will get what is coming to him sooner or later."
"Let the police handle it P.B.."
"I will."
"Good, you have enough to worry about as it is."
"Yeah, I do, how long have I been out of it?"
"Would you believe me if I said two weeks?"
"No, it felt like a few minutes to me."
"Well it's true."
"Wow, do I need to be caught up on anything news wise?"
"The school was closed for a couple days after you were attacked and there was a fundraiser concert for you as well."
"Damn, would have loved to see that."
"We recorded it so you can when you woke up."
"Thanks."
"Other than that, nothing much."
"Ah, any work I missed can be brought here."
"You're in no condition to be doing schoolwork P.B., you just woke up from a coma."
"I'd rather do schoolwork than be bored out of my mind."
Celestia chuckles before sighing with a smile.
"I see your point, I'll collect the work and we can work from there."
"Thanks."
Just then the sound of loud footsteps and shouting is heard in the hallway As Peanut Butter, Sunset, Luna, and Celestia look towards the door of the room. The shouts quickly get louder as the source of the noise enters the room to reveal it was Applejack.
"Holy shit A.J.." Peanut Butter says.
"Well I can't believe it." Sunset comments.
"Told you, I win."
"Damnit."
Applejack comes to Peanut Butter's left side with tears welling up under her eyes.
"Ya idiot, ya damn idiot." Applejack mumbles under her breath.
Peanut Butter looks away and sighs as his left eye squints.
"I know, I was stupid for doing what I did and I'm sorry for scaring you like that."
"Don't you ever do something that damn stupid ever again P.B.!"
Sunset, Luna, and Celestia leave the room leaving Applejack and Peanut Butter alone.
"I won't A.J., this was a one time thing."
"Good, cause I dunno what I would do if I lost ya again."
"Same goes for you, I'd probably go insane if I lost you, you can sit down if you want."
Applejack nods and takes a chair before returning to Peanut Butter's side.
"Why did ya do it P.B.?"
"Because you were in danger and I knew what he wanted, I didn't want you to be the one in this bed."
"It was still stupid."
"Yeah, not the first time I heard that A.J.."
"It won't be the last either."
"I figured."
Applejack blushes a deep red before scratching the back of her neck. With a gulp of air and a sigh she looks at Peanut Butter with misty eyes.
"Look, P.B., I'm gonna say something and I want you to stay quiet, it's hard fer me to say it as it is, but I, I, oh damnit, I love you P.B., there I said it." Applejack admits.
Peanut Butter stays silent as his face blushes deep red.
"P.B., look, ever since we were kids we clicked so well and always looked out for each other, you have my back and I had yours."
He nods.
"That day before Thanksgivin' break made me realize that my feelings are real." She explains.
"A.J., are you serious?"
"I never have been more serious in my life."
"Good, the last thing I want is to be lied to and have my heart shattered again."
"I take it that happened to you?"
"Yeah, my friend Cherry Blossom."
"Ah'm sorry about that."
"Thanks."
"So, how do ya feel about me?"
"It's hard to say right now, I just got out of a coma and then I get slammed with a lot of information on top of this, but since you're serious about this, it wouldn't hurt giving us a try."
Applejack puts her hands over her mouth and nose as tears well up along the bottom of her eyes and gets up before gently hugging him.
"Thank ya so much P.B., I have ta get back home, but I'll visit ya tommorah."
"I would like that A.J.."
She kisses him on the forehead before leaving. Just as she leaves, Sunset, Celestia, and Luna enter the room and sit down looking at him with smiles on their faces. Peanut Butter blushes and looks at them.
"How much of that did you hear?" Peanut Butter asks.
"All of it." Sunset answers.
"Well shit, cat is out of the bag."
"That it is." Luna says.
Peanut Butter turns his head towards Sunset.
"Did you get a hold of Rares?" He asks.
"Yeah, but she can't come here until tomorrow."
"Ah."
Just then the doctor comes back in and takes the chart out of the slot at the end of the bed.
"Alright P.B., I'm going to look you over and look at that eye of yours, so if you can sit up for me that would be great." He says.
Peanut Butter slowly sits up and sits up on the side of the bed. The doctor checks his reflexes and his left eye before moving on to the wounds on his chest and left arm before looking at the cast on his right arm.
"Alright P.B., time for the moment of truth and check your right eye." The doctor says.
"Okay."
The doctor unwraps the dressing and removes the patch to reveal a scar going over his eyebrow and the top part of his cheek. Luna, Celestia, Sunset gasp.
"Now try to open your eyelid." The doctor instructs.
Peanut Butter slowly opens his eyelid, only to shut it instantly and open it again. He slowly opens it to reveal that the iris of his eye is now a emerald green as he looks back at them. Everyone gasps again. Peanut Butter raises his eyebrow at them.
