Second Chance: Fox

After fixing her shirt Rarity began to give instructions to her helpers, Rainbow was incharge of sweeping the floor, James was in charge of moving things around in the store, while Rarity had put herself in charge of dusting. After getting their instructions they got to work Rainbow began sweeping while Rarity dusted and told James which items needed to be moved. After almost three and a half hours of work they took a broom wiping off her brow Rarity went upstairs to grab them all a drink, after she went up the stairs Rainbow and James took a seat by the window looking over to Rainbow James noticed that she didn’t appear fatigued smirking he said “Jeez Rainbow you don’t look tired.”

“Yeah this is nothing.”

“Really I’m pretty beat.” James said looking up at the fox Rainbow frowned but before she said anything her eyes roamed over the store, motioning for James to lean in she whispered into his ear “I’ve been through to many shopping sprees with Rarity to get tired.”

“That bad ?”

“Oh yeah so if you piss me off I will make Rarity take you on her next run.” Rainbow growled backing away slightly James saw how serious she was nodding his head he said “Yes ma’am.”

“Good.”

“Ok darlings I got the lemonade.” Rarity chimed walking in the room looking up both individuals got up from their spots thanking the mare while they sipped the drink going wide eye James said “Whoa this is really good stuff Rarity.”

“Really darling ?”

“Oh yeah.” James said nodding his head before taking another sip smiling at the compliment Rairty set the tray on the counter, picking up her glass she took a few sips while looking around the store nodding at the progress she said “Ok I believe that we are almost done.”

“Thank goddess Rarity.” Rainbow said crossing her arms with a small huff, smirking at her Rarity let out a small sigh saying “Well If you want you can leave.”

“Really ?”

“Yes but I figured as a reward I could cook for both you and James.”

“......your cooking.”

“Yes I am.” Rarity said with a small smile on her face she then put a hand to her mouth letting out a huff “I was gonna make one of my great grandmother’s pasta dishes.”

“W-w-which one ?”

“The chicken one with the white sauce.” Rarity purred when she heard this Rainbow jumped up and said “What else do you need me to do.”

“Well the store does need to me moped.”

“I’m on it !” Rainbow said zooming off into the store to get the cleaning supplies giggling at her actions turning to James Rarity said “You James get to help in the kitchen.”

“Alright lead the way madam.” James said giggling at him Rarity lead James upstairs to her kitchen. Once they reached the top floor James was caught off guard by how big the upstairs was giving a low whistle while muttering “Must be magic.”

The upstairs looked more like a penthouse sweet with its size following Rarity to the kitchen she showed him where she kept her supplies while he leaned on the island in the kitchen. Once her tour was over she went to exit the kitchen giving her a curious look James asked “Where are you going ?”

“To change darling I’m covered in sweat and grime so while I shower and change clothes I want you to set up for the cooking.”

“Oh ok.”

“But while I’m gone I expect you to take out a few things that are on this list.” Rarity said her horn glowing a royal blue James then saw a piece of paper with the same glow float over to him landing onto the island picking It up he began to read the list “Oh and darling don’t start cooking till I get back.”

“I promise only to get out the stuff.”

“Good boy.” Rarity said giving James a predatory grin before leaving feeling a shiver run up his spine James began to grab things from the list. Hearing someone come up behind him James turned to see Rainbow walking up to him looking around the kitchen she noticed the piece of paper and began to help gathering the dishes needed. After a few minutes the two of them had gotten all the things needed for the dinner tonight, nodding at what they’d pulled out James went to sit down at the dining table he heard Rainbow rummaging around behind him after a couple minutes she came over with a couple glasses of lemonade. Sitting down has placed both glasses on the table pushing one over to James he gave the mare a nod, both heard the shower stop placing the glass down James said “Wow Rarity takes a long shower.”

“You have no idea,” Rainbow said taking a sip she continued “but she’ll be in there for another twenty.”

“Jesus I thought my sister was bad.”

