Weak wings and a useless unicorn.

Chapters

Chapter one Redux.
Chapter two
Chapter three
Chapter four
Chapter five
Chapter six
Chapter seven
Chapter eight
chapter nine
Chapter ten
Chapter twelve
Chapter thirteen
Chapter fourteen
Chapter eleven

Chapter one Redux.

-CRASH-

This was a noise Ponyvillians had grown accustomed to; usually preceded by the all-too-loud shout of 'CUTIE MARK CRUSADERS...!' something. Be it hang gliding, surfing, or even bonsai tree trimming, those girls somehow still made noise that a diamond dog would skitter away from.

"Really, Sweetie Belle," the carefully composed owner of Carousel Boutique called, "please keep it down in there. A mare can only take so much disruption before her concentration cracks. I need to have this dress ready by tonight for a very important client."

Myself; the most important client, she thought wryly. This dress had to be perfect. This was the night she had been waiting for. She had everything planned. Fluttershy was going to take the girls on a sleepover, Dash had cleared the skies, and Twilight and dear Spikey-Wikey had delivered her letter to Princess Luna. Even Pinkie had prepared a sumptuous feast fit for the princesses themselves. Yes, this night was going to be perfect... even if she had lied a little to her date to get her to agree to joining her tonight. Imagine, believing that story of a late night apple bucking training session at sweet apple acres. One would think that, being the element of honesty, she would see through the lie, but apparently not.

"Sorry sis; we’re just trying to get our Cutie Marks!" Sweetie replied with yearning lacing her words.

"That may be dear, but you do not want to get hurt now, do you? Imagine getting your Cutie Marks, only to be whisked away to hospital before you could tell anypony!"

The little filly squeaked in surprise causing Rarity to titter lightly. There, that should make her be more careful, she thought.

Unfortunately, it seems Rarity's words were a touch prophetic, albeit aimed at the wrong filly.

A ear-splitting crash resounded from the main room of Carousel Boutique, followed by a scream that could curdle milk.

"Sweetie?!?" Rarity rushed into the room, fearing what she would see there.

There, lying on the floor, was Scootaloo, with a mountain of fabric crushing down on her back. Quiet sniffles emanated from the rest of the cutie mark crusaders. Using her magic, Rarity flung the bolts of fabric in every direction, heedless of any damage she was causing to her studio.

"Sweet Celestia, Scootaloo! Can you hear me?" Checking her pulse, Rarity kept trying to get some reaction from her by calling her name, but... nothing.

"Sweetie, go get Twilight, and hurry please! Applebloom, you go get your sister and the rest of the girls."

"But R-Rarity, what are you going to do?" Sweetie asked shakily, as Applebloom rushed out the door.

"I’m going to get her to the hospital, of course. Now don't worry, and do what I told you, okay darling?" Rarity shot her a reassuring smile, and Sweetie belle nodded.

Alone with the injured filly, Rarity used her magic to turn the the bolt of fabric that had crushed Scootaloo into a makeshift stretcher. Lifting her onto the stretcher, she used the remnants of the cloth to bandage what she could before galloping as fast as she could, not giving a damn about her hooficure, to the hospital with the stretcher in tow.

Several ponies turned their heads in shock as she sped by, but the white mare didn’t care. Only one thought was in her mind. Saving Scootaloo.

Bursting into the hospital in a flurry of hooves and magic, she drew all eyes to her.

"Nurse!" she shouted "Doctor, anypony, for Celestia's sake, help me!"

Waiting.

Just waiting.

Time crawled past at a snails pace. Every second was a lifetime, every minute an eternity.

Rarity hated waiting. Patience may be a virtue, and a lady should be virtuous in all things, but still, she despised waiting. It seemed to her that waiting was all she ever did. Waiting to start her dream, waiting to find her prince, (though it had turned out he wasn't worth the wait. She wasn't sure what he was worth. Perhaps a mug of that dreadful Flim Flam cider?) waiting to tell Applejack about her feelings, waiting to start a family, and now waiting to see if Scootaloo was safe.

"How ya holdin' up there, Sugarcube?" Applejack asked as she trotted in, the rest of the girls conspicuously absent.

"Oh as fine as you can expect but..." Rarity sighed. Shaking her head, she looked around. "Dear me... Applejack, where is everypony? Twilight? Sweetie Belle? Applebloom?"

"Now don't you fret Sugar, they're fine. Ah expect they're doing a mite better than you, truth be told. Bloom and Sweetie Belle are on the farm with Big Mac' an Fluttershy looking after 'em, since they were meant to stay at her place anyway.” Applejack finally took some time to look at Rarity. Her mane, normally pristine, was now a tangled mess of violet tresses; her delicate hooves were chipped, and her eyes had lost the shine that made many a stallion turn to jelly.

Applejack knew that Rarity cared more about her friends than her own looks no matter what anypony said, but when she didn't look her best something was definitely wrong. It was time for Applejack to do what she did better than anypony and it wasn't wrangling.

Being dependable.

Being honest.

“They're safe. They wanted to come down but it's a bit late for little fillies and they ain't gonna do any good down here. Twi' was talking with the doc but she headed back to the library after that. Said she needed to check some records. Don't really know what she meant by that."

"Records? I don't...” Rarity's face scrunched in confusion before finally waving her hoof in a gesture of dismissal. “Oh never mind, but what about Dash and Pinkie?"

"Really? Y'all wanted Pinkie in a hospital, again, after last time?" Rarity shivered at the memory of Pinkie’s last visit to the hospital. She was only trying to cheer everypony up, but still. Sometimes pranks are not proper. Especially in the morgue.

"And ya know Dash is still in Cloudsdale for that weather seminar."

"Sorry. The current situation has left me a little frazzled, I suppose."

"Nuthin' to apologise for, Sugarcube." Applejack trotted over to the distraught mare and sat beside her.

"You’re wrong, Applejack." AJ raised an eyebrow, confusion plain on her features.

"Now what horseapples are you talking Rarity?"

"It was my fault. I let them run amok in my house, barely giving them a second’s thought. I was so wrapped up in my plans for my date that I allowed them to get hurt. I might as well been the one who hurt Scootaloo. It was all my fault. My own greed…" The end of the sentence petered off dejectedly. She looked down at her hooves in defeat.

A silence pervaded the air of that tiny hospital waiting room. Applejack was the first to break it.

"I was right. Pure horseapples"

"What? I-" Whatever Rarity intended to say was lost as Applejack cut her off.

"Horseapples.” The orange mare said bluntly. Her face became as hard as stone, her voice serious, losing any previous levity.

“You being greedy? You're the element of generosity, for Celestia's sake. You say it was your fault. How?”

Her voice sped up, becoming more intense as she continued, a red tint flushing over her cheeks.

“Do you have eyes in the back of your head? Has Twilight give you a spell to watch what they do every second of every day?”

Her eyes squinted, and she paused, waiting for an answer.

When nothing was said, she continued.

“Course not. It could have happened at any time. It could have happened if you were right there next to ‘em. It ain’t your fault you silly pony. T'aint anypony's fault.” A gentle hoof rested on Rarity's shoulder.

“That's why they call 'em accidents. If ya need one, ask Twi for a definition."

Rarity was stunned by the vigour of Applejack’s voice, the certainty of every word. The truth in every syllable.

"Thank you Applejack. I think I lost my head there for a bit." Looking up into her bright green eyes, she simply said, "Thank you darling." Her voice curled possessively over the last word.

"Yer welcome." Staring into Rarity's eyes, AJ thought back on some of Rarity's words. "Wait a gosh darn second. What date tonight?"

Rarity blushed scarlet, and instantly became very interested in her hooves.

"Hmm date? What date? I do not recall any date that was going on tonight, or any other night." Babbling. She was babbling and Applejack knew it. She wasn't the element of honesty for nothing.

"You said date tonight. What date? It ain’t that prince again is it? You weren't planning on ditching me and apple bucking to trot off with some fancy schmancy city pony with a sneer on his muzzle and a stick in his rump?"

Rarity’s blush deepened, but this time at the indignation.

"Of course not! I would not leave you Applejack."

"Then what's this date then? You say you were gonna go late night apple bucking with me, so you hardly were gonna go after that; You'd be all sweaty. So wh..." Finally the bit dropped. "Oh."

-SLAM-

It almost seemed as if the entire building shook as the door to the waiting room thudded open. It shattered the awkward silence that was suddenly growing between them as they turned towards the newcomer.

Twilight ran over to them. She was a wreck, her mane disheveled, her eyes frantically searching for her friends, despite their being the only ponies in the room. Her mane stuck out at jaunty angles that any other time might have been comical, but here only reinforced her disarray.

Closing the final strides between them, Twilight all but collapsed into Applejack's worried hooves.

Gasping for breath, Twilight only uttered one sentence.

"Scootaloo's an orphan."

Chapter two

"Orphan?"

The entire room was silent. Nopony dared answer Rarity.

The question hung in the room; she asked again.

"Orphan? How could she be an orphan?"

"Well, I'm not sure Rarity. When I got here, Doctor Stableforth asked who Scootaloo’s guardians were. When I told him none of us were, I decided to find out who was. So I went to library to look at the records to find them."

Applejack cut in, "Hold on, how come you didn't ask me or Rare who her parents are? You jumped straight to the books?"

"Yes, I'm rather curious about that as well my dear," said a visibly shaken Rarity.