"What?" He asks.
"It's your eye P.B., it's green." Sunset answers before grabbing a mirror on the night stand by the bed.
Peanut Butter quickly reaches for the mirror and takes it before he puts it in front of him and looks at the emerald green color iris of his right eye. He drops the mirror onto the bed as he starts to breathe fast and heavy as his movements become frantic while trying to push himself up the bed and away from the mirror.
"My eye!, what the fuck happened to my eye?!" He asks in a loud panicked tone.
"Calm down P.B., we'll figure this out."
Suddenly his eye glows slightly, Peanut Butter tries to get out of his bed screaming.
"Sunset, you're on fire!" Peanut Butter shouts.
Sunset looks at him with a raised eyebrow and her lips slightly slanted to one side.
"What are you talking about P.B.?, I'm fine." She explains.
The doctor gets up quickly and goes to the doorway.
"Nurse, I need sedatives, now!" The doctor shouts.
Suddenly outside in the hall noises of running feet can be heard. Luna takes a hold of Peanut Butter's hand and looks at him in the eyes.
"You're safe P.B., I'm here for you, we are here for you." Luna assures him.
His screams slowly turns to sobbing as he leans towards Luna and cries on her shoulder. The doctor kneels down and injects him with a syringe and presses down on the plunger as the sedative enters Peanut Butter. Luna runs her hands through his hair as she holds him.
"You'll be going back to sleep P.B., but I'll be here when you wake up okay?" She asks.
He nods slightly before he goes limp in her arms as nurses flood the room and help Luna get him back on the bed.
After ten minutes, Peanut Butter is back on the bed with a blanket that Luna brought over from his room back home over him.
Celestia comes in the room with two cups of coffee and sits next to Luna, offering her a cup.
"Just the way you like it." She assures Luna before Luna takes the cup.
"Thank you."
"I wonder what caused him to act like that?"
"The shock from either waking up or from his eye changing is my guess."
"Possibly, but who knows."
"We do know that he's going to need all of us now."
"Yes he will, rehabilitation is going to be hard, especially mentally."
"Clear Mind will help with that, I’ll schedule an appointment when P.B. is released."
"Good, he needs that, it’ll take time, but he’ll make it through with us around him."
"Like all things do."
"Exactly."
"Just be glad that he is awake and alive."
"I am, more than you can imagine."
Just then the doctor comes in the room before he looks at his clipboard.
"Hello miss Solstice."
"Yes?" Both Luna and Celestia say together.
The doctor smirks and raises an eyebrow at them while they giggle a bit.
"Miss Luna Solstice."
"Yes?"
"Your son is very lucky, and judging from his tests, he'll be ready to go home in a week."
"That's good to hear, what happens after that?"
"He'll have to regain his strength so he'll need help walking around, so you'll need to assist him until he can use a walker and then a cane, after that he'll be good."
"That's good to hear."
"It's common for this to be the case, do you have any stairs?"
"Yes, to get to my apartment."
"I suggest he avoid them for the time being."
Luna looks at Celestia before Celestia nods.
"Anything else?"
"Other than pain medicine, just make sure he doesn't push himself too far."
"We'll have someone keeping an eye on him at all times."
"Good, visitor hours are about to end so I suggest that you two go home."
"Okay, thank you for the update," Luna thanks before turning towards Celestia.
"Where is Sunset?"
"She is with her friends, we'll pick her up before we go home."
Luna and Celestia get up from their seats and head to the door. Luna turns to see Peanut Butter asleep in the bed.
"You be good for them and not cause too much trouble."
Just then a small smile shows on his face. Luna giggles at this before Celestia looks at Luna with a smile of her own.
"I take it he said he makes no promises?" She asks.
"Yes, I think he likes being annoying at times."
"I think that too."
The week following is uneventful with Luna visiting Peanut Butter each day with Celestia and Sunset.
On the last day Peanut Butter is wheel-chaired out to Celestia's car. With the help of Luna and a nurse, Peanut Butter is placed onto the backseat of the car. He groans as he moves slightly in the seat. Celestia puts his seat belt on for him as he looks at Celestia with half open eyes.
"Where's Sunset?" He asks with a small crack in his voice.
"She's at home getting everything ready for you at our home."
He sighs a bit before another groan escapes his mouth. Celestia gets into the car followed by Luna before starting the car and driving home.
The ride is quiet as Peanut Butter looks out the window the whole way with the occasional groan at the slightest movement.
Celestia pulls into the driveway of her house and then shuts off the car. Luna is already out to get Peanut Butter out and gets out to help her as they slowly make their way to the front door with Celestia and Luna holding him up on his left and right. Sunset opens the door and moves to the side so they can get in.
