Sweetie Seed

Chapters

Chapter 1: All is well
Chapter 2: Clique Kiss
Chapter 3: Unspoken Issues

Chapter 1: All is well

Celestia's sun crept through the purple curtains before the light snaked around my closed eyelids making my vision take on a reddish pink fuzz, waking me from my sleep. I turned over in bed, trying to keep any lick of sleep still left and cling onto it until a heard a muffled yawn next to me. My eyes slowly crept open to see another pony in the blanket, but I very well knew this pony. With half-closed eyes, she gave me a kind, good-morning smile before stretching her legs and gave a small effort-filled huff.

"Mornin' cuz, looks like it's time to get up." She stated with her southern accent, exhausted, yet somehow still cheerful.

She flipped off her side of the blanket and after a few moments of staying on the warm surface, she rolled off the bed onto her four hooves. She was about to walk away before she noticed I had made no initiation of getting out of my side, she spun around and grabbed the blanket with her teeth, yanking it off before I have any time to act. My body automatically curled up, my legs tucked together and my tail wrapping around my back forelegs, trying to hold on to the lingering warmth.

"Hey, you know I don't get to sleep in much. The city life wakes a lot earlier than the sun." I grunted, my tomboyish, Manehattan accent intertwining with my words.

She rolled her eyes at me and I stuck my tongue out at her as a response. We both gave a light chuckled until a silence took hold of the room. She began trotting to her closet as I finally got over my sleepiness. I rolled over landing on my hooves and gave a nice stretch with an obnoxious yawn almost like a dog after a peaceful nap. I brought up my front hoof, using my wrist to rub the itchiness from my eye.

"So, Applebloom," I addressed the yellowish pony as she flicked her ear. "Whata we got for breakfast?"

"Probably, the normal." She spoke, opening her closet and grabbed a big, pink bow and placed it appropriately on the back of her rose-colored mane. "Hay strips, maybe some eggs or if we are lucky, possibly pancakes. But, that is based on if Applejack is in a good mood."

She closed the closet door and looked at me with her gold-ish eyes. She smiled and gave a small nod. "Come on Babs, it should be done soon!"

"Ok I will meet you down, I'm gonna hit the restroom first." I said, following her out the door, taking a quick right as she made her way to the stairs.

I pushed the door shut with my back hoof and walked up to the sink. I put my front hooves on the counter and looked into my reflection, concentrating on my emerald- like eyes. Just as I assumed my mane was out of place with its uneven bed head. The amaranth locks intruded with my brighter streaks, leaving it a mess of a pattern. I used my hoof to contain the bed head and took the tip to correct my manes confusion. Very soon, my mane was back to its rugged glory, reflecting my tougher and less feminine side, even if I was somewhat soft on the inside, but few ponies were aware of that. Sometimes I regret that fact, but I had nopony to impress. Well, I could redo my mane, take a new look. My special talent was hair styling, after all, clearly know from my apple handle, scissor cutie mark. I could go with a more approachable look, maybe be more appealing, maybe impress...

I shook my head at such a ridiculous thought. I can't think like that, I wasn't raised like that. Plus, it would cause problems for more than just myself, and that's very selfish of me to think it's even plausible. It is a dumb idea, not like they would like me anyway. I am a confused, boyish, teenage mare. They are a straight, beautiful, perfect mare. That's the problem. I shouldn't even think about being with her, let alone trying to impress her. There isn't much impressive about me anyway, changing my hair won't change that.

I sighed sadly, looking at my orange rusty face, eyeing my six little, white freckles one last time, then jumped down off the counter. I turned out the bathroom. Shaking off my obvious, weird mood, I continued down the hall, sharply turning down the stairs and trotted into the kitchen.

Big Mac and Granny Smith were at the table discussing some bit about what Apple is the best, Applebloom was already half done with her pancakes, muzzle drenched in syrup, and Applejack was at the stove, cooking up a fresh batch. I smiled eagerly as the sweet aroma of the homemade food danced around my nose. Quickly, I jumped over to an empty seat and waited patiently for the fresh batch to be done. My stomach felt as if a dragon had just been awoken and there were no jewels to be found. I stuck out my tongue as my patience began to dwindle, just as Applejack carried the pan to my plate, throwing a nice stack of cakes on the dish. I worked fast to prepare it, throwing powdered sugar and syrup, as well as a few apple slices for good measure and dug my muzzle into the fluffy delicacy.

Applejack chuckled. "Y'all act as if ya haven't eaten in years. Hopefully, no midnight crusading?" She asked warily as one of her eyebrows stretched up.

I backed away and looked at her. My cheeks filled with the warm pancakes, I took no time to shake my head no. I swallowed, then turned back to attack my prey once more.

Applejack just laughed again as Granny Smith and Big Mac's conversation gained a little more heated.

"So you are trying to tell me, that Golden Delicious apples are better than Granny Smith apples?" Granny Smith asked in her frail voice, though one could tell was filled with disbelief.

"Eeyup." Big Mac responded with an unimpressed look.

"Why?" She said.

"Granny smith is too sour." He defended.

"Don't ya be disrespecting me!" She snarled as best she could.

"I was talking about the apple." He rolled his eyes.

Applebloom backed off from licking her plate clean to add her own opinion. "I have to say, honey crisps beat all!" She squealed.

I finished my last bite and made a throaty sound of approval from the thought of a honey crisp.

Applejack rolled her eyes. "Ah think anything grown on this farm, whatever Apple, is the best." She declared.

Big Mac and Granny Smith look at each other than at Applejack before giving a nod.

"Oh, right, Applejack. Babs Seed, Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo and I are planning to go to the small lake of the land and have a swimming party!" Applebloom exclaimed excited at the plans I was ill-informed on.

"Sure, that's alright, just be careful ya four." Applejack said. "Ah will most likely be at the market, so if you need me, ah will be there during normal times."

"Awesome! Thanks, sis!" She yelled, jumping out of her own seat. She ran up to mine and pulled me along before I had a chance to say anything.

She dragged me all the way to the door before I jerked my hoof back. Applebloom then ran up the stairs and back down in an Instant with four towels resting on her back. I laughed at her sudden excitement and energy, then pushed the door open so she could hop through as we made our way through the orchard.

It took us a mere few minutes to arrive at the small pond. Two teenage fillies were already on the water, one a small orange pegasus with a messy purple mane and a white unicorn with a curly half purple, half light pink mane. Though, at the moment, both manes were heavy and wet from playing in the water. They looked over, excited to see the new arrival.

"Hey! Sorry we are late, got caught up in breakfast. But, look who came a little late last night! Babs!" She screamed at her friends as we trotted closer.