"Well, I was panicking. The thought of her parents not knowing where she was? What if that had happened to Spike? So I did what I always do when I panic. Read. And besides, do either of you know who her parents are?"

Looking at each other, Applejack and Rarity shook their heads. The same thoughts burned in their minds; how did they not know? Was Scootaloo not the best friend of their sisters? She was always around playing some silly game, or accidentally setting fire to the boutique or farm. How could they be so blind?

"How could we be so stupid? It's so obvious! They were never there to pick her up from school, or to collect her from my home. She never said a word about their absence," a mournful Rarity said.

"Yeah. We've been plum ignorant. Little darling’s been on her own for Celestia knows how long."

"Guys, don't you dare blame yourselves. Nopony knew. It seems that there was no librarian in Ponyville before I arrived, so the birth and death records were never sorted or anything. Discord's chaotic reshuffling of the library didn't help much either," Twilight explained, trying to console her friends.

"Death records? You don't mean...?" Rarity looked into Twilight’s eyes, and her fears were confirmed. Whimpering and on the verge of tears, she turned towards Applejack and buried her head in her shoulder. Also crying, Applejack simply patted Rarity on the back and whispered consoling words into her ear as they waited. Waited for Scootaloo to wake up.

-Beep-

The only noise in the whole room. A steady Beep.

As the noise continued, a filly's eyes slowly fluttered open. As she shielded her eyes from the blinding light, she saw a vague shape next to her. It was a pony, and it seemed to her that the light was radiating from the mare.

"Mom?" Scootaloo croaked out, not thinking clearly.

She saw 'mom' turn her head, and heard her crying softly.

"Oh Applejack, I can't bear it," her mom said.

Blinking against the light, the room came more into focus. She wasn't dead, and she wasn't with her mom. In fact, she didn't know where she was.

"Hush sugarcube, its okay." Applejack reassured Rarity, holding her tight against her shoulder.

Looking around her surroundings, Scootaloo noticed that it was only her, Applejack, and the sobbing Rarity in a big white room. It had a smell she couldn't quite put her hoof on, and it was too clean. She hated it.

"Um, Applejack? Where am I?"

"You're in the hospital, sugar. Seems when you were playing around, a big ole' mountain of fabric clean near crushed ya. But don't you worry none. You're gonna be okay; Rarity gotcha here nice and quick. Speed she was doing woulda put Dash to shame." Applejack gestured to the now silent mare.

Slightly taken aback at Applejack's words, the filly just looked at Rarity as if seeing her for the first time. Almost going as fast as Dash? She didn't believe that, yet... Applejack doesn't lie.

"Thanks Rarity. You didn't have to do that."

Sniffling Rarity turned to Scootaloo "Of course I did. What would we do without you?"

Applejack simply nodded at her words, but in her mind she was thinking about that 'we'.

Chuckling awkwardly at Rarity's words Scootaloo asked "Thanks, really, but... when can I go home?"

"Well sugar, as soon as you like. The docs said there ain't nothing broken, and you ain't got a concussion. So as long as you stay in bed for the next day or two, you should be right as rain."

Part of Scootaloo wanted to stay. Sure, the place smelled weird, but it had free hot food. Plus, it was warm. A few days here would be almost like having a home again. But staying would raise too many questions. Questions she'd rather avoid.

Putting on a fake smile, she looked straight at Applejack.

"That's great! I'll go home right away." She started to move off the bed, only to stopped as Applejack walked over to her.

"Not a problem Scootaloo. We're just gonna wait ‘til yer parents get here, and then you can go."

All colour drained from Scootaloo's face. She quickly tried to think of a lie to tell Applejack.

"My parents? Oh well, you see... uh, they aren't here." Think, dummy! Where could you say they are? Scootaloo's mind angrily scolded her. Wait where was Dash going today? Cloudsdale! "They're in Cloudsdale for that big weather thing that Rainbow Dash is at. Thats why I'm going to that sleepover at Fluttershys." The little filly beamed, proud of her lie.

Sighing, Applejack looked straight in the little filly's eyes and brought her whole constructed world crashing down.

"Can't lie to me Scootaloo. I know."

"You know?" Scootaloo was scared now. The lie that she had been hiding for nearly two years had been discovered.

"Yep. I know about yer momma. I know what you must’ve been going through. Why didn't you tell us sugarcube?" Applejack pleaded.

That was too much. The look in Applejack's eyes, one of love and searching to understand, broke down her defenses.

Scootaloo threw her hooves around Applejack's neck and broke into tears.

"I... didn't want to leave. I don't wanna be put in an orphanage. Don't let them send me to an orphanage, Applejack. I don't wanna go." Nearly each word was punctuated with a racking sob.

"It's okay. Shush, it's okay." Applejack tried to calm her down. "We'll think of something. You don't gotta leave if you don't want to. You can stay with me and the rest of the Apples till we have things sorted. Nopony would be cruel enough to make you leave, Scootaloo."

Removing the hooves from around her neck, Applejack looked down at the little filly.

"But we can't look after ya forever. There’s an orphanage in town, a right good one. You wouldn't have to leave and you could have a chance for a real family. Wouldn't that be something?" Applejack said. Her eyes searched for agreement in Scootaloo's eyes, but found only terror.

"You want to put me in a home?" Scootaloo fumbled to get out of the hooves that held her. "Lemme go. Lemme go. I can't go to one of those," she protested, still trying to get away from the overpowering hooves of Applejack.

"You’ve got to. You need somepony to look after you. Somepony to love ya. And as much as I'd like to, I can't,"
Applejack confessed, still trying to hold onto the frightened filly.

Rarity looked on at the struggle, her mind whirring a mile a minute to process what was happening. A home?She thought. She can't go to a home. What about the ponies who love her? I know Applejack cares for her, but she's wrong. She can't go there. She does have somepony to look after her. Us. We've been doing it for the last two years, even if we didn't know it. We care. I care. I'll do it.

"I'll do it," Rarity whispered.

Getting no response, Rarity stood up suddenly. Startled, Applejack and Scootaloo turned towards her.

“I’ll do it!”

Chapter three

"Rarity, can I speak with you outside for a spell?"

Rarity nodded, so Applejack trotted towards the door. She opened it, and ushered Rarity outside into the hall, before turning to face Scootaloo.

"We'll be right outside, sugar, so don't you go nowhere. You don't want me to have to find ya," she warned, closing the door behind her.

Scootaloo was all alone in the hospital room.

They knew now. Both of them did, and soon, so would her friends. Know that she was a orph-
She stopped her mind from thinking the word. Panic was beginning to set in, but she forced herself to calm down and run through her options. The way she saw it, there were three. First, she could run away. It wouldn't be so bad, would it? It wasn't as if she had a lot of stuff. Just pack up what few precious things she did have, and put them in a bindle. She could probably make it to the next town on her scooter before anypony knew where she went. Well, except Rainbow dash. She wasn't that fast.

The Running of the leaves proved how fast Dash was, at least when she wasn't cheating. Crud. The Running of the leaves. The little filly remembered with a hint of disdain that Applejack was in that as well. She might even have been as fast as Dash, if not faster. Applejack would catch her, that much was becoming clear.

Even if she wanted to, she couldn't run away. Applejack's threat made sure of that. Besides, she wanted to stay here. All of her friends were here; she couldn't leave them. What would Dash say to her running away. "Jeez squirt, abandoning your friends cause you're scared? What a wuss. Would I, THE Rainbow Dash, do that? Me, the most awesomest pegasus ever? Don't forget, I'm the element of loyalty. And I thought you were my most loyal fan," The phantom Rainbow Dash murmured sadly.

That did it. There was no way she could leave now. She'd be letting down too many ponies. She wouldn't do that to her friends.

So she was staying. That narrowed her options down to two. Namely, Applejack or Rarity.

She could stay with AJ for a while, before... she shuddered. Being put in a home. No, she couldn't do that. Staying with Applejack would be great. She was almost as cool as Dash, but the second part? There was no way in Tartarus that she would ever go to a home. She wasn't scared. Nuh-uh. It's just that homes are for stupid ponies who were alone. She wasn't alone. Okay, technically she was on her own, but she wasn't alone. She had everypony she could ever need. Her friends, Dash, and even Dash’s friends. She wasn't alone, was she?

But if she was put in a home, then she would be alone. Her friends might visit, and maybe even Rainbow would, but then they'd go. And she'd be alone again. Just like when Mom di... Stop it, she mentally castigated herself. Don't think about that. You're not alone. You're not alone. You've got your friends, and Rainbow Dash, and… Rarity?
She thought now on what Rarity had said. "I'll do it."

Live with Rarity? Frou-frou, fussy Rarity? She'd probably make her wear dresses all the time.
That sounded almost as bad as going into a home. Almost.

Could she do it? Live with Rarity? She'd still be in Ponyville, so that was a plus. And she could hang out with Sweetie Belle all the time. There was definitely an upside to this.

She made her decision. Rarity was the only option, and besides, it would only be for a little while. It's not like Rarity was trying to adopt her or anything.

She chuckled. Rarity adopting her? Now that was silly.

Outside in the hall, Rarity was looking at an angry Applejack.

"What in tarnation are you playing at?" Rarity could almost see the smoke coming out of the earth pony's nose. "Do you know what you’re saying? What this means? She ain't some fancy cat, Rarity; you can't just take her in ‘cause you think you need a new ponnequin."