When inside, they see the living room and dining room decorated in party decorations, streamers along the windows and ceiling, the dining room table covered in a table cloth with 'Welcome Home' and 'Get Well Soon' all over it. The top of the table has small bundles of balloons with plates of snacks along the middle and sides with sodas and cups to the side of the soda bottles and gifts on a small folding table. Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Applejack, and Twilight turn their heads towards Peanut Butter.
"Surprise!" They all shout with smiles on their faces.
A soft smile appears on Peanut Butter’s face before he leads Luna and Celestia to the recliner.
"Thanks everyone." He says as he sits on the recliner.
Sunset comes up to him and smiles.
"Want me to get you anything?" She asks.
"Some soda and chips would be great right now."
"Got it."
Sunset gets up and leaves as Applejack goes to Peanut Butter's side. She gives him a soft smile and gently places her arm around him.
"How are ya feelin' sugarcube?" She asks.
"Just peachy,"
He places his hand on his shoulder and groans causing Applejack to move her arm off of him.
"Ouch, and I hurt like hell."
"I bet, how long have you been this way?"
"Since I woke up, nonstop, with meds."
"Yikes, that's a shame."
"Yeah."
Just then Sunset comes back and sets the soda and chips on the end table in front of him.
"Here you go P.B.." She says.
"Thanks."
"You're welcome."
Sunset sits to his right and looks at him and smiles softly.
"I heard about what you said when you woke up, I'm glad, and hopefully you'll be part of our little family."
"That's the thing, I want to, but at the same time, I don't want to lose another one."
"You won't lose us, you're okay and you're safe."
"Promise?"
"I Pinkie Promise."
"You what now?"
"Oh yeah, you never heard of it, it means I can't break it or,"
"Or what?"
Suddenly Pinkie Pie appears behind them with her eyes squinted as she points her middle and index fingers towards her eyes and then points at Sunset with her index finger before she slides away. Peanut Butter looks at Pinkie and then at Sunset raising an eyebrow.
"What was that about?" Peanut Butter asks.
"You're guess is as good as mine."
Peanut Butter shrugs before eating some of the chips.
A couple hours pass when Pinkie Pie and Sunset start to bring the gifts on the table and places them on the end table in front of Peanut Butter. Sunset sets a skinny box, about three inches high and about a foot and three inches wide and the same measurement long, it is wrapped in yellow and orange wrapping paper with a bow on top on his lap and smiles wide.
"This is from Celestia and I." Sunset mentions with a smile.
He unwraps the box and lifts the top to reveal a rust colored hoodie, he takes it out to reveal a design of a wolf howling at the moon in the middle. He smiles wide before looking down to see more. He sets the hoodie aside and removes some of the tissue paper to reveal a dark colored, plaid button down shirt and a black t-shirt.
"Oh wow this is awesome, thanks." He says as he gives the presents to Luna to hold.
"Mine next!" Rainbow Dash shouts as she gives him a rainbow colored bag with tissue paper that has a rainbow pattern on it.
"Gezz Rainbow, no need ta be so impatient." Applejack says.
Peanut Butter giggles and coughs as he removes the paper to reveal a deck of trading cards and a few booster packs. He looks at Rainbow with a small smile and a raised eyebrow.
"It's a cool game Twilight showed me, we'll teach you how to play it sometime." She explains.
"It's nice, though I never took you for someone who would play card games."
"You can thank Twilight for that, she got me hooked."
Peanut Butter giggles and gives the gift to Luna.
Pinkie Pie lays a tall box in pink wrapping paper and a bow on top on his lap. Peanut Butter smiles and opens it. Just them a burst of confetti flies into the air causing him to jump and throw the box into the air above his lap. His eye go wide as he breathes loud and heavy, the silence causes Pinkie to frown and her hair to deflate.
A few seconds later, his open mouth slowly turned into a smile and the silence was broken by a small bit of laughter.
"You got one on me Pinkie, thank you, I needed a good laugh." He thanks.
Pinkie smiles wide as he eye go big and jumps in the air.
Applejack comes with a large flat box with just a bow on top and sets it on his lap.
"Ah hope ya like it, took a long time to work on it." She mentions.
He lifts the top to reveal a quilt. Peanut Butter lifts it up and sees the homemade feel, from the mismatched stitches to the obviously hand cut fabric patterns. The quilt is puffed out and thick to the touch from the stuffing in it.
His eyes well up before holding it close to him.
"This is great A.J., thanks." He thanks with a small crack in his voice.
"You're welcome, Applebloom and Big Mac helped too."
"Tell them I said thanks."
"I will."
Twilight comes up next with a purple bag with hot pink paper and a violet bow and sets it on Peanut Butter's lap. He removes the paper from the bag to reveal the top of a book, he lifts it out and sees the cover, it shows a split image with one side showing a rain storm and the other side is a sunny day with the title 'Rising up, Coping With Trauma'.