“Oh yeah you mentioned her before.”

“Yup.”

“Do.......do you have any other siblings ?”

“I do.....he was adopted by my mom.”

“Really.”

“Yeah he was a friend from school.”

“Oh.....cool.”

“So what about you ?”

“No I don’t........” Rainbow muttered while tapping her fingers on the table sipping his drink James asked “So what’s it like being a wonderbolt ?”

“How did you know about that ?”

“Scootaloo when I watch her your all she talks about.”

“Oh.......yeah I was for about a 2-3 years.”

“What happened.”

“Scootaloo.”

“What do you mean ?”

“I don’t mean anything bad ! I just wanted to be there for her I missed birthdays and story time and-“

“You were never home.”

“Yeah it sucked.”

“I get it Rainbow.”

“So......why did you ask.”

“Just curious cause I’ve met a wonderbolt.” James said giving the mare a shrug smirking at him Rainbow leaned back and said “Yeah you did give Spitfire one of this ‘tattoos’.”

“Yeah she was pretty cool after hearing about these wonderbolts I kinda want to see them .”

“I have some recordings.”

“Cool maybe I could borrow them sometime ?“

“If you want you can come over to me and Shys place to watch a couple of them.”

“You think Flutters will be fine with that ?”

“It can wait till tomorrow or the day after but I think she’ll be cool with it.”

“Ok just wanted to make sure I wasn’t stepping on any toes.”

“Nah your fine she loves when friends come over, so what about your world any cool sports ?”

“Uh yeah a couple but my favorites are football and hockey.”

“Hmmm sounds interesting.”

“Yeah I know college football starts soon but hockey doesn’t start till October.” James said finishing off his drink looking back at Rainbow he added “If you and any of the others want I could look up when the first game is and invite you over ?”

“The whole herd ?”

“Yeah it’s always more fun with others.”

“Ok that does sound like fun.” Rainbow said chewing her bottom lip she was about to say something else when Rarity made her way into the room smiling she said “Alright darlings let’s get cooking.”

Turning around James saw Rarity standing by the island In her kitchen looking over the pots and pans they had pulled out for her. Clicking her fingers multiple ingredients landed in the island smiling at them she turned to the fox, pointing a finger at him she made a come here motion getting up he made his way over to her smiling up at him she said “You are gonna help me make my great grandmothers recipe tonight.”

“Uh ok........are you sure ?”

“Quite certain......now just do what I say and nothing else and you will enjoy one of the best pasta dishes around.”

“Ok sounds good.”

(40 minutes later)

Leaning back In his chair James let out a groan while he stared down at the plate smirking at him Rarity said “So what do you think darling ?”

Looking up at her James said “Rarity where were you when I was in college?”

“Oh you know darling saving a country and being a good big sister.”

“Where is Sweetie Belle by the way Rarity ?”

“Oh she and the other girls are staying over at Twilights tonight.”

“Ahhh ok.” James muttered giving the mare a nod smirking at him Rarity said “Yes during the summer we let them jump between our houses and spends nights together.”

“That’s pretty cool, but I’m guessing during school they stay at one location ?”

“Yes they do.” Rainbow said jumping into the conversation digging in her pocket she pulled out her phone to see the time 11:55 pm hissing at he time Rainbow said “I gotta get going.”

“Are you sure Rainbow you’ve had quite a bit to eat tonight.” Rarity said giving the mare a worried look getting up Rainbow said “I’ll be fine I promise.”

“Rainbow let me walk you home.” James Jumped in catching both mares off guard scowling a bit Rainbow was about to say something but Rarity interrupted her “You are a gentlestallion James.”

“Just trying to do what’s right, but I do owe you dinner sometime.”

“I’ll hold you to that darling,” Rarity said standing up she walked over to James leaning in she whispered “Now make sure Dashie gets home safe.”