Scootaloo gave an excited smile as she swam toward the shore. I returned the smile as she gained ground and shook off a bit of the water. Her wings buzzed, flinging water droplets that had weaved its way into her feathers and began practically bouncing to where Applebloom and I stood. After my terrible first visit many moons ago, we had been getting along fine. Scoots always seemed excited to obtain a new friend and I was no exception, even though my behavior had been something less than awful.

Sweetie Belle gave me a warm smile as she began her trek to the shore. I gave a normal smile even though, I could feel my heartbeat ten times heavier. There is just something about Sweetie Belle that I am just so fond of. When I came for my second visit, before the Reunion, she seemed to had forgiven me completely. She was a little apologetic at first, but she was exactly what her name states, sweet. So unbelievably sweet and caring. Not to mention, she is pleasant to the eyes. My second visit to Ponyville was during a time of great confusion for me. Hormones raced around my skull as new ideas flowed around. But, Sweetie made me fall head over hoof for her and I honestly can't tell if I'm happy or terrified. My parents raised me to know that filly fooling is a very bad thing, but somehow, even though all the traditional and natural ways that had been drilled into me, she knocked down the wall as easy as she belted out a lovely cord. Although she intends to sing, I'm not sure she ever meant to mess with my head so much. Although not once in my life did it ever felt right to hide behind some big stallion as he carries me away from slaying some beast that was trying to get me. I would be the one slaying because I am just fine on my own hooves. However, I wouldn't mind somepony clinging to me as I save them. I would stand strong with blood staining my fur and have, I don't know maybe, Sweetie Belle latches onto me as I carry her away from the battle, showing her that I would always protect her and be there unlike some nasty stallions I knew. Then, maybe we would find a nice spot and share a kiss, knowing that we will always be there for one another.

So maybe I wasn't against the filly fooling part; however, my family still was and that means if anypony knew about it, I would be in so many problems. My parents would be repulsed and disappointed. Applebloom may not be able to hang out with me anymore, Scootaloo would look at me like something alien and Sweetie Belle would tell me how disgusting and stupid I was to think I could be with her. She would hate me and be sick in the stomach just to see me... That thought alone makes my insides want to die. The feeling of my organs sinking so far down and compact so much that the pressure would burst them into a painful explosion of blood and all I could do it vomit up the remains of my once functioning heart. They would disown me and hate me as they stand over me laughing at my misery and... And...

"Babs!" Applebloom yelled.

I shook my head coming back to reality. A reality where they all like me and wasn't standing over me as I die from internal bleeding as their disgusted laughs echo through my head. A reality where they think I am straight and not thinking about kissing one of them. I blinked a few times and looked at Applebloom who wore concern face.

"Uh, sorry, just was thinking about a few things. I didn't mean to zone out." I said pathetically. Oh, yes so impressive, good go, want to make this better and tell them what you thought.

"Okay. Ya looked..." Applebloom thought, trying to find the right word.

"Very distraught. Are you feeling well?" Sweetie Belle spoke softly.

Oh sweet Celestia, that voice! I swallowed hard. "Uh, I'm fine. Just lost... In.. Thought." I finished by blowing the few strands of mane in front of my face, then turning my head to look at Sweetie Belle.

Her mane had fallen from the water and wrapped around her delicate shoulders. The droplets resting on her snowy fur, made her glisten under the majestic sun. I looked up at her light green eyes, that looked at me with a concerned and caring look, that made her whole appearance shine brighter than the moon and the stars combined. And Oh my gosh, she makes me get so soft and poetic and its makes my heart shiver and now my throat is closing.

I looked back at Appleboom, thankful that my expression only ever showed what I wanted it too and forced it to show confusion.

I coughed to get my throat clear before talking. "What?" I said trying not to sound too harsh or forced.

"Well, if all is okay now, we are wasting the morning!" Scootaloo said before running to the diving board.

Appleboom shrugged it off and threw the towels down carelessly as she trotted to the water. However, when I went to look where Sweetie Belle was standing, she was still there, only about half a hoof away from my snout. She carried a suspicious and concerned look in her eye. She squinted at me with concentration and kept staring. I shifted my eyes away for a moment, soon back to her, then blinked a few times.

Sweetie Belle dropped her squint then gave me a huge, goofy smile. A smile I had learned to be wary about. Before I had time to react, she leapt, tackling me to the ground, hooves wrapped around my neck in a tight hug. She was always a bit of a hugger and it has become a bit of an unspoken tradition that sometimes when I see her, she will surprise hug me, but not all the time because she tries to get me when I don't expect it. Well, honestly, she actually caught me off guard this time.

She lifted her upper body, still pinning me and looked down at me.

"Haha! Score for Sweetie Belle! You need to pick up your game Babs, I thought you couldn't be held down by anypony." She teased. Bad move.

I gave a slight smile before using my strength to knock her forelegs off of mine and push my back legs to the ground. With that, I pushed all on one hoof to flip over, rolling me on top of Sweetie Belle. I put my front hooves on her shoulders and held her back hooves with mine, making her helpless.

"What did ya say, Sweetie Belle? I'm sorry, I couldn't hear ya." I laughed as she made a playful pouting face.

"No fair, you are stronger than me and older!" Sweetie Belle stuck out her tongue in a surrender.

"Come on, fillyfoolers! We came to the pond to swim, not make out, otherwise I would have brought somepony!" Scootaloo yelled jokingly.

I huffed, seeming indifferent on the outside, however on the inside my heart was panicking so much I thought it might burst. I lifted a hoof to rub my cheeks, trying to hide the blush that started to form at being called a fooler with Sweetie, and I calmly got off of Sweetie Belle, internally disappointed. As I got off, Sweetie Belle jumped up with an irritated expression on her face.

"I am a dignified mare, don't think I would ever be one of those! I don't have anypony to wrestle with, Rarity won't ever do it!" Sweetie screamed. Angling her muzzle in a mockingly snooty way."Plus, you are too easy to take down." She said mildly quieter, though enough for scoots to hear as she began to walk to the water.

I gave a warm smile and laughed at the joke, much to Scoots irritation. However, on the inside, I felt my heart crack a bit. I pretty much assumed she was only for colts, but completely wronging the idea seems like something a stubborn earth pony would do. Most unicorns or pegasi didn't mind the idea and most fillyfoolers or coltcuddlers were those species. Earth ponies on the other hoof, they are connected more to the ground and have older standards, meaning most families disowned the ideas completely. That was how I was raised and that makes sense that Sweetie Belle was too, because she lives in a proper home and her dad may even be an earth pony. Not really sure, I have only seen him once and he was wearing a 'unique' hat as Rarity called it. Still with the new ideas of love and tolerance, one would think we would all get along, but in the long run, not everypony will agree. Some earth ponies will even disown their child in the case that they are one, so I have a hatred toward what I feel because I would have no home, no family, possibly no friends, and that scares me too much to let this get out. I can't deny how I feel, but it doesn't mean that I want what I feel.