Peanut Butter stares at the book, silently as he breathes deep.
Twilight looks at him with wide eyes, welling up and short breath.
"Oh my god, I'm so sorry." Twilight apologizes in a frantic tone.
Peanut Butter then looks up at her with a small smile.
"It's okay Twilight, I think it was thoughtful of you to get this, I'll need it for when I feel like I'm ready to get to that step, thank you." He thanks.
"Was it too soon?"
"A bit yes, but it's okay."
"Oh, okay, you're welcome."
He gives the book to Luna as Fluttershy comes up with another bag. This one has bright colors and the phrase 'Get Well Soon' all over it in rows along the bag. Peanut Butter opens the bag up to see the head of a teddy bear, he takes it out to see that it has bandages on its head as well as a cast on its arm. Peanut Butter smiles with a slight chuckle, followed by a cough.
"Wow Fluttershy, this is adorable." He exclaims.
"I'm glad you like it."
"I really do, thank you."
"You're welcome."
He places the bear to his left as Rarity brings a box with white wrapping paper with a purple bow and places it on his lap. He unwraps it and opens the box before removing the tissue paper inside and reveling a plush toy, he takes it out to see a peanut butter brown pony with bat wings, bat eyes, and ears. As he looks it over his eyes go wide as he notices it also has a blue hoodie with glasses on it.
Rarity smiles as she watches him.
"I made it myself, there's something in the bottom of the box too." Rarity says.
He pulls away more tissue paper at the bottom of the box and pulls out a hoodie much like the one on the plush. He smiles wide, eyeing it over before turning to Rarity.
"Oh wow, R-Rarity, Th-this is amazing!" He stutters.
"You're very welcome, I'm glad you're safe and okay."
"Me too."
He looks around the room as tears start to well up at the bottom of his eyes.
"Thank you everyone, you all mean so much to me." He admits before crying.
They all go to him for a group hug, they step back after a few seconds as Sunset looks at him with a confident smirk.
"You're family P.B., we'll always look out for you." She says.
Rainbow Dash steps forward as well.
"We're you're friends, you won't lose us anytime soon." She mentions as the others nod.
Luna places her hand on his shoulder causing him to turn his head towards her.
"P.B., when you first came here, you kept to only your room and my office, but now look at you, you came out of your shell and have made some excellent friends in a matter of months," Luna says as she takes out a manila envelope.
"My gift is last because it's something that I want you to decide on,"
She opens it and takes out papers in it and shows them to him.
"These are adoption papers, I want you to be part of our little family, I want the choice to be yours since you're old enough to speak for yourself." Luna explains.
Peanut Butter and the room stay silent for a minute as Peanut Butter looks at the papers.
"I'll need time to think about it." He says.
"Take all the time you need."
Luna puts away the papers and places the envelope with the other gifts. She turns towards Peanut Butter to see his eyes closed and lightly breathing. She gets up and leans towards Celestia.
"The meds must have kicked in." She whispers.
"Yeah, I think it's time to end the party early."
Sunset and Luna clean up from the party while Celestia sets up for the family movie night and the others say their goodbyes and head home.
A couple hours later Peanut Butter stirs and wakes up as Celestia, Luna, and Sunset are watching a movie. He coughs causing Sunset to turn her head. She smiles and waves her hand slightly.
"Hey there sleepyhead." Sunset greets.
"Hey." He says weakly.
Luna and Celestia turn around and smile.
"How did you sleep?" Luna asks.
"Like a rock."
"I bet." Celestia comments.
"What are you watching?"
"A Stroll to Recall." Sunset answers.
"Ah."
Peanut Butter watches for a few minutes before falling back to sleep.
As the weeks go by Peanut Butter is able to walk with a cane as his therapy progresses. His stitches have been removed, however his vision has been weakening. After seeing an optometrist, he got glasses for the first time.
One day Peanut Butter is laying on the couch reading a book as Sunset comes up behind him and taps his shoulder.
"How are you feeling?" She asks.
"Feeling pretty good minus the aching."
"Glad to hear, so, ready to go back to school tomorrow?"
"Physically yes, emotionally, I don't know."
"You'll be okay, we're here for you, I see you're reading the book Twilight gave you."
"Yeah, its been helpful."
"Good."
"It says I should find a hobby to help me move on, not distract me, from what happened."
"Have you found any?"
"So far, cooking and that card game that Rainbow and Twilight got me into."
"What about writing?"
"I've been slowly losing interest lately, I'm probably going to leave the club."
"Ah, Any plans to join another club or anything?"
"Don't know yet."
"Understandable."
Sunset sits next to him, her face shows concern and looks towards him.
"Do you, do you think he'll come back?"