"What in the name of Luna's bright flank are you saying Applejack? That I'm doing this because I need a new model? Do not be so dense. I'm doing this because I care about her. Don't you?"

"Of course I do, but I'm being realistic. I can't look after her. She needs to go to an orphanage. She can find a proper family there, and somepony who can look after her. She needs that. She deserves that."

"How long do you think she'd be at the orphanage, hmm? How long before somepony actually decides to adopt her? Nopony adopts fillies who are that old, and even if they did, would they love her nearly as much as one of us would? As much as what our sisters feel for her?"

Looking straight into the fashionista's eyes, Applejack had to admit she had a point. She had never seen Rarity look so determined. She was going to do this.

"Land sakes girl, are you sure about this?"

"I've never been more sure. She can live with me, and I can adopt her. She doesn't have to go to a home. I'm not going to force her to live with me, but it’s an option, and truthfully, I want her to. She may be a handful, but I care about her. And I know you do too, darling."

"You know I do, sugarcube. I just want to do what’s best for her. Are you absolutely sure about this? I know you're the element of generosity, but this is a big step, even for you."

Rarity walked closer to Applejack. She knew that this was what she wanted. Knew that if Scootaloo was willing, that she would adopt her in a heartbeat. It was the right thing to do.

"Yes. I am going to look after her with the same fervour that I would look after Sweetie Belle, Applebloom, you, or the rest of the girls. When she was lying there on the ground, unconscious, I realised I cared for her as much as I did my sister. I couldn't bear to see her hurt. I'd give anything to make her safe. To make her happy. So that's just what I'm going to do."

Applejack quietly listened to these words, replaying them in her head. Rarity was sincere. She wanted to protect Scootaloo as much as she did her own sister, or even her. Applejack blushed, thinking back to what she learned earlier. "She wants to date me." Her face turning a shade resembling her brother, she pushed those thoughts out of her head. No time for that. I've gotta think about what’s best for Scootaloo. Is Rarity the right choice? As she replayed the words Rarity had said so passionately, she knew the answer.

"Rarity, that's what I wanted to hear," Applejack said, smiling at a now befuddled Rarity. “You love her like she's yer own kith an' kin. I support ya. And I'm here for you and her. I'm going to help in every way I can."

Squealing with delight, Rarity threw her hooves around Applejack and hugged her close, not noticing Applejack’s furious blush.

"Darling, thank you. This is the right thing to do, you know. I may be young for a mother, but with you and the rest of the girls helping, I know everything will be perfect. Especially with your help."

Applejack stammered, trying to think of something to say.

But she couldn't think of anything, except how Rarity felt in her hooves.

Chapter four

It was evening in the sleepy town of Ponyville.

The streets were empty, but that wasn't unusual for a town like Ponyville. What would there be to do anyway? There were no clubs, or any late night venues. There was a bar, of course. Berry Punch's Parlour. But for some reason, most ponies didn't go there to have fun. They went to drink and mope. Not much chance of fun for the customers. Just strong booze, and even stronger regrets.

The only nighttime revelry here occurred at Pinkie's parties.

This is probably the reason that most ponies allow Pinkie to get away with so much. Without her, the town would be dull and quiet. As much as everypony enjoys that, they have to admit, you can't enjoy the silence without sound.

And so too was it with Pinkie. You couldn't enjoy her craziness without the peace that comes from being friends with her. It helps define her.

It was these thoughts that went through Applejack's head as she trotted down the streets with a little filly on her back. The streets were a little too quiet.

“Thank you, Applejack,” Rarity finally spoke as she walked side by side with the orange mare.

“Fer what?”

“Walking Scootaloo and me home, of course. The streets can be dangerous for two young mares such as ourselves.” Applejack and Scootaloo both rolled their eyes at this.

“Not a problem, Rarity. Though it ain't like this is Bayfast, or Neigh York, or somethin’. Nopony is gonna try anything here.” Applejack chuckled a little, causing Scootaloo to be jostled just a little.

It reminded Scootaloo of when her own Mom would carry her home. Her own earthy laugh, shaking her as they flew home from wherever they went.

It was odd to the little filly how much Applejack and Rarity kept reminding her of her mom.

She had to lock those thoughts down. Mom is…gone. Scootaloo was nearly in tears. This is the first time she had admitted it. Admitted the prospect that her Mom wasn't coming back. Can't cry. Be strong. Like her. Mom wouldn't cry. Dash wouldn't cry.

The emotional wall the little filly had constructed returned. If you looked closely into her eyes, you could almost suppose you saw it. She wouldn't cry now. She knew it wouldn’t help to cry.

Completely unaware of these goings on, Rarity continued talking.

“Nevertheless, thank you.” Rarity hesitated a little before continuing. “It means a lot to me. Not just walking us home, but being there in general. You really are the most dependable pony, Applejack.” At that, Rarity turned to face her before flashing those sapphire eyes at her.

“I, uh... well...” stuttered the now beetroot mare. “Look at that. We're here. Don't that beat all.” She smiled and laughed unconvincingly to try to dispel the awkwardness. Stop it, girl. You ain't no hog headed stallion that turns to marshmallow when she looks at ya, she chastised herself. Just ‘cause she likes you that way don't mean you like her. Now stop acting like a schoolfilly with a crush, and pony up. You can sort this out inside.

Rarity rose one eyebrow quizzically, mirrored by Scootaloo. She decided not to pursue it yet. That could wait till Scootaloo was in bed.

“Yes. Right, well, Scootaloo?” The little filly stopped staring at the back of Applejack's head and faced Rarity.

“Yeah?”

“I think when we go in we’d best have some dinner, mhmm? Then it's off to bed for you. You've had a long day and you need your rest. The guest...” Rarity stumbled, catching her mistake just a little too late. “I mean, your new room is facing Sweetie Belle's. Of course, if you prefer, you can stay in her room till you're settled.” Rarity put on her best friendly face. It wasn't working.

The grin was too stretched over her features to ever be considered friendly. Scootaloo had to admit, it was even scarier than Fluttershy's stare.

She heard what Rarity said. 'Guest' room. Little paranoid thoughts went through her mind. The kind that stay and linger in a filly's mind. The thought of not being wanted.

“Um, sure,” Scootaloo said with a hint of resignation. If she didn't want me to stay, why did she offer? She doesn't even want me messing up her precious 'guest' room.

Levitating the keys in her magic aura, she slowly opened the door to Carousel Boutique.

When they were all in, she flicked on the light switch.

SURPRISE!

The force of the shout nearly knocked them out of their horseshoes.

Nearly everyone in Ponyville was here. Everypony was smiling at them. The three newcomers simply looked around blankly. At the back of the room ran a long table of treats that could feed everypony here twice over. After yelling ‘surprise,’ most of the crowd of ponies went back to partying. Not caring why there was a party. Most of them probably didn't even know who Scootaloo was. But a Pinkie party isn't something you want to miss. Across the ceiling ran a banner that proclaimed, “Happy adoption day Scootaloo!” Beneath that ran a smaller banner that said “Also super super yay for new Mommy Rarity!” There could only be one pony responsible for this.

“Pinkie,” Applejack and Rarity said in unison. One as if it explained everything you'd ever need to know, the other as an admonishment.

The pony in question bounded over to them.

“Were you excited? Huh? Huh? Huh?” Her excitement was palpable.

“Pinkie,” Rarity said, annoyance showing in her voice.

“I bet you were excited! There was no way you knew about this party! Heck, up until five minutes ago, I didn't even know about this party!” She spoke ever faster.

“Pinkie.” Her voice was strained now.

“I mean, I knew there was going to be a party. There's always a party. I wouldn't be the party pony of Ponyville if there wasn't a particular party performing precisely when Pinkie predicts it. And I did! It's a super party. You were surprised, weren't you, huh Rarity? Huh? Huh?” Pinkie spoke so rapidly without breath, you would think that she didn't need to breathe. That she just ran on sugar and parties.

“PINKIE!” Rarity all but yelled, interrupting the party pony's continuous speech.

“Yeah new Mommy?” Pinkie asked innocently, fluttering her eyes slightly to accentuate that naiveté.

“Can I speak with you a moment in la cuisine?” she said, forcing away a slight eye twitch of anger at her pink friend.

“In the what now?” Rarity sighed.

“The kitchen, Pinkie. It was fancy for kitchen.”

“Then why didn't you say so, silly filly? You got to talk Equestrian now that you're a Mommy. If your auntie Pinkie Pie can't understand you, how will your filly?” With that, Pinkie rushed into the kitchen, gesturing for a exasperated Rarity to follow.

She turned to Scootaloo instead.

“I need to have a word with Pinkie. I'll be back as soon as I can dear.” Without waiting for a reply, she headed straight to the kitchen. She had a few words to say to her friend.

“Applejack?” AJ turned to the little filly still on her back. It was the first thing she had said to her all day.

“Yes Sugarcube?” she replied tentatively.

“Why does that banner say that? I thought I was just going to stay with Rarity for a while.”

Applejack paused a little before replying.

“Well... Ahem. It's kinda like this. She's adopting you. If you want her to, that is.” Applejack stopped to gauge the little filly's reaction before continuing. “You see, she can't just look after you. If the government found out, they'd put you in a home. That idea didn't seem mighty appealing for ya, so Rarity offered to do this.”