I snapped out of my mental warfare to see all of my friends in the water. Scoots was getting out to get on the jumping board again while Sweetie and Applebloom were having an intense splash war. The sight made my heart warm up. They all were true friends to each other and friendships like this don't happen very often. I am extremely lucky to be a part of this group.

"Hey, Babs, watch this sick cannonball!" Scoots screamed as she jumped off the board, bundled up into a ball with her wings flapping fast as they tried to gain as much speed from the low drop.

I laughed as she popped her head out of the water, soon finding myself moving forward toward the water. Applebloom and Sweetie paused their war to team up on Scoots. This is going to be a fun weekend.

Author's Note

First story I have ever published! I always liked Babs and I somehow got the idea with her and Sweetie, (cause Sweetie Seed is a cute name) but I thought I may as well write what I think their story could be. As I wrote this, as other authors have experienced, sometimes the story goes in odd directions. I did not intend the warnings that I have, but later chapter wrote themselves and you all will see what I mean if this story peaks your interest. Anyways, Thanks for reading!

Chapter 2: Clique Kiss

The next morning, I found myself wandering into the town. It has been around a year since my last visit, so I had a curiosity to itch about anything that may have changed. Just as usually, Ponyville stayed it’s same rustic self, barely changing through time and destruction. Constant destruction. I walked the long dust path and began seeing the town folks. Although faces did seem to be familiar, I never cared much to catch their names. I did not take much time to chat with others of the town, so I tended to stay on my own or with my cousin. I have had slight conversations with the mane six, but never anything over small talk, with the exception of Applejack, of course.

My hooves pressed into the dirt as my saddlebags hugged my haunches. The sun marked the sky with a bright yellow blur as shadows of soaring pegasi danced on the ground. They pushed around the weather clouds, preparing for a partly cloudy day. The town folks walked amongst the town center going to their jobs or errands for the day. They mixed together like a spectrum of colors as unicorns and earth ponies walked together alike, even some walking pegasi dotted the mix. The crowd was not large. It was small and compact. That was something that appealed to me. Not being constantly shoved into every other pony and the loud yells of carriages ringing in my ears. I enjoyed the silence of it all. The town had a quiet buzz of noise as ponies chatted and did their normal everyday chores and that was fine for me. I was quick to feel a sweet sensation flow into my nose. Subconsciously my hooves began following the sugary scent gliding through the air.
Before I knew it, I stumbled upon the well-know bakery, Sugarcube Corner.

I walked into the building as the doorbell jingled for my arrival. It wasn't as busy as I have seen the place, with only a grey Pegasus with yellow eyes munching on a muffin and a light purple pony with a strawberry and grape cutie mark tagging her flank. The purple pony seemed to be downing some of my family's apple cider and the grey pony seemed to be watching her muffin intensely while somehow eyeing me with her other eye. I ignored it and went on my way. I stepped up to the counter and before my hoof even touched the bell a bolt of pink zoomed from the kitchen and stopped directly in front of me with no jerked stop at all. It was none other than pinkie pie, the earth mare that never got the memo on how physics work.

"Hiya Babs! Did you come to purchase one of our sugary snacks?!" Pinkie spoke excitedly. Well it sounded like an excited tone to me, but she is always excited, so that is kinda just her voice.

"Um, sure. I'll take a red velvet cupcake." I said, spacing a bit to think.

"Would you like to try our new spicy vanilla cupcake?" She said as she put the velvet cupcake into a bag then on the counter.

"Um, no? Why would you make that?"

"Well I was cooking regular cupcake and instead of grabbing vanilla, I grabbed hot sauce and poured the entire bottle in there on accident! Once I realized my mistake, I remembered how goooood hot sauce was on cupcakes and just threw some vanilla and BOOM! I CREATED SPICY VANILLA CUPCAKES!" She almost screamed as she looked off into space. The sudden loud tone caused me to back up, flicking my tail to hug my flank and cower slightly.

I replied with a small 'no thanks' and put my bits in the counter and snagged the cupcake in my teeth, placing it in my saddle bags. I liked Pinkie Pie, but her sudden bursts of energy catches me off guard sometimes. I lived in the city and was used to the loud noise and yelling of course, but when my father would get intoxicated and go from silent to ballistically yelling at me... My mom got him help and he has been a better father, but I still have some scars. Even joking yells make me unintentionally flinch, although I have gotten to the point where I can control it enough to not be seen. Plus school never helped when I didn't have my mark.

My train of thought had me mindlessly walking which was interrupted as I collided with another pony. I was a sturdy earth pony with more build then some stallions, so I barely bounced off of the other pony except my head seemed to hit something hard. I stepped back a few and closed my eyes, shaking my head. I could hear the pony fall to their side with a scoff and a loud thump hit the ground. When my eyes cleared up the blurriness, I saw a white unicorn with a familiar curly purple mane and diamond cutie mark. A sewing machine laid sideways next to the mare and she began to mutter, blatantly irritated.

"Why? What brute was unable to see.." She stopped her rant and looked up at me, recognizing me instantly. I recognized her just as fast. I had shoved Rarity into the dirt by mistake.

"Oh Babs! I didn't realize it was you, I apologize for my sly comments, I am just rather stressed lately." She said kindly. I never knew what to say to her and my mind liked to say the dumbest things.

"I-.. Yeah, I'm here for the weekend. I- I suppose." I replied unsure of myself. She was more of a dignified city mare than I was and she has shared her fair share of fooler-phobia comments. Not that she minds it, but would rather it stays out of her family. Which helps me none.

"So, where are you off too?" Rarity said as she stood up, brushing off the dirt clinging to her coat.

"I..." I began to think. I did not really have a plan. "I don't really know. Just taking a trot I guess." I looked to the ground as Rarity strained to pick up the machine in her magic. She was more used to the delicate motion of sewing with her magic than picking up large objects. "D-do you need help with that? You can just.. Float it on my back.."

She looked at me kindly, giving me a sweet smile. "Oh that would be lovely. I just came from Fluttershy's and she had this old thing which is exactly the antique machine I was looking for, but oh heavens if the mare lived any farther in the middle of nowhere, I'd never be capable of visiting! Let alone carrying this thing."

