Family Day.
An annual day in Ponyville where fillies and colts alike would spend the day with their parents and families in order to show them appreciation and love for their efforts in raising them amongst the tribulations of society. Between that, Father’s Day, Mother’s Day, Sisterhooves Social and other town traditions, it would appear that the ponies of Equestria really loved the idea of family.
But, in all actuality, who wouldn’t?
That was a question Spike pondered as he strolled down the rocky road leading through the center of Ponyville. It was the ideal weather for a day of family fun. Soft warmth from the sun, not a cloud in the sky, and many families were taking advantage. Everywhere he turned on his walk families were out and about. The cakes took the day off and had their young ones at the park. Granny Smith and the other Apples were all hand(hoof?)ing out and enjoying apple related baked goods in the town square. Other families were out playing frisbee, or simply taking a walk about the town together.
It was a beautiful sight, to be sure, one that Spike wished he could be a part of.
However, he had a mission today. One that was of the utmost importance.
With a smile on his face, he pranced down through town toward his desired destination: the Ponyville Malt Shop.
The doorbell jingled as he pushed the door open, making his way into the diner. He glanced around, eyes searching for his target.
“Hmm,” he said, eyeing the tables. “Oh, there she is!”
Spike strolled over to a table with a lone filly sitting at it.
“Hey, Scootaloo! Glad you could make it!” Spike smiled and took a seat.
“Thanks for inviting me!” Scootaloo said, smiling back. “It’s been awhile since we’ve been able to have a hangout session like this. All my friends are with their families today, and the community home wasn’t doing much today, so I’m glad someone was available to hang today.”
“No problem!” Spike said. “It was pretty lonely around the castle, too. Starlight’s hanging with Trixie, which she’s been doing a lot, lately by the way. … Anyway, Twilight is at large and most of the other ponies around town are out with their families, too.”
A kindly waitress approached their table with a big smile. “Well, hi there, young’ns. What can I do ya for?”
“I’ll take a chocolate milkshake and some hay fries, please,” Spike said with a bright smile. “And whatever she wants, of course.”
“I’ll take a vanilla shake and a mushroom and swiss sandwich, please!” She said. “Gotta get that protein.”
“Alright, sweeties, it’ll be out in just a moment!” The waitress finished jotting down her notes, smile and wandered off back to the kitchen.
“So, how you been holdin’ up, Scoots?” Spike asked. “I imagine it’s gotta be pretty tough living at the community center, especially on Family Day.”
Scootaloo shrugged. “I’m doing okay. I mean it’s still tough from time to time. How about you?”
Spike sighed and leaned back. “I’m doing good. It kind of helps that I never really knew my parents. You can’t really miss what you never knew, you know?”
“Speaking of which, I’ve always kind of wondered something,” Scootaloo said, averting her eyes to the table.
“Shoot. I’ll try and answer if I can.”
“What was it like growing up without a family? I mean, I at least had my parents for a little bit, you know, before the accident with peas and floor waxer. But you, you’ve never had them? How did you learn to deal with that? I’m kinda curious.”
Spike stroked his chin a moment before responding. “Well, as far as I see it, I’ve always known my family. They’ve always been there for me.”
Scootaloo eyed him curiously. “What do you mean, Spike?”
“Well, the earliest memories I have are being raised by Twilight. She was my best friend and between her and Celestia, I was always taken care of until I was old enough to live with Twilight in Canterlot. So, as far as I know, I’ve had my family right by my side my entire life.”
Scootaloo nodded in response. “I think I see where you’re coming from.”
“You see, Scoots, scales and fire-breath don’t decide who my family is,” Spike said. “Love and memories decided that a long time ago for me. I’ve been gifted with a great family as far as I’m concerned.”
The two looked into each other’s eyes for a moment before they both erupted into a fit of laughter.
“Ha! That was so cheesy,” Scootaloo said.
“Yeah, I’m gonna need to order some wine to go with that quote,” Spike said. “But the point is, I’ve always had a family there for me, and so have you.”
“I guess you’re right,” Scootaloo said. “I had my parents, then the counselors at the home treat me like family. And now Rainbow Dash has been taking me out to do a lot of stuff, too.”
“Yep,” Spike said. “And not to mention Sweetie and Apple Bloom. You guys are closer than any family I’ve ever seen.”
“Well, of course!” Scootaloo said with a grin. “They’re my best friends.”
Spike was about to respond before the waitress interrupted them with two plates of food. “Here you are, dearies! Enjoy!”
“Thanks!” They both said in unison.
The waitress smiled. “No problem. Now, will this be one or two checks?”
“You can put it on my tab!”
Spike and Scootaloo both turned around to see Rainbow Dash walking in, with Twilight following behind.
“I got you guys covered, today,” Rainbow said with a wink.
“Hi, Rainbow!” Scootaloo chirped.
“How ya’ doin’, squirt?” she said, taking a seat next to her. “Mind if I sit here?”
Twilight followed suit and sat next to Spike. “We were looking around town for you guys before someone tipped us off you might be here.”
“What are you guys doing here?” Spike asked, scooching over to make room for Twilight.
“Well, I was reading up on some cooking books recently and I decided to try my hoof at cooking a meal for us tonight, Spike!” Twilight clapped her hooves in glee. “And when I found out Rainbow didn’t have any plans, I invited her to join us to celebrate Family Day!”
“And when she asked me, I had to drag you along,” Rainbow said, lightly ruffling Scootaloo’s mane with her hoof. “It wouldn’t be much of a Family Day if my biggest fan couldn’t come along.”
“Wow, you mean it?” Scootaloo said with a blush. “That’s so cool!”
“So, why don’t you guys finish your food here and meet us back at the castle when you’re done!” Twilight said with a grin. “Just make sure you save some room. I may or may not have gone overboard with the cooking.”
“Sounds good to me!” Spike said.
Rainbow and Twilight waved and left, leaving the two with huge smiles.
“Happy Family Day!” Spike said, raising his milkshake glass.
“Happy Family Day!” Scootaloo clinked her glass to his.
They both had the best families in Equestria.
Author's Note
So much cheese...