"Doubtful, the heat is still high and will be for a while."
"True, but I'm not sure."
"If he does come back though, no mercy."
Later in Luna's apartment in his room, Peanut Butter lays on his bed as the room is illuminated by a dim green glow. He sighs as he closes his right eye the room goes dark and he opens his right eye as the room glows again. He sits up and looks at his hand.
"Why me?"
He looks towards the window in his room and then back to his hand.
"I was given this thing, yet, I don't know what to do with it."
He sighs and looks around his room before getting up off his bed.
"Damnit, now I can't sleep."
He goes to the kitchen and opens the fridge before taking out leftovers from earlier and warms them in the microwave.
A couple hours later Luna comes out of her room and into the kitchen and sees Peanut Butter at the island, pushing his food around on the dimly lit plate.
"P.B., it's three in the morning, why are you up so early?" Luna asks.
"Couldn't sleep."
"Hungry too."
"Yeah, I was hoping food in my stomach would help me sleep, guess it didn't."
"Is something bothering you?"
"I think, maybe, I don't know."
Luna sits on a stool next to him and looks at him.
"P.B., just let the words come out as they come."
"Why am I still here?, I feel as if I was supposed to die on that floor then, even the doctors said that I should have died, so why am I back here?, I should have died like a street rat, like he said."
"Don't say stuff like that, some things in life you can't explain, no matter how hard you try,"
Luna hugs him close to her.
"What matters now is that you're safe."
"I feel so different though."
"Why is that?"
"Like part of me is at peace, but I also feel lost, ya know?"
"I do, went through the same feeling at your age."
"You did?"
"Yep, though I was a bit more, extreme as a teen."
"What did you do?"
"I did drugs, drank underage, steal, just to name a few, though it didn't last long, I stole a car and took it for a joyride before crashing it into a pole on the other side of town, I was arrested for grand theft auto, among other charges, I was given a choice by the judge, three years in juvie or four years in rehab and no jail time."
"What did you choose?"
"Rehab, at least then my life wouldn't be completely over with after I got out, while I was in there, I asked myself the same questions you did, I learned to put my energy towards other things that were more productive and to talk to people more."
Peanut Butter stays silent for a minute.
"Thanks, I needed to hear that." He says.
"You're welcome, now I think you can get a couple hours of sleep in before we have to get up."
"Okay."
Peanut Butter finishes his food and puts away his dishes and goes to bed.
A couple hours later he wakes up to the radio playing out in the living room and gets up to investigate.
He walks out to the hallway and sees Luna dressed and making breakfast. He walks to the island and pulls out a stool. This causes Luna to turn around and see him.
"Hey there sleepy head." Luna greets him before turning back to the food.
"Blah."
"Still waking up?"
"Yeah, how long was I asleep?"
"My guess, about seven hours."
"Shit, I guess we're late then?"
"No, luckily for us there is a delay due to a power outage at the school."
"Oh thank God."
"But I would suggest you getting ready so we can go once Celestia calls."
"Alright."
Peanut Butter gets up and make his way to his room and then the bathroom to get ready while Luna finishes cooking.
A half hour later he comes out to the kitchen with his book bag and sets it on the floor next to the stool he sits on as Luna passes him his plate and blood sugar meter. He sighs before picking the meter up and presses it against his finger and pricks his finger before taking out his notebook and writing down his results. Just then Luna sits down and they both start to eat.
After eating they leave the apartment and go to the car to head to the school.
As Luna pulls in the school parking lot she parks in her spot and looks over at Peanut Butter as he grabs his bag.
"Nervous?" Luna asks.
"A bit."
"It'll be okay."
"Will it really?"
"I'm certain."
"If you say so."
They both get out and head into the school.
Once inside they part ways as Luna goes to her office and Peanut Butter goes in a near by hallway. As he walks towards the back of the school he runs into sunset in Twilight talking. Sunset looks over Twilight shoulder and notices Peanut Butter. She waves causing Twilight to turn her head and smile.
“Hey P.B..” Twilight greets.
“Hey guys.”
“How are you feeling?”
“Better, small bit of aching but getting better.”
“Good, I want to introduce you to a couple of friends.”
Twilight guides Peanut Butter to a nearby classroom and walks inside are three other students sitting around a table. A kid wearing in grey hoodie and sweatpants, another wearing a black leather, jacket blue jeans, and tan work boots, and a kid with round glasses, a red t-shirt, jeans, and sneakers.
Twilight and Peanut Butter go to the table where the other students are and sees them play the same card game they play. She turns towards him the same smile on her face.
“These are my friends Winning Streak, Two Steps, and Night Mist.” She says as she points to each one of them saying their name.
“Who's the new guy Twilight?” Winning Streak asks.
“This is peanut butter or known as P.B..”