Rarity proceeded to lift the sewing machine on my back. It was lighter than I thought, considering how it felt when I bashed my head into it. We began walking, me following a few hoof steps behind. She tried to ignite some light banter. I should have paid of attention to her more. I didn't. I just watched my hooves step one in front of the other, replying as best I can with the chatty mare. I think she had started talking about seams? I really didn't know. I wasn't the strong-and-silent type, I was kinda the tough-and-too-painfully-awkward-to-speak type.. Which could be mistaken for 'silence because I'm too tough for talking', but in reality, I just don't want to sound stupid, especially around specific ponies.

We soon arrived at the Carousel Boutique. Rarity kindly opened the door for me, probably so I wouldn't shake off the machine when trying to open the door causing it to cascade to the ground.... Again. I would have broken the metal thing even further than I might of done when I smashed my thick skull into it. I made my way in and trotted to the couch, next to it I slowly lowered my haunches to slide the box off- and unintentionally my saddlebags too. It thumped lightly on the ground and I stood up straight, looking to my host. She had followed me inside and nodded at the place I had put it, then proceeded to trot to the kitchen.

"Would you like some tea?" Rarity insisted.

"I- I don't know. You seem pretty busy and I don't want to intrude.." I sputtered out. I was nervous to stay. I really never hung out with the other crusaders without Applebloom around and even more so their families.

"Nonsense! All my chores for today have been completed, you can stay for a little while, won't you? Sweetie Belle was rather excited upon your return. She barged in yesterday going on and on about it." She explained.

Sweetie Belle was excited to see me...

"I guess I c-can stay a bit." A little tea sounds pretty good.

"SWEETIE BELLE, WE HAVE A GUEST!" Rarity sang up the stairs before starting on the tea.

I felt awkward and made my way over to the couch. The time between my visits can get a little big from time to time, so it takes me a few days to get comfortable with the ponies and my surroundings. Sadly I'm only here for the weekend and I have no idea when the next time I can visit it. I should be leaving tomorrow, but I really don't want too.

When I sat down, I heard the noise of a pony coming down the stairs, presumably the same one I wanted to stay for. I turned my head to see Sweetie going down the stairs. Once at the end she looked and gave me a heart-melting smile. She said my name ecstatically as she galloped to me. She leaped over the couch and extended her hooves around my neck. I was pushed back slightly, but returned the hug, immediately.

"Hey Babs! I didn't expect a visit. Is Applebloom with you?" She said.

"I helped your sister carry the sewing machine here. She invited me to stay for tea, so I thought I might. Um, Applebloom is not with me. S-she stayed home and had chores." I replied.

"Oh" she said. I know it wasn't said it a disappointed tone, but I felt the need to keep telling myself that. "I was just curious if the plans are still a go." I have a confused look and Sweetie just laughed. "Wow, you really don't get told anything? Since it's your last night, Applebloom is having a giant sleepover in the treehouse! Just me, you, Applebloom and Scootaloo!"

"Huh, wish I would have been told that." I replied not really thinking.

"You have plans?"

"Oh no, I don't know. I liked being informed?" Even if she dated mares, she wouldn't date one this dumb.

Sweetie have a small giggle. "At least you're cute." She giggled again and looked at me with those beautiful green eyes. My heart sped up faster than I think medically okay.

I laughed with her contagious giggle as Rarity came into the room with the tea. She set the silver platter arranged with two white glass cups with a matching teapot, sugar container, and cream container. Steam rise from the spout of the out and the smell of tea wrapped around my muzzle reminding me of something. I...I didn't like tea. I was not sure what it was about the leafy drink, but it didn't sit well in my stomach and, even more, so my taste buds. Rarity generously filled our cups.

"Babs, the dear helped me bring in the sewing machine from quite a distance. I thank you again for that chivalry to make my life a little easier." She backed away and began to giggle. "If Babs was a colt, I would have pushed you two to be together in an instant!" Rarity nudged Sweetie and began trotting to her work room. Sweetie had developed a blush and I felt the heat on my own cheeks.

I wish.

"Just remembered I have an order I should get to. I have faith you two can entertain yourselves. Also Sweetie, if you want to walk over to Applebloom's with Babs. I would prefer it. There have been some grotesque minded stallions of late. Have fun." She finished going upstairs and closed the door behind her.

After a bit of silence and the blush washing away, Sweetie turned to me before giving me a goofy grin. Not this time. I tucked my back haunches behind me against the couch are. I then pushed all my strength to throw myself into Sweetie. My hooves landed on her shoulders and my back hooves held tightly at her waist. Her hooves tucked against her chest as it rose and fell quicker than before. She looked surprised at my sudden jump on her. Sweetie's eyes were soft and looked taken aback, but with a look that seemed she enjoyed randomly being taken over. Her muzzle lacked a smile and my smug smile slowly straightened as my throat filled with sand. There was a definite tension.

"Babs is fast." Sweetie broke the air before laughing.

"W-what is it now? Babs two and Sweetie zero!” I said adding a frantic tone to the end of it.

She gave a pouty face and wiggled to see if I would give way. I would not. Earth ponies are build with muscle and I desired to keep mine well. I crawled off when she mentioned the tea. She dropped a few sugar cubes into her tea and I did the same, although not as many, I barely touched my tea as we talked. I did attempt to look like I enjoyed it by taking a swing. Before I could swallow, sweetie spoke.

"So." She changed the subject. "Any stallions in your life??" She gave a suggestive grin.

I tried really hard not to spit my tea everywhere, but I couldn't keep it in. I gracefully shot it all back into the teacup, causing it to spill all over my chest. Sweetie covered her muzzle with her hooves, trying to sustain a laugh. Her attempts failed as the pressure that filled her face red, burst out into a loud laughter. A burn started to form on my cheeks and it reddened past my coat's color. She looked at me with tears in her eyes and she bit her lip at an attempt to stop. I lifted my hooves to cover my chest and felt my tail hug my side.

"N-n-no.." I sputtered out, cowering my head.

Sweetie recognized my embarrassment and was able stop completely.

"I.. I'm sorry I didn't mean to laugh. I'm used to laughing at things like this because Scoots can never keep food in her mouth." She apologized.

"Heh, no it's fine. I-I... was caught off guard." I said quietly.

"Humph, so really no stallion??" Sweetie said pushing the subject further.

"N-no.. I-.. Uh no." I hate this topic because all my family asks the questions why. "You?" I didn't expect much.

"Well..." My ears flicked. I was paying full attention. "There is this really cute stallion." She giggled a little. "His name is Magic Ash. I think he may ask me out or at least to the next dance. He only lives a few blocks from me."

My heart wrenched with anger. I wonder if I could scare him? "What's he like?" I tried to mumble through my teeth. She was too busy kissing him in lala land to realize how hard my jaws cemented to each other.