“I will.” James said standing up he then offered his hand to Rainbow ignoring it she stood up and headed to the door. Sighing James wished Rarity a good night than followed the rainbow maned mare outside, they walked in silence for the first few minutes but once they reached the towns edge Rainbow spoke “Sorry for ignoring your hand.”

“No I get why you ignored it.”

“James could I ask you something ?”

“Sure.”

“Why are you so nice to us ?”

“What do you mean ?”

“I just mean you treat us all kindly you don’t use stupid pick up lines with us you don’t try to get into our pants !”

“Rainbow your great mares and well i was raised really well.”

“Right......what does that mean.”

“My mom always told me and my siblings that we should treat others kindly and to be the best versions of ourselves.”

“Really.”

“Yup but each time she would add ‘the reason I say this is when you do snap when you do show people your wrath.....well god help them’ and we live by that sentiment.”

“Wow your mom must be terrifying.”

“Yes she is......more so than my dad but still you never crossed either of them.”

“I can see that.”

“Hey Rainbow.”

“Yeah.”

“I think Fluttershy is pissed at you.” James said pointing to the front door of a cottage a few feet away looking up Rainbow saw a very angry Fluttershy. Gulping Rainbow walked up to her trying to think about what to say but before she could say anything Fluttershy said “Rainbow your LATE !”

“*gulp* Flutters I’m-“

“You didn’t call Dashie......I thought you weren’t gonna come home.”

“Fluttershy you know I would never ditch you like that.” Rainbow said walking up to the mare giving her a hug while whispering something to her, pulling away Fluttershy wiped away a few tears looking passed Rainbow she said “James did you walk Rainbow Dash home ?”

“Uh yeah Flutters it was no problem.” James said turning to leave he felt something grab his arm and heard a soft yet firm voice state “It’s almost 1:30 in the morning you can sleep on our couch.”

“Flutters-“

“Couch now.” Fluttershy growled giving the fox a stare that struck every primitive part of his brain that told him to run gulping he said “O-o-ok.”

“Good now follow us inside.” Fluttershy said smiling up at the fox she turned and began pulling him into her cottage along with Rainbow who gave the fox a shrug. After a few minutes of getting settled James found himself staring at the ceiling of the living room, letting out a loud yawn James felt his heavy as sleep took hold taking a few deep breaths James went intot the abyss.

(10:00am the next day)

Sitting up James rubbed his eyes while stretching once he had a bit more awareness James noticed a sweet smell in the air, standing up he began to follow the wonderful scent finally reaching the source of the smell James saw Rainbow Dash at the stove. Walking up to her James gave a small cough turning to look at him Rainbow gave the fox a nod, walking up to her James said “Hey Rainbow I’m gonna be heading out.”

“No breakfast ?”

“No I’m already late opening my-“

“Dude it’s Saturday.”

“Really ?”

“Yeah.”

“Ok well I do-“

“JAMES !” a voice yelled turning around he saw Scootaloo running up to him, colliding with him she wrapped her arms around his waist looking down at her James said “Hey Scoota What’s up ?”

“Not much James, are you joining us for breakfast ?” Scootaloo asked giving the fox a quzzical look sighing he looked behind him to see Rainbow giving him a nod. Picking up the filly he give her a smile and said “Course I will Scoots.”

“Yay and could we play today ?” Scootaloo asked frowning a bit James said “Sorry Scoots I gotta shop today BUT I’m coming over tomorrow and we can defiantly play then.”

“Really ?”

“Really really.”

Wrapping her arms around James neck Scootaloo squeezed, hearing some giggling James turned around to see Fluttershy holding an orange back pack. Putting the filly down James ruffled her mane, thanking both Rainbow and Fluttershy for letting him sleep in their house he went to shop in town. As they watched him leave Fluttershy turned to Rainbow and said “Your being nicer to James Rainbow.”

“Yeah yeah.”

“Are you giving him a chance momma Rainbow ?” Scoots asked her looking down at her daughter Rainbow kneeled down she gave her a small smile and said “Yeah I am squirt.”

“How come.”