“Does he play?”
“He does but he's still new to the game.”
Winning Streak smiles and points to a chair.
“Well sit down and let's see what you can do P.B..”
“Uh, sure.” Peanut Butter says as he sits down in front of Winning Streak.
He reaches into his bag and takes out his deck of cards and sets them on the table.
“Alright let's do this.” Winning Streak says as he draws his hand from his deck.
A few minutes later Winning Streak looks at the table with his eyes wide and jaw dropped.
“H-How?” He asks as he moves his eyes on the game board.
Everyone else in the room has the same expression eyes wide and Jaws drops except for peanut butter who has raised eyebrows sly smirk on his face.
“No one has been able to beat him.” Twilight mentions.
“Until now apparently.” Peanut Butter says still with a smirk on his face.
“No kidding.”
Peanut butter gets up and is cards and places them in a blue deck box before placing them in his book bag.
“Hey P.B..” Two Steps says.
Peanut Butter looks up towards Two Steps as he is zipping his bag.
“Yeah?”
“Want to meet up after class?”
“Sure.”
Peanut Butter picks up his backpack and leave the room with Twilight following behind him. He goes down the same hallway towards the front of the school. As he does he suddenly feels someone hugging him from behind. He quickly turns around and see Applejack smiling at him still hugging him.
“Good mornin’ P.B..” She says in a cheerful tone.
“Hey A.J., good morning to you too.”
“You doin’ okay?”
“Still a bit sore, but doing better.”
“First day back is probably rough on you .”
“So far it hasn't and I hope it stays that way.”
“It will, I'm here for ya.”
“Glad to hear.”
“Of course.”
They continue to walk in the hallway together. Peanut butter holds his hand out to Applejack’s side causing her to smile and take his hand before she moves closer to him as they walk just as the bell rings.
As they reach the English classroom they part ways with Sunset and Peanut Butter staying behind and entering the classroom.
At lunch Peanut Butter sits at a small table by himself as Winning Streak and Two Steps stand by the table a few minutes later.
“Mind if we join?” Winning Streak asks.
“Sure.”
“Thanks.”
They sit down and start to eat. Two Steps looks at Peanut Butter and then to Winning Streak. He nods towards Two Steps then he looks over at Peanut Butter.
“We want you to join our team.” Two Steps says.
“Your what?”
“Our team.”
“Team for what? “
“Our team for Sorcery The Bonding.”
Winning Streak looks at Peanut Butter with a raised eyebrow and a smirk on his face like Peanut Butter had from that morning.
“You're good P.B., we want you to join our team, with you we are sure to make nationals, hell maybe even worlds.” Winning Streak mentions.
“Thanks, but what does that mean though?”
“You join us for local tournaments at card shops around town and official qualifiers, we train every other day after school at the library down the street then we usually hang out afterwards.”
“What do I have to do to join?”
“Win against each member.”
“ I'll think about it.”
“Awesome forget about meeting up after school, plans came up and those are priority.”
“That's a pretty mean deck you have there a mid-range like yours is hard to make it's pretty balanced for a mid-range deck especially.” Two Step says.
“Thanks.”
“You're welcome.”
Just then the bell rings as Peanut Butter gets up with his tray and looks at Winning Streak and Two Steps with a smile on his face.
“I'll see you guys later.” Peanut Butter says as he grabs his book bag and hikes a strap over his shoulder.
“Okay.” Winning Streak says.
“See ya later.” Two Steps says.
Peanut butter then leaves the table and drops off his tray before heading to class.
After class Peanut Butter meets up with Luna at her office they both leave and go to the car and head home.
As they are heading home Luna turns towards the highway and gets on. Peanut Butter looks at her with a raised eyebrow and a smirk.
“Random adventure?” He asks.
“You could say that, just enjoy the ride.”
“Will do.”
An hour passes as they go to a lakeside restaurant and get a table on the dock. Peanut Butter looks out at the lake and smirks.
“Man I love this view.” Peanut Butter says.
“It is nice.”
A few minutes later after their drink order Peanut Butter turns his head towards Luna, though looks away from her, with him fidgeting with his fingers.
“I, I gave your offer some thought.”
Luna’s eyes go wide as her hand goes over her mouth.
“And?”
“I want to be a part of your family.”
Luna’s eye’s well up at the bottom and gets up and goes to him and hugs him as her tears are absorbed by his jacket. He hugs back and smiles.
Author's Note
Holy balls I finally finished this chapter after half a year saying I was going to finish it, thank god for speech to text. This chapter was rough drafted for about three months. Just haven’t been motivated to type it. Final chapter up next.
Edit 9-14-17
Hey guys, I edited the ending to setup for the final chapter. There WAS going to be one more after this, but between flow, lack of interest in the chapter, and wanting to move on. I decided to cut it out and do something nice. So next chapter wraps it up.