"He's a beautiful dark blue with a black, red striped mane and tail. He is a unicorn in my math class. Magic is tall and broad shouldered with a nice form. He could protect me from anything." She sighed.

Okay, this had differed as we grew. We weren't the little free-hearted fouls anymore. We have had our awkward moments and frustrations and obvious change in hormones. I could remember when Sweetie said she didn't need no colt. I guess that means she wanted a stallion. I did not know this pony at all, but I've already grown a dislike to him. This is for the better... I tried to reason it to be a good thing. I can get over this silly feeling and suppress it. Maybe find a nice stallion of my own... I didn't care for the thought. She hadn't stopped talking about him, some part about him using his magic to help her with her books, I wasn't paying close attention. I should be happy for her, I wanted too. Though I wrenched at the thought of him having her in his hooves. My ears dropped slightly, because I knew deep within me that Sweetie would never.. Never talk about me the way she basically sung about Magic..

Time had passed and we decided we should be on our way. Sweetie grabbed her saddlebags filled with what she needed for the party and I repeated her action by grabbing my saddle bags that rested near the sewing machine I dropped off. I walked out the door first, holding the door with my back hoof to allow Sweetie to exit behind me before letting the door shut. We walked in silence mostly. Not an awkward air, just quiet with a lack of anything better to say. It was comforting to be silent with another. Just knowing you're close enough without needing to say a word. That walk went fast, the next moment I looked up I was staring at the sign to my cousin's farm. We made our way to the offset treehouse and began climbing the stairs. Walking into the wood house, Scoots was resting on a bean bag and Applebloom was finishing setting up a snack table. The table hugged the wall with a layout of all sorts of sweet treats and drinks, with an exception of some healthy snacks shoved at the corner of the table. A recollection of an argument between Applejack and Applebloom passed through my mind. I was there for the argument, but I have arrived too late into the conversation to realize this was being planned. It was familiar seeing the siblings fight. I had one of my own and she hovered over me just as much. Sunflower had moved out within the past few years and I can say I miss her quite a bit.

"Hm, look they are even walking together.. I'm telling you.. We got a couple foolers..." Scoots stuck her tongue out at Sweetie and I.

I kept a rolled my eyes and kept walking. She made that joke a lot. It started around the same time Sweetie and I began play fighting that Scoots started making that joke. It was mostly to bother Sweetie, I know, but it tends to bother me more. The joke was funny at first, but when these conflicts arose at the end of middle school, it lost its humor for me. I'm not sure Scootaloo realizes what it does to me, but sometimes I think she knows. Maybe she does it to remind me how Sweetie feels about it? Rationally I knew she probably didn't know, but paranoia about anyone knowing really keeps its hold.

I followed behind Sweetie, dropping off my saddlebags near the door and made my way to the snack table. I looked at the layout of carrot cupcakes, apple fritters and the pints of apple cider, assuming they are the virgin kind. Seeing the cupcakes reminded me of the velvet cupcake I had gain from my visit at Pinkie’s. I trotted over to my bag, as every pony settled down, talking amongst themselves and chatting about some new blank flank in town. They took their crusading seriously, especially now since it is officially their forte. I grabbed the cake in my teeth and sat in a blue, vacant bean bag. Sweetie had jumped on the red one Applebloom had sat in and Scoots stayed in the bag across from Applebloom’s. My seat was near side the red bag and as I pulled out a bag with an unknown treat inside, a few curious glances from the others eyed it. My ears fell backward.

“What cha you got there?” Applebloom said.

“I got a cupcake from Sugarcube Corner. I wandered in there and didn’t want to leave without getting something. I can share if you wanta little. It's velvet." I took the cake out and separated it in fourths. Scoots gave me a warm smile as I handed her corner. I gave Applebloom the other two sides as I ate my own.

"Velvet is my top five favorite flavors!" Sweetie rang as she took her piece.

Applebloom finished her cupcake fast but looked up with a cocky grin. "Pretty good, but nuthin's better than anything made in this farm, especially the apples!" She gloated with her families name.

"You were prolly made on this farm, and everything's better than you!" Scoots teased.

Applebloom wore an irritated expression and stuck out her tongue, since she couldn't think of a comeback. We all laughed and talked for the next few hours. I had obtained a few ciders, one in my hoof while the rest dissolved in my belly. Applebloom had eaten so much sugar, she seemed to vibrate with energy, although she begged to differ. Sweetie Belle had stuck to the healthy snacks, claiming it was more beneficial for her mane and Scoots rested on the bean bag. She breathed heavily from showing off some scooter trick she had learned. Although it almost took off Applebloom's head, it was cool and we laughed it off. My ear flicked to the door to hear the clops of some other pony. I didn't question much, assuming it was just Applejack checking on us. Then Applebloom seemed to hear it and a smirk drew on her muzzle.

"So, Sweetie... We invited a friend of yours." She held a giggle.

Sweetie wore a confused expression. I had even grown some concern. I slowly turned my head to the door as a pony burst through the door. An obvious stallion with his bulky figure. He held some treat within his teeth. A dark chocolate dessert with strawberries lining the chocolate icing with a cherry on the center. There were about 5 aligned on the tray. He placed it softly on the ground. The stallion raised his head to show his strong form. He was a dark blue, similar to how the night turns just when the sun sets and his mane was a black, striped with red lines all down it and his tail. His cutie mark, was a red spiral, decorated with magic sparkles.

"Hi crusaders!" He said in a low toned voice.

Based on the ear-full I recovered earlier, it was easy to tell this was Magic Ash. My eyelids fell to an unamused look and my ears fell back too. (I probably would get my butt handed to me if I tried to scare and fight him.) I turned my head around to see Scoots about to lose it and Sweetie grow a blush on her muzzle as she stepped on Applebloom's tail. Applebloom contained a yelp.

"Hiya Magic! Glad you could make it." Scoots broke the silence as she jumped on her hooves. She walked over and took the treats to the table.

He trotted over, passed me and went to Sweetie and Applebloom.

"Thank you for inviting me." He spoke to Applebloom. Then he proceeded to turn to Sweetie before trotting off. "And good evening, Sweetie Belle." His low voice dropped further and I swore I heard it to be slightly seductive. I would argue sexual harassment, but hey what do I know.

She suppressed a giggle before saying hi back. I began to dislike the fact that the cider was not alcoholic as I began chugging my last bottle, then got up to the barrel to receive some more. My stomach had dropped upon his arrival and I thought maybe if I chugged enough cider, my stomach could float up to a more comfortable level. Rationally I knew that wasn't physically possible, but it was worth a shot. I turned to see Magic in my seat (not that I cared). I found a pile of blankets for the beds and laid myself on that.