“But why?” Scootaloo's voice took on almost a whining tone before coming hard edged and bitter. “What does she expect out of this? A new worker for her shop? Does she expect me to call her Mommy and wear her dresses?” She was getting angry now. The venom laced her words.

“Now stop right there Sugarcube.” Applejack said calmly. “ She don't expect anything. She ain't doing this for selfish reasons. She's doing it to give you a home.” Applejack looked in Scootaloo's eyes. “She's doing it for you.” The little filly's eyes moistened a little at that. “This is all for you. She don't need to be thanked. She's not trying to replace your momma, or asking to be called it. She just wants to be there for you.” Applejack smiled, trying to reassure Scootaloo. “This here's the honest truth. She only wants to help you. To be there for you. It's up to you if you want it. And I will be there too. You'll live with Rarity, but I'll be there for you too, Sugarcube. So will all the girls. You ain't alone anymore.”

Scootaloo was a little speechless. The paranoid voices at the back of her mind were silent. Applejack doesn't lie. You aren't alone any more.

“I...” Scootaloo’s voice was nearly inaudible over choked back tears. “I think I'd like that Applejack.”

“WOOOWEEEEE!” Applejack exclaimed joyfully, hopping around with the filly on her back laughing.

Then the party really began.

Back in the kitchen Rarity was one step away from doing something entirely unladylike.

“Right. Pinkie?” Rarity began.

“Yahuh?” Pinkie said as she appeared from behind a counter. She hung her hooves over the edge while cocking
her now frosting bearded head slightly to the side. Rarity thought how adorable the sight was. Stop it, Rarity. You are mad at her.

“Do you have any idea what you have done?” Rarity hissed.

Wiping the frosting from her muzzle the back of her hoof she replied shakily, “Thrown the best adoption day party ever?”

Rarity’s eye twitched again.

“No Pinkie. Not even close. You have thrown a party publicising that Scootaloo is an orphan when she has spent the last few years trying to hide it. Do you have any idea how much you could have hurt her?” Her nostrils exhaled smoke furiously.

Pinkie was nervous now. She had seen Rarity angry before and that wasn't something she wanted directed at her.

“It's an adoption party. I don't have to pretend not to know she's an orphan anymore. It's a happy time. She's got a new Mommy and isn't alone anymore. How is that not a party moment?” Pinkie looked at Rarity as if it was self-explanatory.

However, something she said triggered a different response in Rarity.

“You knew?” Her eyes bore straight into Pinkie's.

“That she was an orphan? Well, yeah. Who doesn't?” Pinkie was visibly sweating now.

“Everypony!” The change in volume was enough to make the pink mare squeak and fall onto her back. Before she could stand up, Rarity pounced on top of her. She stood above her and looked straight into her eyes.

“Oh.” That was all Pinkie could say. For once it seemed she was lost for words.

“Why did you not tell us?” There was no anger now in Rarity's voice. Merely whining to know why.

“I thought you knew. I thought everypony knew. Isn't that why we always looked after her? It was as if she was Dashie's little sis. Always babysitting her, or having sleepovers for her in our homes. Even bringing her to Canterlot to meet the Princesses and be a flower filly.” At this, Rarity began to soften. “She wasn't really an orphan. She always had us for her mommies.” Pinkie giggled a little, forgetting the situation she was currently in. “Well, now you're her mommy.” Now she guffawed at it. The idea of prissy Rarity looking after what was basically a filly Dash had her in hysterics.

Giggling a little at the absurdness of what was happening, Rarity stepped off of Pinkie. It was impossible to stay angry at her.

“This doesn't excuse everything Pinkie,” Rarity said, returning to the point at hoof. “ You still have to make up for this to her. I can only imagine how the little dear is feeling.”

Pinkie stood up and was about to say something before Rarity cut her off.

“And I know just how to do it. Come with me, we have a lot of work to do.”

The party was in full swing. Nopony even noticed the absence of Ponyville's premier party pony nor of its mare of fashion. And if they did, nopony mentioned it.

Scootaloo did notice that two other ponies were missing. Namely, the rest of the Cutie Mark Crusaders. In fact, she hadn't seen them since her accident.

Now that voice was back in her head. They aren't here. And they won't be coming either. They don't want you any more, orphan. You may not have abandoned them, but you never thought of it the other way around, did you?

Scootaloo began to get a little frantic. She couldn't find them, and all the while, that voice in her head taunted her. Why would they be here? Nopony wants orphans. And what must it look like to Sweetie Belle? You're stealing her sister from her. Some friend you are.

“Hey orphan,” a voice called. For a moment Scootaloo thought the it was just that nagging voice in her head before.

“Blank flank, I'm talking to you.” She knew who it was now. Diamond Tiara.

“What do you want?” Scootaloo said turning to face her school-yard bully.

“I just wanted to say Ha Ha.” Behind Diamond Tiara Silver spoon shifted uncomfortably.

“What did you say?” Scootaloo was now on the defensive. She knew Diamond was a bully, but this was going too far. Even for her.

“I said Ha Ha. I knew you were just street trash the minute I saw you. What happened? Did mother see how worthless you are and just throw you out with the garbage?” Diamond Tiara's eyes flashed menacingly.

Silver Spoon stomped a hoof to get Diamond Tiara's attention. Turning around at the noise, she almost screamed in rage.

“Yes? What is it? Can't you see I'm busy?”

“How dare you? You can't say that to her just ‘cause you don't like her. You've gone too far DT. This is not cool.” Silver turned to leave as Diamond Tiara shouted after her.

“Leave then! See if I care. Daddy can always buy me more friends. Better ones than you.” Diamond then turned back to Scootaloo.

“Now for you, you no-good guttersnipe. You are worthless, and I knew it Blank-Flank. Everypony knows you need to be loved to get your Cutie Mark. And nopony loves you.” Diamond Tiara started laughing now. She had said everything she ever wanted to say. She was better than her and she wanted everypony to know it. As that horrible laugh filled the air, quietly muffling the tears Scootaloo tried to hold back, a voice rent it asunder.

“Hey.” Scootaloo looked up through misted eyes to see Applebloom and Sweetie Belle Standing there, faces a mask of anger aimed at their friend's tormenter.

“Oh, it's the rest of the Blank-Flank Brigade. What do you want?” Diamond Tiara smirked at them.

“You leave her alone Diamond Tiara. Jus' cause you're jealous doesn't mean you get to say lies.” Applebloom said pointedly.

“Jealous?” She was taken aback. “Jealous of what? A Blank-Flank filly with no family? Don't make me laugh.” She cackled a little to let them know how absurd it was. The CMC's faces didn't change though. They merely walked closer to her.

“You are though.”Sweetie Belle said plainly. “Jealous of her mane, her rough and tough attitude. Maybe you're even jealous of how much fun she seems to have with us.”

Diamond Tiara didn't know what to say. She wanted to laugh at them, call them names but something made her stop a moment. No,it’s not true, she thought. They're just foals. There is nothing they have that I don't have or can't buy.

“Oh shut up you little idiot. I am not jealous of her horrid mane or her 'attitude.' and I'm certainly...”

Applebloom cut her off.

“If you want the truth, Tiara, I'll tell you your problem with her and us. We have a family. It may not be fancy or rich but it's still a family.” Applebloom walked ever closer to Diamond Tiara as she started walking backwards trying to get away. “We might not be related me and Scootaloo-”

“And me!” Sweetie Belle chirped in from beside Applebloom.

“And Sweetie Belle- are a family, and we love each other. You can't buy that. It only comes from other ponies. So stop taking out yer damn daddy issues out on us an’ get out.” Applebloom fixed her with a stare, challenging her to do something.

So she ran.

Sweetie Belle was the first to get to Scootaloo's side.

“Are you ok?” Sweetie gave her such a caring look that it could make even a rock's heart beat.

“I'm fine. Where were you guys? I looked all over and I couldn't find you. I thought you were avoiding me.” Scootaloo revealed.

“We were.” Applebloom admitted.

Scootaloo fell back on her hindquarters at that. Applebloom quickly continued.

“We were being foals. I don't like it when ponies lie. I guess thats what happens when your big sis is the element of honesty.” Sighing, she sat down in front of Scootaloo, not looking at her face. “It was stupid of me. I shouldn't have let something so silly get between us. You had a good reason for keeping it a secret. And it’s all settled now.” Looking up she hesitated. “I meant what I said, you know. You are family to me. And to big sis.”

Sweetie Belle sat down beside Applebloom before Scootaloo could talk.

“And me too. I was just being jealous of you. I thought you were trying to take my sis away. Like how Applebloom was when I tried to enter the Sisterhooves social with Applejack.” Applebloom chuckled at the memory. “But when Diamond Tiara started bullying you... I just couldn't take it. Applebloom is right. We are family.” She smiled at Scootaloo.

Scootaloo didn't know what to say. She thought she had lost her friends. Yet she didn't. She gained a family. There was only one thing she could say. So swallowed her pride, and despite how 'mushy-gushy' it was, yelled,

“GROUP HUG!”

With that, the three fillies nearly tackled each other to hug Scootaloo.

“Thanks girls. I'm sorry for lying.” Scootaloo had her head buried between her two friend's necks, as a few tears of happiness rolled out. Neither of her friends said a word about it.

“Don't worry about it Scoots.” Applebloom said.

With a sly smile, Sweetie Belle replied “ Yeah, it's ok. You're still my favourite niece.”

"NIECE?”