Family and Peace (Edited)
As the weeks pass, Luna moves into Celestia’s home due to raising rent with the adoption hearing near, it was best for them.
The sun rises over Canterlot as Peanut Butter sits on the roof right outside of the window to his room, facing the sun. He sees the light creep its way over the rooftops and buildings as it hits his face. He closes his eyes as the sunlight hits his body. He sighs and smiles before opening his eyes and taking a container out of his jacket pocket and taking out a toothpick and sticking part of it in his mouth. He hears a knock coming from his door.
"P.B., time to get up." Luna shouts.
"I know, I'm already up and dressed."
"Remember that today we are leaving classes early to go to the courthouse, so pack your nice clothes in another bag."
"Okay."
"Good, we're leaving in a few minutes."
Peanut Butter climbs back into his room through his window. He looks at the picture, card, and gift his family gave him before the crash sitting on his desk. He smiles and picks up the gift.
“I guess it’s time.” He admits as he unwraps the present.
Under it is a white box with stains on it, he lifts the lid and sees a leather bound notebook wrapped in plastic. He takes it out of the box and plastic as he brushes his hand over the cover, he feels the imprint of a tree on the cover and opens it. Inside is a handwritten note on the first page.
I didn’t have many stories or adventures growing up, write yours down and have a few good adventures and stories to tell, I want to hear them all. Love, Dad
Peanut Butter’s eyes well up as he puts the notebook in his bag. He then picks up the card and opens it. The card is red with spots all over and is faded in other parts. He carefully opens it and sees the side, a note handwritten on one side.
I hope this day brings you many smiles and times of joy, we will always love you, forever and more. Love Mom, Dad, and Strike Out
He sets the card down as tears run down his cheek and wiping them away before getting his book bag to leave. He exits his room and goes downstairs to be greeted by Luna, Celestia and Sunset Shimmer. He gets into Luna’s car with Luna already in the driver’s seat and head to the school.
On the way there they drive past the cemetery Peanut Butter's family is buried, his right eye faintly glows he smiles a bit before they pull into the parking lot of the school. They get out and go inside the school.
Once inside they head to the office so Sunset and Peanut Butter can drop off their clothes for later in Luna's and Celestia's office. Sunset and Peanut Butter walk to the front and sit on the steps in the quiet morning. Peanut Butter looks out towards the courtyard, a smirk on his face as the sun is positioned at the top of the statue. Sunset smiles at him before putting her hand on his shoulder.
"You look happier than usual." Sunset mentions.
"Wouldn't you be if you knew you were going to be a part of a family?"
"You're right on that."
"I never bothered to ask, but how was living with Celestia at first?"
"Living with mom was hard at first, it was after the fall formal where I screwed up hard and was given the same situation as you were."
"What about at home?"
"It was hard with adjusting to her schedule, I can't remember how many times I made her late."
"So what changed?"
"I realized that she cares and that I was in a much better place than back in Equestria, I might have been born there, but this is home for me."
"I'm starting to think that too."
"So how are you and Applejack doing?"
"Oh we're doing great."
"That's great."
"Yeah, still can’t believe it.”
"I bet, you have a nice girl."
"Yeah."
"It's been how long since I came here?"
"About eight months give or take a week or two."
"In a short time that's for sure."
"Yeah."
In the distance Applejack, Twilight and Rarity are seen walking through the courtyard. Applejack sits next to Peanut Butter and embraces him in a hug as he gets up to hug her back before everyone walks inside. They sit on a bench near the entrance with Applejack hugging Peanut Butter close and smiling, he places one of his arms behind her on her shoulders. He looks at Rarity with a smirk on his face.
"Thanks for picking out the outfit for today Rarity, it means a lot." Peanut Butter thanks.
"You're welcome P.B., it was the least I can do."
The bell rings as they all go their own way to class with Applejack giving Peanut Butter a peck on the cheek before rushing to class.
The day goes by quickly as it came as it was lunch period already with Sunset and Peanut Butter heading towards the main office. Sunset smiles towards him and pats his shoulder.
"It's almost time, nervous?" Sunset asks.
"A bit, but I'll be okay."
"Good, just remember we'll be with you."
"Yeah, I can't believe it's happening."
"It's a great feeling honestly."
"How so?"
"You'll see."
"If you say so."
They both enter the main office and meet with Celestia and Luna. Peanut Butter picks up his bag and goes to the bathroom near by to get dressed. He comes back with a black suit with a grey undershirt with a dark emerald tie with black dress shoes. Luna smiles and hugs him tight.
"You look great P.B." Luna compliments.
"Thanks mom."
"How are you feeling?"
"I was fine earlier, but now, a bit uneasy."