"Sorry I was late, I ordered the treats yesterday and they said they forgot. This is why I typically go to Pinkie's place, but I try to let the underdogs get some business." He gave a warm smile. I could tell he wasn't a bad guy, but I still felt my gut clench.

Applebloom spoke after. "Nothin' had really happened. We are all just here to hang before Babs has to go home."

"Oh I was wondering who that little colt was." He smiled at me.

"Not the first time, won't be the last." I spoke with my tomboyish, Manehattan accent, although obviously not a colt.

His eyes grew as he realized his mistake. "Ah! I'm really sorry! It's late and I don't know what I was thinking! Please do forgive me!" His ears fell.

"No worries, Magic Ass." I said deadpanned. "Oh sorry, I meant Ash. You are clearly not a donkey."

"Uh, yeah.. Heh.. Sorry." He mumbled before dropping his head. I almost felt bad for his pathetic self. Almost.

Everyone seemed a bit confused at my sudden bitter attitude. All but Scoots seemed to chop it up as my mistaken gender nonsense. She looked at me with slight concern before shaking it off and looking at Applebloom when she broke the quiet.

"Well.. who wants to play a game?" She said ecstatic with her accent coating her words.

Truth or dare seemed to be the game of choice after some debate. Magic started and we played for around half an hour. Resulting in Magic getting his horn shoved into the wood of the ground, me gaining a large bruise trying to do a trick on the scooter and Sweetie revealing she once dropped Rarity's toothbrush into the toilet, only to put it back and pretend nothing happened. Applebloom was the last to go, gaining her turn by seeing how many Apple treats she could fit in her guzzle, Scoots had dared her that after she herself was dared to eat a pillow, talking with difficulty as she coughed up feathers. She has used a turn on Magic. He picked truth in which we learned he once accidentally got his horn stuck in a beehive, soon finding out he was allergic to bees. He debated who to pick.

"We need something every game of Truth or Dare has. Um.. Sweetie!" He pointed a hoof at her. Pointing is rude. I chaffed him only in my mind.

"Dare!" She said determined.

"I dare you... To... Kiss Babs." Magic stuck his nose up. "You can chicken out, but that means you are a chicken." He teased by making chicken noises.

My brow furrowed a bit. I literally was incapable of processing the words he spoke. All I know was he said my name and kiss.. And.. Had dared... Sweetie.. Oh Celestia. My jaw clenched so hard and my eyes shot open as my ears fell back and throat turned into a tundra.

"It's all in good fun, I realize none of you guys are foolers I assume, just thought this would make it interesting!" He grinned. "You don't have too if you guys are scared."

Sweetie was determined and attempted to whip the blush off her face. She stood and marched over to me. It wasn't hard to see my faced burned intensely and my jaw worked to say words that wouldn't come out.

"You don't have too, Babs. You are part of this dare too. All honestly.." She leaned in my ear. "It may help me impress him."

I ignored that part. Honestly I was fine with the idea, but with all these other ponies, thinking it's just a game, that's what made me such a mess. They had no idea how far this rabbit hole went, but I wasn't going to miss this chance.

I cleared my throat and found my words. "No, it's fine.. I'm just.. I don't kiss ponies." My ears fell slightly and my tail curled against my haunch.

"Well, it's just all in good fun." She said before leaning closer. Other than kissing Applebloom's cousin, she really felt no need to be nervous. Me, on the other hoof, had my heart racing faster than pinkies. (And that mare has candy running through her veins.)

"R-right.." I stuttered softly as Sweetie came closer.

Our lips met. It wasn't long, but it wasn't short either. It was a small kiss, I felt my heart lose a beat as we touched, both of our eyes closing. In that moment, I could breath in her familiar scent and feel her body so close to mine. I suppressed my urge to wrap my hooves around her neck. she pulled away and we locked eyes. Other than the blush painting my cheeks, I contained anything she may be able to read. She wore a blush as well, but a smile grew on her mouth. She laughed a bit.

"For somepony who doesn't kiss? You aren't half bad!" She joked, causing the others to laugh. My tail still cling to my haunches as I forced out a scoff.

"I never s-said I was bad!" I replied.

"Yay! No chickens here!" Magic horsed out.

"'Cept for Scoots!"Applebloom hollered.

"When will you let that go!?" scoots yelled, offended, but laughing all the same.

I kept a small laugh fling, but I still felt the kiss on my lips and a thing in my heart. That was the first and last kiss I would ever obtain from Sweetie, but oh Celestia, it was amazing. It wasn't a kiss of fireworks and a revolution of clear feelings. It more likely made my confusion worse. But, it was an intimate moment between Sweetie and I. One we had and I will never forget. And that was good enough for me.

Chapter 3: Unspoken Issues

A familiar feeling took me over as Celestia's sun crept through the windows and cracks of the tree house. A pink fuzz enveloped my vision, waking me from my slumber. Vague memories passed through my mind of the night prior. Magic had left some hours after, Sweetie was disappointed, but shook out of it. A visit from Applejack sometime later, scolded us for being up so late and we went to bed straight after. We had set up all the blankets and pillows into a large bed in the middle of the house. Sweetie seemed to be cold by the window, so I remember her moving next to Applebloom, which ended up splitting my cousin and I. I remembered mumbles of Scoots complaining that she was cold by the window, but I fell unconscious soon after. I opened my eyes to the morning filling the wooden structure and mumbled to myself. Barely even a whisper.

“We kissed.” I practically breathed it out silently. The words sounded so foreign to me, but it had happened and that I could never forget.

I laid on my back with my right hoof under my head. As I went to move, I noticed something constricting my movements. Upon looking down, I saw a white hoof wrapping below my ribs. I turned my head and it click in my mind whose hoof it was. Next to me, I saw Sweetie bell curdled up in her blanket, holding me for warmth. One of her haunches rested on my waist and one hoof held me. I had assumed she was laying on her other hoof and her muzzle rested right under mine. I couldn't blame her for using me as a basic heater. Earth are known for being warm bodies, especially me. Plus the tree house wasn't known for its insulation.

I didn't want to stir and wake her, so I continued to lay, unmoving. I heard a light rumble come from Sweetie's chest. I felt her body stretch and shake from my strain. She yawned before cuddling back into me. I had pretended to close my eyes as Sweetie woke. She seemed to jump and I could imagine her ears down. She didn't move however, she laid her head on my shoulder, not as much under my muzzle as before, but still lying there. We stayed like that for a while. Both of us breathing softly and Sweetie resting on me. I wasn't sure if her eyes were opened or close, so I just kept mine shut. Before long, a rustle came across the room. From Scootaloo or Applebloom, I couldn't tell. I wasn't the only one to hear it, because as soon as it started, Sweetie rolled off me, quick enough to make it seem like she woke me. I did a slight stretch before turning over. Scoots was on her hooves, making her way over to the door. I chopped it up to be for bathroom reasons. Sweetie looked at me.

