One week has gone by and I've gotten right back into the flow of work. It is apparently vacation time for a lot of ponies, and they are coming from all around to stay here. This is good for business because eight months of not living in a house can cause some minor and major work to be done. Things as little as fixing windows and replacing carpets to larger things and major roof repair and fence replacement. This seems like a large work load to handle after being hospitalized, but one single thing has kept me going hard and strong. This Friday is the finalization of the adoption.

"Well, tomorrow's the day. Ya think you're ready for it?" Derpy whispered as she came into the living room that night after tucking Scootaloo in for the night.

"Yeah, I'm ready. I've never had a feeling like this for anything or anyone ever. The need to care for and protect something so fragile. And I mean to you, too, Derpy. The both of you are my world now and I can't think of any place I'd rather be." I said as she laid her head down on my lap.

"Don't you miss your family back on Earth? They must miss you." She said as she nuzzled my leg.

"I do sometimes. I mean don't get me wrong, I love them, but it was hard to. My dad was always upset and disappointed with me for not being into sports or getting into a great college, and my mom just drank and bitched a lot. So as you can imagine it was tough to be around them. I guess I wouldn't mind seeing them again, just to let them know I'm okay. I wonder if Twilight would be able to send me back for a period of time to get some things and see some friends and family." I said as I instinctively rubbed her neck.

"Would I be able to come along, ooh and what stuff do you need to get? I wanna meet some more humans." She said with a smile.

"I'm not sure Derpy. I don't know how your body, or anything in Equestria, would react to my world. But I guess we could run a test. Something like bringing an object to my world to make sure it's safe for you." I said while rubbing my chin.

"I guess that would be the smartest thing to do." She replied.

"Tell you what. After the adoption finalization, we'll go straight to Twilight's house and ask about it. How's that sound?" I asked.

"Great. I really hope it *yawn* works..." Derpy said as she began to doze off.

"I think it's time for bed, for both of us. Big day and all." I said as I began to carry Derpy up the stairs.

We woke up the next morning nearly in tandem. We ate breakfast and began to get ready for our meeting with Mayor Mare. It was just about 9:00 and we didn't have to be there until 1:00 so we decided to relax and prepare ourselves for a while.

"So whaddaya think they'll ask about?" Scoots asked.

"I'm not sure. If it's like Earth they'll ask about our past and financial capability to care for you. They need to be sure we make enough to support you and make sure we aren't criminals." I said while scratching my chin.

"Well that should be easy, you guys were able to buy this awesome house and I got my own room and brand new stuff for it." Scoots replied.

"Of course. We got this in the bag. Now. Gimme some hoof." I said as I extended my fist out to Scootaloo, who enthusiastically bumped it back.

Derpy rolled her eyes as she was washing dishes with a smile. We went to town at about 11 to just mingle around till the meeting. We saw Rarity grocery shopping with a less than joyed Sweetie Belle; who's face lit up as soon as she saw us approach. Scoots and Sweetie started talking at a million miles a minute while Derpy, Rarity, and I chatted for a while, mostly about the adoption and our plans for the future. Rarity brought up the point of me being new to this entire world and how they would perform a background check on me. This caused me to sweat a little and made both Derpy and I nervous. Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo came trotting up to us. Rarity said she'd be waiting for us at Twilight's after the affair.

"So you're gonna be Scootaloo's new dad, huh?" Sweetie Belle asked.

"That's the plan." I said with a smile. "By the end of the day we'll be a real family."

"That's so cool!" Sweetie Belle yelled. "This means a new place to have sleepovers."

Derpy and I looked at each other with amusement, while Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo started spouting out plans for sleepovers. We said our farewells to Rarity and Sweetie Belle and made our way towards City Hall as it was nearing noon and we didn't want to be late. On our way we said hello to every pony that we past and told them the news. It was just past noon when we arrived.

We were directed to the waiting room until our names were called to meet with Mayor Mare. As the minutes past we began to realize the gravity of the situation. The tension could nearly be cut with a knife. The deafening silence was unnerving. The only noise being made was a tiny desk fan at the receptionists desk and a clock ticking on the wall. With all of our nerves getting to us, the ticking of each second of the clock felt like a hammer in our heads; The periodic buffeting of the slowly oscillating fan was a painful slap across our faces.

After what felt like and eternity, we were directed towards the Mayor's office to begin our meeting. We rushed in, ready to hear the rule on our case. This was it, either I was going to be adopting Scootaloo, or she would be put in the foster care system.

"Welcome," Mayor Mare said, "shall we begin?" She asked as she signaled for us to take our seats. "Now, it is my understanding that you, Mike, wish to adopt Scootaloo and take full responsibility for this young filly's upbringing. Is this correct?"

"Y-yes ma'am." I said quickly. It was almost exhausting to speak those two simple words.

"I would you have a general idea of what and adoption hearing holds. We have done extensive research and background checks on Miss Derpy. We've contacted previous employers and pulled a record of any criminal offenses you have, of which there are none. We have received good remarks and praise from past employers. So, by my judgement, you are fit to be a primary care giver to this young filly." The mayor explained.

Derpy and I let out a sigh of relief to hear those words. Scootaloo's wings buzzed a little as she looked up at us with a small smile.