Chapter five

As dawn broke over the now partied out Ponyville, one little filly was just beginning to wake.

Blearily blinking out the sleep in her eyes, Scootaloo looked around. Where am I? she thought, still half asleep. Lazily moving her head, she did a quick scan around the room. It was a circular room with white walls and pastel shades all around. Scootaloo didn't think it was to her tastes, but there was something familiar about it.

It kinda looks like..

A light snuffling sound emanated from beside her. Another little filly lay on her side, slightly snoring, even if she would never admit it.

Sweetie Belle.

That explained it. She was in Sweetie's room at the Carousel Boutique.

Last night's party all flooded back to her. They had so much fun. Everypony did. They stayed up later than they ever had before, dancing and eating all the scrummy treats that Pinkie laid out for everypony. After everypony else left, Sweetie insisted that Applebloom should sleep over. Staying up telling ghost stories and pillow fighting was just so much better this time. In “her” home.

Even the showdown with Diamond Tiara couldn't upset her. She had her friends. She had her family. Sure, it was a little dysfunctional, but she had them. She wasn't alone anymore.

Carefully avoiding the snoozing crusaders beside her, Scootaloo managed not to jostle any of them awake and quietly stepped off the bed. She slowly tiphoofed over towards the door of Sweetie's room.

Scoots didn't know why they didn't sleepover in “her” room. This was her new home now, she supposed. Shouldn't that be the way it was? Maybe she wasn't prepared for all this. The idea of having a home again was new, and honestly kind of frightening to her. Scared that it wasn't happening, that somehow it was not real. But mainly scared that it was.

As if to backup her feelings of this not being real, she thought of Rarity at the party. Her new guardian.

I'm not calling her ‘mom’. Scootaloo thought bitterly. She isn't my mother. Where was she last night when Diamond was bullying me? Actually, where was she after she disappeared with Pinkie?

She stopped dead in her tracks at the door.

Exactly. She wasn't there. She left. What kind of a parent does that? As she opened the door, Scootaloo's mental voice took on an almost smug tone. A bad one. See? I don't have to call her ‘mom’. I can look after myself as long as I have the crusaders.

Stepping into the hall, her mind was made up. She'd stay here with Rarity, but that was it. If the government needed it to seem that Rarity was taking care of her, then fine. Didn't want her to be like my mom anyway. I can take care of myself. She didn't know why, but that thought saddened her. Lifting her head up slightly, Scootaloo noticed the door to “her” room.

It was cyan blue now, instead of the uniform pastel shades of the rest of the doors.

Walking towards it, her eyes lit up in wonder. It was her favourite colour.

Resting one of her front hooves on it, she gently pushed the room open.

It was beautiful. The room was cyan blue on three sides with one wall completely white. They were all adorned with posters of the wonderbolts and Scootaloo's favourite bands, except for the white wall which was completely bare. The blue walls all had a rainbow running right along the top.

In one corner was a stack of toys. A ball, a hula-hoop, and other little toys that any filly would kill for. The wall on the right had a bed alongside it. That looks comfy, Scootaloo thought.

“Surprise dear,” Rarity said.

Scootaloo hadn't even noticed her standing there in the middle of the room. All around her there was open paint tins. Looking at her now she noticed that Rarity was covered in paint. Flecks of blue stained her coat and mane. It was the messiest Scootaloo had ever seen her.

This was all a little much for her. She couldn't speak a word.

Rarity took it upon herself to explain what was happening.

“I decided that if you were going to live here, then your room should be exactly that. Somewhere where you feel comfortable, and is just for you.” Rarity walked closer towards her. “This is your room. These are your things. Everything here is for you to do as you wish.”

“Rarity?” Scootaloo looked confused. “When did you find time to do this?”

Rarity chuckled sheepishly. “Well, I may have skipped out on the party last night to do this, but it's quite all right. This is much more important. You are much more important.”

She did this all for you, ya big dummy. Scootaloo's cheeks reddened a little at the thought.This was getting a little too emotional for her. She had enough of that last night.

“I... uh... you missed a spot.” Scootaloo pointed with her hoof, embarrassed, trying to end the heart-warming scene.

Rarity turned to where the filly was pointing. It was the big empty wall.

“Hmm? Oh, the wall?” She turned back to face Scootaloo, slightly amused and proud of herself.

“Well, do you see these paint tins?” Rarity lifted them in her magic aura to show Scootaloo. “These are for that wall. I left it blank. I thought you might want to paint it with me? I thought it would be a fun thing for us to do together.”

Scootaloo smiled. She couldn't think of anything better.

Waking up to a hangover was not something Applejack was used to.

She could hold her liquor. The Apple family cider ain't for little fillies, that's for dang sure.

But she wasn't one to drink too much. “Everything in moderation,” is what granny always said, and Applejack usually listened. Usually.

However, last night was a cause for celebration. Her friend had become a momma, and if that didn't call for a drink, what did? It wasn't as if she was drinking a little bit more to blot out certain thoughts of a missing alabaster mare. Nope. And besides, one or two little drinks couldn't hurt, right?

“Ooohhhhh...” Applejack winced as she gingerly rubbed a hoof over her hatless head.

OK. Maybe it could hurt. Just a little.

She may have overdone it a tad on the celebrating. She only had 3 drinks... or maybe 8. She wasn't very good at fancy mathematics.

Her head stung like a swarm of hungry parasprites as she swung her hooves out of bed. As she reached over to the lamp where her hat lay, it hit her. She didn't have a lamp.

Where in tarnation am I?

Looking around the room, she noticed all the bolts of fabric and ponnequins. It had to belong to Rarity. So what the heck was she doing in Rarity's bed?

Damn soft though, she thought absentmindedly. Oh, hush you, she scolded herself.

She tried real hard to puzzle out what had happened last night. In fact, she couldn't remember ever seeing Rarity after she went to talk to Pinkie. The last thing she remembered was hunkering down on Rarity's sofa to watch over the girls. Everypony else had left; somepony had to look after them ‘til Rarity came back.

Wait... there was something else. It was kinda hazy.

She remembered drifting through the air like she was on a cloud. She felt safe and warm, more so than she had ever felt in a long time.

During this “flight,” Applejack’s eyelids fluttered gently as she wakened ever so slightly. Moving her head to see this cloud, she noticed a light blue sparkly aura around her. Magic. I must be dreaming, she thought in awe.

“It's ok darling,” a sultry voice said from behind her. “Go back to sleep. Everything is alright. I'm here.”

Part of Applejack wanted to argue, wanted to turn around to that angelic voice and see just who it was that was saying everything was safe. But she could hear the truth in it. The familiar voice sounded so honest that she daren't argue with it, instead deciding to trust it.

As she closed her eyes to go back to sleep, she felt herself being lowered into something so soft it could only belong to Rarity.

“Heh, Rarity,” a sleepy Applejack chuckled. A goofy grin settled on her face with the mere thought of the mare.

The “angel” tittered lightly beside Applejack.

While she snuggled into the blankets, Applejack felt her hat being levitated off her head. With a sound of protest she tried to reach for it.

“Hush now darling. You don't want to sleep with it on now, do you?”

The angel made a lot of sense. She didn't want to damage her hat, but... she wanted it. It always made her feel better. Her hat was her constant companion. Even though she usually took it off to sleep, in her drunken sleepy state that didn't seem to matter much. She wanted the comfort of the familiar.

She could hear the sounds of hooves gently walking away when she called out.

“Stay angel. If I can't have my hat, can I at least have you?”

A breath caught in the angel’s throat.

The next thing Applejack could feel was a warm pressure beside her on the bed. Her angel had joined her.

Spooning up against her angel she was again reminded of Rarity. So Applejack pulled the angel ever closer, wrapping her hooves around her with no intention of ever letting go. She had never felt as safe as she did in this moment.

Finally, she couldn't take it any more. She had to look at her angel. Opening her eyes carefully, so as not to disturb the pony she had cuddled up to, she saw a white coat. All she had to do to know was shift her head upwards to find out who her dream angel was. But she didn't. She wanted the dream to last. Afraid that looking upon her angel would break the spell, Applejack just sighed acceptingly and snuggled even closer into the angels chest.

“Ah wish this weren't a dream sugarcube. I think I need you.”

The angel shifted slightly to bring her head closer to Applejack's. With the lightest touch she lay a small sweet kiss upon the mare's forehead.

“I need you too. If only you knew how much.”

In the throes of sleep, a single thought passed through Applejack's mind.

She kissed me.

And with that, Applejack fell into a happy slumber.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

It had all came back to her. Every word.

Aw, ponyfeathers.

Applejack began to panic. She realised now. That wasn’t a dream. And there was only one pony who could have been the angel. Rarity.

Several nagging questions flew through the mind of the now panicking orange mare. Why did she have to do a foal-headed thing like that? Why did Rarity have to be all generous and kind like that, making sure she was safe and giving in to her drunken demands? And how dare she like her like that. Making her all confused with her fancy feelings.

Sighing, Applejack decided. She would just have to face it. Truth be told, she already knew. Back at the hospital it had all spilled out. Sure, Applejack may not have been the sharpest tool in the shed, but she had figured out Rarity liked her. She just didn't know what to do about it. She wanted to bring up the subject sooner and let Rarity down easily, but things kept getting in the way. And now, with how she acted last night, she was beginning to think maybe rejecting her out of hoof wasn't the best idea.