“Well momma Applejack..........made a convincing argument and I had to agree.”

“Really ?”

“Yeah squirt now go unpack and then we can get breakfast.” Rainbow said giving her daughter a kiss on her forehead before giving her a gentle push. Running past Fluttershy Scootaloo grabbed her backpack and raced to her room, watching her go Fluttershy said “She seems to like James.”

“Yup.”

“So what did Applejack threaten to do ?”

“Nothin.”

“Rainbow.”

“UGH fine she threatens to cut me off if I don’t give him a chance.”

“Hmmmm well I’m glad your giving him a chance.” Fluttershy said giving Rainbow a peck on the cheek smiling at this Rainbow said “Yeah I couldn’t imagine not being able to sleep in the same bed with any of the herd.”

“You are a cuddler.”

“Hehe yeah.” Rainbow said smiling at her long time marefriend smirking at Rainbow Fluttershy whispered “But it IF you do....... become counter productive to making him a friend I will make sure you are on the couch for the next FOUR months.”

“Y-y-yes ma’am.”

“Good, but I know you want to be his friend.”

“Oh yeah ?”

“Yup.”

“Pray tell how you know this.”

“Cause he treats Scootaloo as if she were family and is always helping our herd.”

“Pffft that doesn’t mean I-“

“Dashie you trust him,” Fluttershy stated pulling away she went to the cabinet and began removing plates to set the table she continued “, after all you wouldn’t have invited him into our home if you didn’t.”

“Fine I’m starting to trust him.”

“Good now what recordings are you going to show him tomorrow ?”

“Just some classics.” Rainbow said finishing the last of the pancakes, smiling at her marefriend she was about to say something when the sound of pounding hooves came from behind her turning she saw her little filly running up. Taking a seat at the table Scootaloo waited patiently for her breakfast to be served, once that was done Fluttershy and Rainbow got their own food and sat down to eat. After a few minutes of them conversing between each other until Fluttershy let out a quiet gasp turning to her Scootaloo asked “Momma Fluttershy What is it.”

“We have to start shopping for school.”

“Ahhh crap that’s right squirt starts in two weeks.” Rainbow groaned while slapping her forehead pulling out her phone she said “Ok I think we should start the day after tomorrow.”

“You sure Dashie ?” Fluttershy whispered giving the mare a concerned look, still staring at her phone Rainbow said “Yeah I’m texting Twilight now asking if she wants to join us.”

“Oooh see if momma Pinkie will come to!” Scootaloo piped up with a hopeful look on her face

“Sorry squirt Pinkie is outta town on a delivery.”

“Oh......when is she getting back ?”

“Hmmm I think she said in four days ?” Rainbow said scratching behind one of her ears smiling at that Scootaloo went back to wolfing down her pancakes. Feeling her phone go off Rainbow looked down to see that Twilight had agreed to her proposal, sending a quick reply she went back to eating.

(The next day.)

Walking up to Fluttershys cottage James had a bag of chips and some juice all in one hand, reaching the front door James gave it a couple of knocks. After a few moments the door opened to reveal Fluttershy dressed in her usual turtle neck sweater and knee length skirt, smiling up at the fox she opened the door further with a smile she said “James I’m glad you came.”

“Any chance to make more friends.”

“I’m glad you said that, I know you’ve been doing your best with us.” Fluttershy said while leading the fox into her house, making their way through she showed James the living room. Already sitting at the coffee table Rainbow and Scootaloo we’re in the middle of a card game looking up Rainbow said “Sup James we can start one of the recordings in a sec.”

“R-r-rainbow I a-already chose one.”

“Oh thanks Fluttershy.” Rainbow said giving her a smile, nodding her head Fluttershy took a seat on the couch looking up at James she patted a spot next to her. Taking the hint James sat down beside her and started to watch Raimbow and Scootaloo play there game, after about ten minutes the victor was declared pumping her fist Scootaloo said “Yes I won this one.”