"Now," The Mayor continued, "as for you, Mike, from the few times we talked, you seemed decent enough a person. Although, we have no prior knowledge or record of you, or any other human, as you are the first we've ever seen. The only files we have of you are your employment with Mr. Brick, to which he praises your professionalism and workmanship, and the beating until death of Scootaloo's uncle. Now, those two have made me come to the lawful decision of this meeting. As much as I would like to turn over custody to you as a primary caregiver for the filly, Scootaloo, I cannot. I am deeply sorry and regret such a decision, but I can not lawfully give you custody." She finished.

The world stopped. I felt my heart sink to the deepest part of my body and disappear, my stomach flew up to my throat and stopped. I felt like I was suffocating on the words the Mayor just spoke. Everything went blurry and the air around me felt like an arctic wind, then I realized I had begun crying. Not a wailing sob, but a flow of tears burning their way down my face and into my lap. The sound rushed back to me like a lighting bolt. The sound of Derpy asking why and pleading with the mayor. Scootaloo openly crying and and coughing. And my thumping heart, ringing in my ears over everything else.

"What I can do though, is give Derpy custody and allow Scootaloo to stay in the home with her, as long as you are no longer a resident of the home. I really wish there was a way to allow to both full adoption rights, but this is the best I can do. There will be no restrictions on visitation or contact between Scootaloo and Mike." Mayor Mare stated sympathetically.

I managed to calm Derpy down. We agreed to the terms and got up to take our leave. When we got outside, Derpy stopped me and got in front of me, with a determined look in her eyes.

"Why did you agree to that Mike? We didn't get to adopt Scootaloo and now you have to move out! What are we going to do?" she cried out at me while hold tears back.

"Don't worry. I'll still pay for the bills and other expenses. At least Scootaloo has a permanent home to live in and will be cared for properly. I'll see if I can stay at Twilight's until I sort all of this out." I explained.

We all regained our composure, but Scootaloo walked slowly with her head hanging down. I couldn't imagine what was going through her head right now. We got home and I packed my clothes to stay at Twilight's for a while. It was mid afternoon when I decided to leave. I gave Derpy a kiss and hugged Scootaloo tighter than ever and gave her a kiss on her head. I promised them I work fix the situation an we would be a real family soon. I left what was now Derpy and Scootaloo's home for the time being.

I arrived at Twilight's home and was greeted with looks of happiness, to confusion, to questioning. Twilight and the others had been waiting for the three of us to arrive with good news. Instead the received me, suitcase in hand, burning red eyes and stains from tears on my cheeks. A collective gasp arose when they all realized i didn't get custody. I was immediately brought inside and sat down on the couch. They all pulled up seats to hear the entire story of what happened and why. I sighed and began recounting what had just happened.

"... and that's about all that happened. They have no record of me and cannot give me custody. I have no idea how I'm going to fix this, but I have to find a way. I love them both and don't want to be away any longer than I need to be. I was also wondering, Twilight, if I could stay here while i attempt to get this sorted out." I said with a sigh.

"Of course, Mike! you stay as long as you need to. We'll all help you figure this out. Wont we girls?" Twilight exclaimed.

"Right on!" Dash yelled.

"Dern tootin'!" AJ added.

"But of course, Darling." Followed Rarity.

"And then, we'll party!" Hollered Pinkie.

"I will, too." Fluttershy said energetically.

I smiled, as did everypony else. They all gave me a big group hug and began thinking up ideas to get me custody.
Some plans seemed like good ideas, but fell through when put to hard thought. We sat and thought for hours with no luck. Spike came in to see how we were coming along and to ask if anyone wanted food or drink. We all declined and exclaimed our displeasure at each plan not being solid enough. That is, until, Spike spoke up.

"Well, what about the Princesses? They have to be able to do something, I mean come on, they're the Princesses, right?" He asked.

We all looked up at him in disbelief. It was so simple, yet no one thought of it. Celestia and Luna had to be able to fix this in a snap.

"Spike, you're a genius!" Twilight shouted as she jumped up and ran to her study. She came back with a quill and paper, magically in tow. "Alright, Spike, take a letter and then send it off with one of the urgent wax seals."

"Yes ma'am!" Spike said as he saluted Twilight and took the paper and quill.

"Dear Princesses Celestia and Luna...

/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\

"Do you really think Mike can figure this out?" Scootaloo asked as Derpy tucked her in for bed.

"Of course. It'll be over before you know it." Derpy said as she hugged Scootaloo goodnight and went on her way to her seemingly empty bedroom. "Try to get some rest. You've got school in the morning. And you don't have to say anything to anypony if you don't want to, okay? If anyone says anything, tell Miss Cheerilee and she'll handle it. I love you, Scootaloo, I'll see you in the morning."

"Okay, I love you too, Derpy." Scootaloo replied as she rolled over

She gave one last reassuring smile back at Scootaloo before making her way to bed. She had to make somepony feel as though it would work out. The short walk to her room felt like a marathon. She brushed her teeth and laid down in her now enormous and cold bed. The feeling of emptiness and sadness took over as she began to cry herself to sleep; She wasn't the only one in the house as Scootaloo quiet sobs filled her room and her tears stained her fur and sheets.

Author's Note

So guess what. I forgot my password to my account and to my e-mail. I was rummaging through some old things today and found the paper I wrote my info down on. I immediately ran to my computer to log on and finish this chapter. I now have the site keeping me logged in, so this situation never arises again. Sorry for not giving you guys a new chapter in such a long time and for the shortness of this one, but i do have some chapters in the making so I WILL post more. Hopefully sooner rather than later