T'aint like she isn't easy on the eyes, a stray thought cropped up in Applejack's mind.

Is that it? That's all you like about her? A voice with a Manehattanite tinged accent questioned Applejack.

‘Course it ain't. She's generous and proud. She may be as vain as a peacock, but she cares about her friends more than some dress, even if she doesn't always show it. And she’s tough to boot. The way she knocked those changlings around was dang impressive. Heck, even I had trouble fighting them, but she was still graceful and as purdy as a picture. Applejack smiled at the memory.

Seems you like her a lot more than you're letting on. The voice in her head seemed to chuckle at how blind Applejack was being.

And who asked you nosy nelly? Now go on, git. Before I get real mad atcha.

With the taunting voice silenced for now, Applejack left Rarity's room only to hear more laughter.

This time it was an innocent carefree laugh. She could tell it was Scootaloo, but that other voice... was that Rarity?

Walking over to a bright blue door, Applejack nudged it open.

Inside, Rarity had Scootaloo on her head to paint what appeared to be a giant Rainbow Dash on one of the walls. Scootaloo's paintbrush occasionally dripped down onto Rarity's coat, eliciting nothing more than a giggle rather than the sharp rebuke that one would associate with messing up Rarity's coat.

“Higher, Rarity! I need to put the finishing touches in her mane.” Scootaloo happily mumbled around her paintbrush.

Pushing her head upwards Rarity replied “Now you be careful dear.”

“Annnnnnd done. The most awesome painting of the most awesome pony ever is finished.” Hopping off of Rarity’s head, Scootaloo spotted Applejack. “Hi Applejack! Like my painting? Rarity helped with the tail, but I did the rest all by myself. Isn't it awesome?”

Looking up at the painting Applejack said “Darling, that there is the finest Rainbow’s ever looked.”

The little filly beamed at the praise. “Do you want to help us then? We could use your help painting the rest.”

Rarity nodded along as Scootaloo spoke before she managed to grasp the full weight of the filly's words. “Rest? What rest?”

“Well, duh! The rest of the ponies I care about. Applebloom and Sweetie Belle...” Quickly looking away in embarrassment, she rushed under her breath “youandApplejack...” Turning back as if she never said a word, she carried on only a little bit louder. “And I thought, who best to help me paint them than their sisters?”

Rarity and Applejack were taken aback.

Applejack was the first to speak. “Sugarcube, I'd be only too happy to help.”

Picking up a brush, Applejack went to painting where Scootaloo directed.

For the next few hours from just after dawn, they painted and played together. When Sweetie Belle and Applebloom finally woke up, they joined in too. The hours seemed to fly by as they all painted together. They even forgot to have breakfast, but that didn't seem to matter much.

It was the best morning Scootaloo had had in years. To her in this morning, she had what she wanted for so many years. A family.

Chapter six

“I need a half a cup of milk please, darling,” a demure unicorn called out in a breezy tone.

The kitchen at Carousel boutique was a flurry of activity, yet it seemed that every action was almost effortless. The floating mixing bowls and spoons were held almost lazily in a magical grasp as they leisurely made their way to the chef to be used at her discretion. A massive bag of flour yawned, spilling its contents into a big mixing bowl with a sleepy poomf.

“What in tarnation do ya' need milk for?” a loud orange earth pony questioned.

“For breakfast, of course,” Rarity said, as if it was the most obvious thing in the world.

“Breakfast? It's 11 o'clock Rarity,” Applejack drawled.

“Yes, well, it’s a late breakfast. They're all the rage in Canterlot, I'll have you know.”

Deciding it was easier just to go along with her fanciness, Applejack sighed.

“So what are we making, anyroads?” she asked while retrieving the milk. “Muffins I suppose?”

Applejack set the carton on the counter beside Rarity.

“Well I am making crepes. You can help if you clean your filthy hooves, dear.”

“I already cleaned my hooves six times just to get all the dang paint off,” she said, slightly exasperated.

“Then one more time won't hurt now, will it?” An arched eyebrow and smug smile appeared on the unicorn's face. She knew she had won this argument.

“Fine,” she grumbled. “But we're making pancakes. Much better than your fancy food.” Applejack nodded, satisfied that the matter had been dealt with, and that she had gotten the better of the unicorn this time.

Instead of the quiet acceptance she had expected, a chiming laugh sounded through the air.

“Oh Applejack, you’re silly. Crepes are pancakes darling, just very thin ones,” Rarity said, holding a polite hoof to her mouth, trying to muffle a laugh. “Now chop chop. Let's get those hooves clean.”

Sighing yet again, Applejack headed to the sink to wash up.

Right then, miss fancy britches, Applejack thought mischievously. You win this round. But I ain't gonna roll over an’ give up. Lets see how you like it when things get messy. A sinister grin appeared in her muzzle at the thought.

At the other end of the kitchen sat three dishevelled fillies. Each one's stomach rumbled in anticipation of the food to come. Applejack and Rarity may not be quite as skilled at baking as Pinkie, but they all knew that when it came to a good meal, these two were tough to beat.

“Hey Scoots, do you think they're making apple turnovers?” the little earth filly said.

“As long as its food, I don't care.” She smirked. “Besides, Rarity can't be as bad a cook as Sweetie Belle.” Snickering raucously, the two fillies waited for the inevitable comeback by the unicorn. But there wasn't one.

Applebloom craned her neck to see her friend looking directly ahead with an odd look in her face. As if she had spotted a wild animal in the forest, and was afraid the slightest movement would frighten it away.

“Sweetie Belle, just what are you looking at?” Applebloom asked.

The filly in question was staring straight ahead at the two older mares.

“Just our sisters. They're funny together, don't you think?”

In front of them, their sisters were arguing as usual, but this time it seemed different. They were smiling. Applejack was saying something and gesticulating wildly with her hooves at the sink as Rarity calmly stared her down. The orange mare then turned back to the sink and began washing her hooves. All the while the smile never left Rarity's face.

“What are you driving at?” Applebloom's face scrunched up in confusion.

“Oh nothing. Just saying, you know?”

“No I don't. But what I do know is that I'm hungry.”

“You're always hungry.” Sweetie Belle shot back.

As they fell into a familiar argument, it became background noise to the only pegasus in the room. Instead, she focused on the scene in front of her.

What did she mean? she thought. They don't look funny. Well, Applejack’s just her normal country self. And Rarity? What is it Sweetie always calls her? Glamourous? Yeah,glamourous.

However, as she watched them, she began to notice small things. The way Rarity hovered a bit closer than normal to Applejack. How when she lightly touched the earth pony's hooves to correct her hoof washing, she blushed. Even Applejack seemed to blush at the contact. She had seen this sort of thing before at school. Rarity was acting kinda like how Twist acted around Featherweight. But that would be silly. Everypony knew that Twist had a massive cru...

Scootaloo's eyes contracted to pinpoints as she figured it out.

That's what Sweetie Belle was talking about. Rarity likes her.

At the thought, she slammed her hooves down on the table in realisation.

-Blam-

All activity stopped, and all eyes turned towards her.

“Dear, is something the matter?” Rarity inquired with concern in her eyes.

Realising that she had made a scene, Scootaloo chuckled nervously.

“Yes. No. Yes. Uh... that is, no, nothing’s the matter. I'm just excited that there's no school today and junk.” They all continued to stare at her before Rarity decided to speak.

“Okay then. If you are sure there is nothing wrong.” Scootaloo nodded. “Then I have only one question for you.”

Scootaloo glanced around sheepishly.

“Do you want chocolate sauce with your crepes?”

“Applebloom, wait up!”

Breakfast at Carousel Boutique had passed relatively calmly following Scootaloo's awkward outburst. Of course, on a day as good as today, they couldn't stay inside.

“It's hide and seek. Yer gonna have to find your own hiding spot Scoots. Mine’s too good to share this time,” came the laughing response.

Barrelling through the centre of Ponyville, Scootaloo frantically looked from side to side for a good spot to hide from Sweetie Belle.

Where can I hide? she bemoaned. Sugarcube Corner? No, too tempting. The market? No, too obvious. I'd be caught in seconds. The library? Ha, yeah, the library. Nopony would think to look for me there.

Her little wings flapped furiously as if to get her there that much sooner. Neatly dodging a few ponies and ducking under others, Scootaloo burst into the library, slamming the door behind her before jumping behind a stack of unsorted books, giggling sneakily.

Of course, all of this only perplexed the library's only awake occupant. Namely Spike.

Sliding down the nearest ladder as if it was a pole, he approached the hidden pony.

“Can I help you?” he said.

A noise that sounded very much like a frightened scream erupted from Scootaloo's lips. Of course, it wasn’t really a scream; a brave pony like Scootaloo isn't scared of anything. It was merely a reaction to the noise, a way of asserting dominance and scaring off intruders. Even if it did sound like a scaredy-pony crying for her mommy.

“Ahem. Quiet Spike, I'm hiding. If you keep being so loud Sweetie Belle is going to find me.” Spike rolled his eyes.

“Uh-huh, well, I'll try to keep it down. Twilight is trying to sleep.” He climbed back up the ladder to finish his chores.

A scratching noise of quill against parchment was the only noise in the library for quite some time. Our resident hide and seek champ was thrilled at her success... for the first five minutes, anyway. After that, time just seemed to drag on.

Come on. I know I'm the best at hiding, but this is getting ridiculous.