"You're going through a big step in your life, I'd be worried if you weren't nervous."
Peanut Butter smiles and looks at her, eyes wide with his trademark smirk.
"Yeah."
"Now let's get going, we're about to be late."
They both leave the school and go into the car and head to the courthouse.
On the way there Peanut Butter fidgets in his seat, his hand continuously rubbing each other, as if he is washing his hands.
Luna stops at a red light and turns her head towards him and sees it. She relaxes her shoulders and places her hand on his shoulder.
He looks at her for a quick second before turning his head back squinting his eyes and looking away.
"It'll be okay P.B." Luna assures him.
"I know, but I still feel like something will happen that will take this all away."
"That's nerves P.B., it'll be alright."
"If you say so."
Luna sighs and smirks slightly before the light turns green and she drives.
They get to the courthouse and get out of the car and head inside.
When they get inside, they see Celestia and Sunset waiting outside the courtroom.
"Well, this is it." Sunset says.
"Yeah,"
Peanut Butter sighs.
"Let's do this."
Luna nods before they all enter the court room.
The judge sits behind her bench and looks over papers.
"So Mr. Butter, you are to be adopted my Ms. Solstice, anything you would like to say?" The judge asks.
Peanut Butter nods though stays silent for a few seconds and looks towards the judge.
"I can honestly say, this is the best for me, after I lost my family, I ran away to places unheard of to me at the time, I came back here months ago before the winter set in so I could see my family's grave on the anniversary of their passing, After a bit of, negotiating,"
He looks at Sunset and Celestia with a small smirk and a quick chuckle before looking back at the judge.
"I found myself in Luna's home and eventually family, With her help and help from new found and reunited friends I started to turn onto the right path, while I had a few falls and stumbles along the way, Luna and everyone else picked me up, I've changed into a new person because of her."
The judge looks at him for a minute and then at the papers in front of her.
"Well, your visits have checked out that you have been taken care of above and beyond the minimum requirements, I, Judge Fair Trial, and the city of Canterlot, make this adoption official, congratulations."
The judge hits her gavel on the desk as cheers fill the room. Peanut Butter looks and sees his friends in the seats behind him. He smiles with tears welling up in his eyes.
They soon leave the room and head outside where Peanut Butter is greeted with a group hug from his friends.
"I'm glad you guys are happy for me and probably have something planned for me, but there's something I want to do, alone first." Peanut Butter explains.
Luna looks at him with a soft smile and guides him to her car.
Luna drives to a cemetery and stops at the gate.
"Take all the time you need." She says as she parks and shuts off the car in a parking space not far from the entrance.
"Thanks."
Peanut Butter goes to his family's headstone and stands in front of it. He smiles towards it.
"I hope you're smiling right now, this is something you guys probably wanted, right?" He says.
A small breeze blows on his back, causing him to smile.
"I'll take that as a yes, I finally opened the card and present, thank you." He thanks as he gets up.
"Even though I have a new family, you will always be my family, I hope to see you again soon."
Just then the wind blew towards Luna in a gust. Peanut Butter giggles at this.
"I take it dad is happy to see her."
Clouds hang over the sky as they quickly darken and it starts to drizzle. He smiles and looks up.
"I love you too, I gotta go, but I'll visit soon." He says before jogging to the car and getting in.
He puts on his seat belt and looks back at the graveyard. Luna smiles at this before starting the car.
"Did you have a nice visit?" She asks.
"Yeah, yeah I did."
"Ready for spring break?"
"Hell yeah."
"Alright, let's go!"
Luna pulls out of the parking lot and heads down the road towards the highway as Peanut Butter lays back in his seat, smiling as the building and trees pass by. He smiles as they head to Celestia’s house.
When they reach her house they see Celestia and Sunset changed and packing the car. Sunset looks their direction and waves with a smile on her face, followed by Celestia.
“Are you two ready?” Celestia asks.
“Ready as we’ll ever be, just need to change.” Luna answers.
Luna parks her car in the garage before she and Peanut Butter gets out and go upstairs.
About ten minutes later they come back down in more seasonal clothes. Peanut Butter in jeans, a t shirt, plad short sleeve button down, and sneakers.
Luna has jean shorts, a band tshirt, and sandals.
They both have their bags with them and head to the car and place them in.
“Let’s get this family road trip started!” Sunset shouts as she gets in.
“Yeah.”
Celestia locks up the house and gets in before starting the car and backing up and leaving towards the highway.
Else where in a dimly lit room, a woman in shadows sits in her office, rocking in her chair before picking up her phone and dialing.
“It’s time.” She says before hanging up.
Author's Note
Here it is folks, the end. It was fun writing this and I hope you will enjoy the sequel Turning Back the Clock.
Let’s end this story with a great song shall we?