“Good job squirt now let’s clean this up.”

“Ok.” Scootaloo said grabbing the cards she began to place them back into the box, standing up Rainbow grabbed a box off a bookshelf that was filled with other games bringing it over to the table she held said box out to Scootaloo. Tossing the cards into the box Scootaloo got up from her spot, grabbing the box she ran it back to its place on he bookshelf, moving over to their television Rainbow began to set up the recording. After a few moments the video was ready to play quickly running over to the couch Scootaloo took a seat by Fluttershy while Rainbow sat on Scootaloos other side, once everyone was comfortable Rainbow started the video.

(3 hours later)

“Whoa that was pretty cool.” James said as they finished the final video of the wonderbolts, looking over to Rainbow he pointed to the screen and asked “So you did shows like that ?”

“Yup at the time I thought that was the coolest I could be.” Rainbow said with a small smile but it soon faded from her face looking down at Scootaloo who had her eyes glued to the television Rainbow ran a hand through her mane while saying “Than I adopted Scootaloo and found out being a mom made me the coolest mare on Equis”

“Yeah you’re the coolest mom I’ve met Rainbow.”

“Thanks James.”

“So after watching that ,I think I should show you the some of my worlds air shows.”

“Definitely, but that’ll have to wait another day.” Rainbow said while looking at her watch she noticed the time standing up she said “Looks like it’s about six o’clock I think we should go out to eat tonight.”

“Yeah I probably-“

“James your coming along.” Rainbow said giving her a surprised look James opened his mouth to say something only for Rainbow to continue “James your coming along and that’s final.”

“Ok ?”

“Rainbow I think we should take him to Grand Spice’s restaurant.” Fluttershy suggested giving her a nod Rainbow got off the couch pulling Scootaloo along, she went off into the house to change turning to James Fluttershy said “Have you eaten anywhere in town yet James ?”

“Not yet Flutters I enjoy cooking more than going out to eat.”

“O-o-oh, Well Spice’s restaurant is really popular and she serves the best food.”

“Wait doesn’t she own the Punch Out bar ?”

“Oh no that’s actually her herd mate Berry Punch who owns that.”

“Oh........that makes way more sense.”

“Hehe I promise James you’ll like it her restaurant is very comfortable and affordable and the food is very very delicious.”

“Really now ?”

“Yes you’ll love it.” Fluttershy said smiling chuckling at her expression James got off the couch, turning he offered his hand for Fluttershy who took it. As James pulled Fluttershy off the couch he heard the sound of hoof falls behind him turning he saw Rainbow and Scootaloo in street clothes smirking at him Rainbow said “All right lets go get our grub on guys.”

(At the restaurant)

Following the hostess the four were sat down at the booth stepping to the side James let the mares slide into place first. Once they had gotten comfortable James took a seat by Scootaloo after all on the way to the establishment she had called sitting next to the fox, being handed the menus James looked through it after a couple of go throughs he whistled and said “Wow everything looks good on here.”

“Well you better hurry and choose cause we aren’t gonna wait for you.” Rainbow said looking over the top of her menu smirking at her James said “Alright then I think I’ll go for the ‘Famous Jalapeños Steak’ it sounds good.”

“What you can’t be serious, you’ll melt your face.”

“What can’t a fox enjoy some spicy food ?”

“Uhh James I agree with Rainbow it may be too spicy for you.” Fluttershy whispered giving both mares a quizzical look James shrugged his shoulders and said “Look I’ll be fine.”

“James momma Applejack and uncle Big Mac cried when they ate the steak Ms.Spice cooked.” Scootaloo said giving the fox a very worried look reaching over the fox ruffled Scootaloos mane before saying “Don’t worry It’ll be fine.”

Looking up the group noticed the waitress had come by to take the orders ,after going around the table she recited the orders then left to go and deliver them to the kitchen. Looking at the group James still saw worried expressions on their faces givin them a wink he said “Look I’ll be fine you’ll see.”