"S-sorry, I didn't mean to wake you if I did." She grumbled with a tiredness soaking her words. "We.. I had a bad dream and I think I may have hit you."

"I didn't feel anything. What was it about?" I responded just as quiet.

"I can't remember." she replied, seeming to push off the topic and look at the ceiling.

At that moment, Applebloom started making upset noises.

"Five more minutes, Appleja..." She muttered before standing up, not even finishing her sentences.

"Mornin' folks." She stretched like a dog from a nice nap. "We should head to the house for breakfast."

Scoots barged in the door at the mention of food. "I vote that."

We mutually agreed for food and began walking the dirt path to the house. Applebloom was chatting to Sweetie about a project due the next day and Scoots chimed in as she wished. Sweetie seemed a bit off set to me. She walked on the opposite side of the group from me and she quickly looked away when we made eye contact. I kept my ears up and pretended not to notice.

As we walked, Scootaloo seemed to drop back and scoot closer to me.

"Hey, you doing alright?" She spoke quietly.

"Um yeah, why do you ask?" I replied, not willing to tell her everything or anything that has been going on in my head of late.

"I don't know. You just seem off. Especially when you met Magic. You seemed to dislike him the second he walked it." Scootaloo said. She basically nailed me completely.

Unsure of what to say, I said whatever I could to show I had no hate for him. "I don't know. I got an ear full from Sweetie prior and... I guess I just expected... More?"

Scoots didn't seem swayed by what I was saying. She seemed to have a different route of thought. "Well, a piece of advice is... If you got the hots for Magic, don't let Sweetie know. She will skin you alive. I made a joke about it once that somepony else maybe after him and I thought Sweetie was going to track her down right then and there." She spoke quiet and nonchalant.

Upon the accusation, my ears fell back and a blush covered my cheeks. "I-.. I don't-" I tried to defend, but Applebloom spoke louder and Scoots seemed more interested in that.

"I think my project will be getting a pretty nice grade." Applebloom said in a cocky manner.

"Oh!" Scootaloo jumped to place her input. "Well, I just hope mine passes, I had to do it all on my own because I got stuck with Diamond Tiara." Scoots shook her head.

That was a name I hadn't heard for a while.

"Diamond? The old school bully?" I questioned.

"Yeah, she's better now, but she still doesn't like to do work." Applebloom stayed. "It's how she was raised and she's good at making ponies do what she wants. Although she has been puttin' a hoof here and there, researching.. Um what was it?" She turned to Scoots.

"We had to research the dynamics of how things grow, without magic." Scoots shook her head. "I watched so many plants for ages."

"Um, pretty sure you didn't have to literally watch grass grow? Just talk to Earth ponies who grow things. Like Applebloom." Sweetie chimed. "I got to research how clouds form, without pony interaction. It wasn't half bad."

"Why do we need to research things without magic or pony machines? Our whole life is dependent on it." Scoots huffed.

"Maybe because we have almost been taken over like four times. Equestria has almost been taken over by changlings, Nightmare moon, and King.. Soda or something." I replied. "I think they would be against us using most forms of magic."

"Yeah.. But we aren't going to be taken over. Each of us personally knows one of the ponies who will save us.."

"Except me.." I muttered, unheard.

We made it to the house and could smell the sweet smell of hay bacon and eggs cooking. Although, the meal was not ready for consumption so we walked up to Applebloom's room. We hung in there and chatted for a bit until Granny Smith walked in.

"Hello youngyuns, I may need to steal Applebloom fur a second. And one of you that's fast?" She said. "Applejack is busy and the hogs may have gotten out and Big Mac is too big to catch up to them.."

"I'm fast!" Scoots jumped at the opportunity to help, or show off, I couldn't tell.

"Alright Scoots, come with me!" Applebloom said.

Sweetie went to stand, but Applebloom turned before walking out the door.

"Y'all just stay here. We need to be precise, so we don't need more ponies then.. Needed." She debated the last word before hoping out of the door and closing it.

Dead silence. We tended to have comfortable silences, but not this one. It was so awkward. I didn't know what to say, so I walked to the window. Maybe I was the one making it awkward, I wasn't sure, but Sweetie just stayed quiet and that was unlike her. Upon the horizon, I saw a familiar carriage. My ride home. I sighed with disappointment. I didn't want to go home, but I had too. I didn't even know the next time I would visit again; regardless, I began packing up, leading Sweetie to look with confusion.

"W-why are you packing up?" Sweetie sounded concerned.

"Carriage on the horizon." I looked to her. "I'm going back to Manehatten."

"Oh.. Right." She tapped her hoof.

It was silence before I finished up my bags. I looked at the window to see the carriage driver talking with Granny Smith. My tail grabbed my haunch. I didn't want to go back. I turned to see Sweetie picking up my bags.

"Do you need help?" She said, floating them in a blue glow.

I felt like she wanted me gone so bad.

"Sure."

I walked toward her and I was only a few inches from her.

I grabbed her and our lips met. My bags cascaded from the sky and she resisted only little. Her eyes slid shut the same as me. We stayed there for a brief second before I backed off. There was something in her eyes and I knew then I wasn't going to leave. I thought to write my parents a note that I wouldn't be returning and they would be fine and buy me a place here to stay. Sweetie walked up to me for another kiss.

"Are we going?" Sweetie said, breaking my thought. Reality flooded back and my ears fell to my skull.

"Yeah." I walked passed her.

I began down the stairs and my heart strings began to break. I never liked leaving here and now more than ever. My home was so different from here and I think I liked here better. It's quiet and safe, except for the monsters that rampage through here from time to time. Plus my closest friends are here... Or now only two I felt. If Applebloom even counts. She's my cousin, I'm not sure if that counts as 'friend-by-force'.

My hooves clacked against the wooden staircase, seeming as if this would be the last time I do so. My head weighed more than usual and as I got to the end of the staircase, Scoots and Applebloom barged in. One look and she dropped her ears knowing what was happening. We exchanged goodbyes as the rest of the family came to do the same. I hugged Applebloom and her eyes were slightly red. Scoots lifted a hoof and we bumped hooves. I hugged Big Mac and Granny Smith. She gave me advice to never use the microwave to dry a mane and she muttered that Granny Smith apples are better than all. Applejack gave me a warm smile and a hug and Sweetie had dropped my bag near the door. She was nowhere to be found. I threw my bag onto my back and crawled into the carriage. I waved goodbye and looked up to see Sweetie in the window, ears down. She waved goodbye to me and I looked at her, giving a slight smile. Before I could register it, I was on a hill, looking at the farmhouse shrink and shrink until it was no longer visible. I turned my head and huffed.