Gritting her teeth in frustration, she kicked the stack in front of her. It tottered slightly, and a precariously placed publication plummeted towards her, striking against her head and spilling open.

She rubbed her head tenderly and looked down at the book.

Picking it up, she called to Spike. “Hey Spike? What are all these books here anyway?”

Sliding down the ladder again, he went to Scootaloo.

“Oh. They're Twilight’s private collection from Canterlot. It's just mainly old books, journals and...” he saw the book in her hoof. “embarrassing photo albums, apparently.” Huffing, he held out his claw. “Can I have that please?”

Scootaloo shied away from the outstretched claw. “Aw, I just wanna look. I won’t laugh. Honest. Pinkie promise even.”

That seemed to placate the dragon.

“Fine, but I've got to sort them soon, so don't take too long.”

Spike walked to the rest of the stack in an attempt to remove the even more embarrassing ones while Scootaloo flicked through the photo album.

It seemed to be from just after Spike was hatched. Every photo showed him and Twilight in various stages of growing up. Twilight bottle-feeding him, Spike playing with blocks while Twilight took on a warm matronly appearance as she watched over him. One even had spike coughing fire, Twilight with a singed mane and soot-darkened face. Even to Scootaloo, it was adorable.

As she flipped through the pictures, she saw one that caught her eye. It was a picture of Spike wrapped up in swaddling. There he lay in Twilight’s hooves as she rocked him gently to sleep.

Scootaloo knew that Spike was special to Twilight. He was her number one assistant, and she was basically responsible for hatching him and raising him. It just didn't click to what that actually meant ‘til she saw that photo. She had never seen Twilight look so motherly.

And with the bluntness that only a filly has, a single question sprung forth.

“Is Twilight your mom?”

The room became eerily silent. She hadn't even realised she had said it out loud until she looked up towards Spike's hunched form.

A second. Then two. Nothing was said.

Then, in a voice so quiet that it was barely audible, Spike whispered, “yes.”

That did it. Spike’s composure cracked at that, but his voice hardened. “Yes. To me, at least.”

Scootaloo rushed over to his side to see him crying silently, her eyes willing him to continue.

And maybe because he was emotional, or because he was tired of hiding his secret thought, he did.

“She is my mom. She's not a dragon, and I'm not a pony, but that doesn't mean we're not a family. She didn't lay my egg, but she’s done so much more than that. She took care of me. She loves me. So yes, she is my mother.” He wiped his eyes.

“But you know she isn't right? I mean, she didn't lay you. For all you know, your real mom is out there. Twilight is just your guardian really.” Scootaloo said with all the ignorance and honesty of youth.

“AND WHERE IS MY REAL MOM?” Anger was steeped into his words and Scootaloo flinched back. Breathing slowly to calm down he continued. “I tried to find her before. Back during the dragon migration. Sure, I said it was to meet other dragons but...” he sighed “secretly, I wanted to meet her. My biological mother. But I didn't, and when I returned home to Ponyville, that's when I realised it. A mother is somepony who loves you. Somepony who takes care of you. Twilight may not be my biological mom, but she is my mom. In all the ways that count. In here.” His little fist beat against his chest. “Do you understand?” he asked. “ It's not about blood or eggs. It’s about how we feel and how we are. I love Twilight because she loves me unconditionally. Like a son. I love my mom.”

Scootaloo just stood there. What Spike was saying was so heartfelt. Maybe he was right about it not mattering. Maybe it’s not about the blood, but about the bond shared.

“I think I get it Spike. She's your mom.”

Sniffing he wiped his nose with the back of his claw. “Yeah, she is.”

“Spike?” A voice gently called from above.

They both looked up to see Twilight above them, her eyes bloodshot with tears.

“Twilight!” Spike called out, a little fear lacing his words. “Umm... how long have you been awake?”

In answer, Twilight unsteadily trotted down the stairs, her hooves shaking so much that she almost collapsed under her own weight a few times.

Her eyes never left Spike’s though.

Moving straight past Scootaloo as if she was a ghost, she picked Spike up in a hug, and whispered one word that Scootaloo couldn't make out.

At that, Spike threw his arms around her as they both cried in their embrace.

Scootaloo slowly left the library. It seemed wrong to watch such a private affair. Whatever it was they were saying, it was between a mother and her son.

Chapter seven

“And why exactly am I here, darling?” Rarity asked, peeking out from under the brim of her giant sun hat.

“Ah told ya. Ah need somepony to check the apples for blemishes as ah buck 'em. Twilight reckons that with my kicks, the apples are getting damaged as they fall into the bucket,” Applejack called over her shoulder. Her face scrunched up in that telltale way. She was lying, of course. Luckily for her, it was only mostly a lie. Twilight had mentioned that she thought the apples might be bruised, but that wasn’t the real reason Applejack wanted Rarity around.

And besides, so what if her bucking the trees bruised the apples slightly? Twilight really was too overprotective sometimes. How else was she meant to get them off the tree? Magic? One of them suction thingies?

No. You can't go gently with farming, and a little bruise won't hurt anypony. It doesn't make them bad apples. If it did, she herself was a bad apple.

She chuckled a little at her own joke.

“Yes, well, I suppose I can help you with that. It's the least I could do for you, what with all the help you’ve been giving me lately,” Rarity said.

Nodding, Applejack started bucking the tree closest to her. Crookshanks was a wiley tree, and as such, Applejack always took care of him first. Leave him till later on, and he'd mess up the crop rotation, or play a nasty trick on ya. It was like he hated you taking his apples. Then he shouldn't have been a gosh darn apple tree then, should he? Applejack thought as her hooves connected with a satisfying crack.

The gnarled tree shuddered and a few leaves cascaded down. But something was missing. Shouldn't there be a plink-plunk sound?

Apples. Falling into the bucket.

Looking around she noticed that the buckets were half filled with apples. Strange. There was no sound. Either that, or she was going deaf like Granny Smith.

Turning her back to the tree, Applejack prepared a final kick to knock off the rest of the apples. Crookshanks never did give up all his apples in one go. Stubborn mule of a tree.

-Thwack-

Again, leaves floated down around her, but no plink-plunk sound. Checking behind her, the buckets were filled to the brim with apples. They just hadn't made a sound.

Confused, Applejack looked straight at Crookshanks’s bark. Its swirling patterned exterior twisted into a mocking grin in Applejack’s mind. That pesky snake pulled one over on me again!

“Dang it Crookshanks! You no good pile o' wood!” Applejack shouted angrily. “I swear to Celestia, I will chop you down if you keep up these practical jokes. Making the Apples fall without a sound.” She snorted. “It's a mite trickier than your usual stunts. What happened? Hitting me with apples not funny anymore? Funnier to make me think ah’m going deaf?” She glared angrily at Crookshanks.

*Snrkt* An entirely unladylike noise escaped Rarity's mouth, trying in vain to stifle it with her hooves. But alas, it was not to be.

“Heehee!” Rarity laughed. “Heeheeheeeheee!”

“An’ just what's so funny Rarity?” Applejack said, visibly seething with anger.

Barely able to contain herself, she managed to mumble one thing before collapsing in a fit of giggles. “You!”

Composing herself somewhat, she continued. “You really think that a tree somehow has the ability to control sound waves? That it can defy all your earth pony magic to play a practical joke on you?”

“Well... Yeah.” Applejack said bluntly.

That did it. She collapsed back into her fit of giggles again.

Applejack was still a bit miffed, but something else popped into her mind.

This is the most I've ever seen her laugh. And its ‘cause of me.

She tried to stay mad at Rarity for laughing, but honestly, how could she be mad? She was making her happy just by being herself. And somehow, that made her feel good. She had never seen her friend like this. Had anypony? So carefree and full of laughter. It was so not like Rarity, but somehow... it was. She was doing this. Making Rarity open up and show a different part of her. One that maybe only Sweetie Belle ever saw. And now Applejack was seeing it. No; she was causing it. All of a sudden, being mad at her seemed kinda stupid.

Though she did want answers about the apples.

“Care to explain sugarcube?” Applejack asked, arching an eyebrow as she stood looking down at Rarity.

Clearing her throat politely, Rarity looked into Applejack's eyes with a mischievous glint that Applejack had never seen before.

“I did it, my dear.” Applejack's breath caught, and Rarity held her hooves up defensively before quickly continuing. “...by accident darling. I was just catching them in my magic to check for blemishes. It's the same spell I use to check over all my dresses to see if I somehow dropped a stitch, or to see if it has any tears.”

Applejack blinked. Then, with a huge rush of air, guffawed so loud that several birds took off in alarm.

Falling down beside Rarity, she continued laughing. Rarity joined in, still highly amused at how silly Applejack was being.

After the laughter had subsided, they both turned to each other.

Emerald locked into sapphire as they both just stared. A slight grin settled on Applejack's face as a look of wonderment was carved onto Rarity's.

“Rares?” Applejack asked hesitantly.

“Yes?” Rarity's voice hitched. This was it. This was the moment she had been waiting for. She could not believe it. She was not even aware that Applejack had those feelings for her. She thought it was just her. But now it looked like Applejack was going to kiss her, and it wasn't even in a remotely romantic setting. Awww... A filly-like part of her whined, still wishing for her fairytale romance. Collapsing into laughter and just smooching wasn't good enough for that part of Rarity.

Silence. Rarity commanded her thoughts. I have wanted her too long for me to ruin this.