The trip was long, but I slept through most of it. I looked out to see the familiar skyscrapers that touched the clouds and heard the ringing of cities ponies in a rush to nowhere. I saw a mother and her daughter. Two unicorns walking together in the streets. The mother looked to the confused girl with a new excitement as they walked. The little one looked around, seemingly unsure of where she was. Her mom had stopped unknown to the daughter as she collided into her mom's rear leg. Shaking her head, she looked up to the the sign of the store they had stopped at. It was a small candy shop I had known. It was off and out of the way and family owned. The little pony had a smile bigger than her face as she ran through the door. The mom had to open it quickly so her daughter wouldn't run her horn into the glass. The mother wore a smirk, knowing she made her daughter happy and went inside. My carriage had started moving again. I would probably never see how this story ended or what would become these two.. Or even what story they had going on at home.

Manehatten hadn't changed. The buildings still were a decomposing cement color with black and yellow specks of windows. The ponies in the streets still screamed the same thing and the crowds were a mix of colors and classes shown through their clothes. The city still had its mixed smells of damp stone and the blob of scent from every restaurant down the corner. We turned a few more blocks before we came upon and apartment building. It was a tall and thick building with a rustic red to it. The old building rested like an old dragon too broken and filthy to move. It wasn't all bad, it was my home after all. I grabbed my bags and walked to the door, using my key to get into the building. Just as I thought, my parents had paid the carriage pony and he quickly walked off to other things. There was a nice pony at the counter. She wore a red hat, that went with her red mane and her coat almost matched the gold decorations of the bell pony hat. Her cutie mark was a little bell with a colorful range of notes coming out of it.

"Hello Bell Tone. I'm back." I muttered, giving her a smile.

"Good day Babs. How was your trip? You seem a bit down." Bell replied back.

"It was fine, just... Glad to be home I guess." I gave her more of a warm smile.

"Well, a year more and you can open that mane stylist place you always wanted. I-in a small town." She wore a concerned expression, but pushed to cheer me up.

"Thanks. I know, I'm just biting through it. I have to go though." I said.

I got to the elevator and waved her a goodbye. She was a lovely unicorn. She had always been there to talk or watch me when my parents were out. She was kinda like my therapist too, back when I was bullied for having no cutie mark and then I changed schools. It was better at the new school, but I still had some bullies, except I had made friends too. Bell Tone would probably be the only person I would tell about my confusions, but I never got around to it. She has a brother who is a colt cuddler.

She has no hate in her heart, that one. I had reached my floor and I walked down the creaking surface. The blue carpet had purple swirls as well as few stains from careless ponies before me. I came up to my door. 203. I used my key again and walked in. It was a small apartment. Wood planks lined the wall and a warm colored red carpet stretched out on the floor. A small kitchen was to my left, my mom was in there working hard on preparing dinner. A sandwich was left on the counter, my name was on it for lunch. Lunch hour has passed during my ride and she knew I would be hungry when I got back. I thanked my mom and told her hi as well as I took the sandwich. Walking further into the apartment, lead me into a small living room and dining room. My dad was crouched over the dining room table, papers were sprawled out everywhere. There were red stamps on them, although I didn't take much of a look. A familiar and bitter scent filled my muzzle as I tried to go closer. I mumbled a hi to my dad before walking into a hall to my right, my room being down there. Turning back, I saw the bottle of whisky on the table.

I walked in my room. I closed the door and dropped my bags as I slid against the door. A sat and stared in my room. It was small, but not bad. I had a single pony bed tucked in the corner, a nice sized closet to my right and a desk straight in front of me. A few things were sprawled on the floor, like my blankets and the few stuffed animals I had. My hooves softly pressed against the carpet as I walked over to my bed. I collapsed on it and opened my sandwich. I scarfed it down pretty fast. I looked to a stuffed pony in the corner I had. It was a shrewd made pony, with its stitches uneven and visible down its chest and face. It had black button eyes and a pastel purple and pink yarn mane and tail. The yarn was brushed out to look curly, but overtime it developed more of a curly and frizzy style. There was no cutie mark on the flank of the white fabric and a horn was prominent on the head. It was a supposed doll of Sweetie Belle. It wasn't a creep thing I did.

During a visit with the crusaders, they were on a mission to find their cutie marks. I had mine, but I decided to try to see if I could make a hobby out of it. We each made ourselves, some were better than others and we traded them around. Some friend thing Twilight came up with when we didn't know what to do with the disasters of dolls. I had gotten Sweetie's before I knew what emotions were and Applebloom had gotten mine. Sweetie got Scoot's and Scoots got Applebloom's. I grabbed the doll and held it. Back when these were made, I was confused and hopeful for my future self. Now as I held the doll, I felt confused still and guilty and disappointed in what I was becoming. My eyes felt red.

"Honey Babs? Can you help me with dinner?" My mom spoke loud enough so I could hear, although her smooth voice kept it from being a yell.

I walked out to see my dad on his hooves.

"Love, I could help if you'd like?" My dad spoke.

"Dear, it's fine, you have work you need to do. Me and Babs can do this. Right Babs?" She looked at me with a smile.

"Yeah." I smiled back.

My dad finally gave in and hugged me a welcome before sitting back down at the table. I walked to see my mom making grass tacos with a side of rice and corn. She was having trouble juggling everything and seemed to be huffing out of breath. As she saw me, she straightened up. I walked in and did as she told me and my dad did eventually follow in to help in anyway. We watched him try to cut tomatoes for the salad but every time he put the tomato under his hoof, it would pop before he could cut it. He growled some curses, but mom and I contained out laughs. He looked at us with ears down before breaking into laughter himself. My mom walked over to him and pressed head into his shoulder laughing and I eventually broke as well. My parents looked at each other with love before kissing. They backed away and looked at me.

"We are glad you are home Babs." My dad said.

"Next time we will come with you, honey Babs. We haven't seen the family since the reunion!" My mom said before giggling. Her ears perked up. "Oh check the rice!"

I turned to see the rice was on high, but when I opened it, the rice wasn't burnt at all. I loved my family and they were just ponies who made mistakes. Our family has had its ups and down, but it would always be one unit. I would rather us all have to leave Manehatten then just me. I wasn't sure how long I could go without them. I remember days like this when Sunflower was here and I hoped for a full family dinner soon because I believed my sister would come in next weekend. I watched my parents work as a team to get the food out on the table and set it and we sat down for supper. I will forever hope to meet a pony that I will be so in sync with and love so much, just like my parents.