“Well ah...” Applejack stumbled.

“Yeeesss?”

“Was just wondering an all...”

“Yeeeeeessssss?” The wait was killing Rarity.

“...if you know any other fancy tricks with that there horn of yours?” Applejack said awkwardly.

Looking down at her hooves to hide her disappointment, she said, “Yes. Of course.” She looked back up, a bright faux smile plastered over her face. “I am a unicorn, you know.” She tittered, but it sounded hollow, even to her.

Struggling up to her hooves, Applejack trotted off to the next tree.

“Maybe you could tell me about 'em? And about how you learned 'em? Could help us while away a few hours as we work,” she asked as her hind legs connected with the tree.

Standing up to join her Rarity said, “Yes, that sounds lovely.”

She sniffed back a tear before it could form. It would not do to cry. It was just her imagination, after all. Nothing to be upset about.

“Well, my first spell, as you know, was the gem finding spell I got my cutie mark for. Oh, I remember it like it was yesterday....

Chapter eight

Stupid. Stupid, stupid.

Applejack continued applebucking, mentally berating herself while trying to listen to Rarity. She was a mare of many talents, and beating herself up, yet still doing her job, was one of them. She’d had plenty of practice.

You almost kissed her, ya big foal. Ya dumb idiot.

Do not tell me you did not want to, my dear. Lying does not suit you. The annoying Manehattanite accented voice in her head was back. So, tell me;why didn’t you?

-Thunk-

Her hooves smacked into the tree. General Leave this time.

Fine. Ah did. But Ah couldn't. Just kiss her outright like that? No siree, Applejack ain't no floozy. And besides, Ah don't know if Ah do like her or not.

Ha, The voice scoffed.

Fine. Maybe Ah do like her that way, but...to just kiss her? Ah need to know a few things first. Sure, Ah know Rarity pretty well, but Ah need to know her better. Ah don't want to rush this too much. Best way to lose a rodeo is to count your trophies before you win 'em. Granny always told me that.

I disagree, my dear. You know she likes you. Perhaps even more than that. But fine, have it your way, you stubborn oaf. But please, do get on with it, hmm?

That's what Ah'm doing now, you pest. If you weren't bothering me, Ah'd get to listen to Rarity talk about herself. Now shoo.

When no reply forthcoming, Applejack allowed herself to tune in - so to speak - to Rarity.

“...and that's when I learned the colour swapping spell. I still have not returned to that despicable establishment since that night. Though, now at least, perhaps they will think twice before wearing mauve and orange with green culottes. I mean, really,” Rarity said, arching an eyebrow.

Applejack laughed lightly, not because she heard most of it, or because it was funny, but because it was expected of her. No need to hurt Rarity's feelings over her own inner squabbling. Stupid brain.

Scanning the orchard, Applejack swelled with pride. She had cleared all the trees in this section of the farm all by herself, and even quicker than usual this time. Or maybe it just felt quicker. A blush tinged her orange cheeks as she thought why exactly that might be.

“Darling, are you alright?” Rarity's voice contained a slight hint of worry.

“Ah'm fine,” Applejack said. It was the truth after all. “That's all the trees in this section. Come on ‘til Ah get these
apples in the barn.”

“Oh.” Rarity was slightly disappointed. She was really enjoying her time with Applejack, despite all the mud and a... certain incident that she would not speak of. Besides, Applejack did happen to look adorable when she bucked the trees, and even more so when she flashed that doggy grin Rarity was oh-so-fond of.

Plus, the topic of conversation was her favourite. Herself. It may be a tad vain, but Rarity really did enjoy talking about herself. Anyway, it was Applejack who asked her in the first place, so it was quite all right.

She was a little downtrodden at returning from applebucking so soon, but she spied a tree from out the corner of her eye.

“Applejack, what about that tree?” she asked, wanting to extend the time the two of them shared together.

Following Rarity's pristine hooves, Applejack saw her favourite tree. Old Bloomberg. She was the matriarch of the whole Bloomberg family. Damn near mothered every tree on this side of the farm.

‘Course, she didn't bear fruit anymore. Just too old for that. Applejack knew she should cut her down, allow a younger sapling to flourish in her place. Twern't no shame in passing when your time was done, but she just couldn't do it to the old girl. She was much too special.

“Her? Sorry sugarcube, but she can't give apples anymore.”

“Well, what about that one darling?” Rarity pointed to a spot high up in the tree. Nestled in the leaves was a bright green apple.

This was strange for a number of reasons. Not counting the fact that the tree should have been barren, but when she used to bear fruit, they were always red gala apples. Nowhere near as large as this green apple.

“Well ah'll be. She hasn't given any fruit since...” Applejack grew quiet, looking at the ground.

“Applejack?” Rarity was clearly worried.

“Since my momma…” a dry sob suddenly escaped from her mouth. Rarity rushed over and took her into her hooves like a small filly.

“It's ok my darling. It's all right.” She crooned into Applejack's ears.

Applejack buried her head into Rarity's shoulder, sniffling as her hooves encompassed Rarity's waist. She wasn't used to being held, but it felt right to her. To allow herself to been seen so fragile, and to trust somepony implicitly with herself. To be honest about things, even those things she hid from herself.

“Rarity...” Applejack said from her purple maned pillow.

“Yes Darling?” she answered.

“She's dead, Rarity. She's dead.”

With that, the dam burst and she cried like she had never cried before. Old Bloomberg hadn't given a single apple
since the accident. It was like she knew. Only her Momma knew how to get Bloomberg's apples. Even AJ's Pop knew to leave her alone up there. It was her Momma's special place. In time, it was hers as well. Where she got her mother’s favourite hat. Where she learned how to applebuck.

“My Momma’s dead Rarity.” In response, Rarity just held her tighter and Applejack squeezed back. “Ah suppose Ah should tell you about her, huh?” Applejack wiped her runny nose with the back of her hoof. The tears still hadn't stopped.

“Only if you want to,” was all Rarity said.

Applejack lifted her head up and looked Rarity in the eye. “I want to.”

With a nod and encouraging smile from Rarity, Applejack started talking.

“She was about my height. With a dark green coat and piercing blue eyes. She was the prettiest mare in the country, ah reckon. Diamond Jubilee was her name. Heh, she hated it though. Always got ponies to call her DJ. She was nothing like me. She loved the farm, but ah think she missed the city. She always said that the Big Apple was the only other apple for her besides Pop.”

Rarity tittered. Applejack continued.

“She taught me applebucking right where we are now. On Bloomberg. She told me what a special tree she was. That our earth pony magic was the only thing that could affect it. It wouldn't grow without us. Without something we had.”

Applejack was quiet now, so Rarity asked, “Something, darling?”

Wiping away the last stray tears, Applejack laughed gently, and said, “Can't tell ya that. Apple family secret.”

They went silent for a second, then Applejack got to her hooves and began leading Rarity back to the farm.

“Come on, best head back,” she urged. “Granny will be wondering where we are.”

“Applejack, are you sure?”

“Yeah. There's more to the story, of course, but Ah’ll tell ya later. Ah've never told anypony even that much before, so just give me some time.” She flashed that lopsided grin. “Now come on. Ah think you and all the young'uns should have dinner with the Apples tonight. Sound good Ms. Rarity?” She said with a sweeping bow.

Talking her hoof in hers, Rarity replied, “Darling, it sounds delightful.” She paused. “But what about Bloomberg's apple?”

“Not right now, Ah don't think. It's almost ripe, but not yet.”

As they walked down to the farm, Rarity could not help thinking that Applejack wasn’t talking about apples.

Author's Note

What's this? Correct spellings? Sentences that make sense? Yup, it's all edited to this point. Seriously though, after having this chapter edited I re-read it and boy do I hate it. Ugh, everything is so rushed and comes out of nowhere. I have no idea what I was thinking when I wrote this. Anywho it's too late now and a re-write would either mess up the story to the point where it makes no sense or cause me to go off into a tangent to make it, make sense. Either way you're stuck with this but hey, at least it's edited properly now.

We now return to our regularly scheduled author's note

Fancy these authors notes eh? Well first time I've ever used them so lets not beat around the bush. The name of Aj's mother as diamond jubilee. Maybe a bit on the nose but I thought it fit. What with it being a large green apple (which I already decided on before getting the name) and also a cooking apple which appealed to me for various reasons. Stoke of luck really having a DJ be a big green one. Which oddly I have in mind for a sort of prequel story for Big Mac. Anyway I'm rambling.

Next chapter will be in up a week or so. I have finished it. Sort of. Actually came up with three alternate versions, none of which I'm very happy with. Worst comes to worse and I haven't written a better one soon I'll just the one I like best and go with that.

chapter nine

Walking into town on his own was not unusual to Big Mac. In fact, he did most things on his own. Harvesting, reading, budgeting, and pretty much everything there was for him to do on the farm, he did by himself. Solitarily.

He never complained about it; in truth, he kinda enjoyed it. The silence left him time to think about things. Like whether or not it was possible to eat 40 muffins in one sitting, or to drink both barrels of hard cider by himself, or if he could fly if he really concentrated. The answers to these questions were yes, yes, and no, which he found out one unforgettable night. His ribs still hurt thinking about it.

Would have worked if not for that dang steeple.

Yep, Big Mac was a solo pony; had been as long as he could remember. He wanted the quiet life, and as long as he did what Aj asked of him, every now and again he got it. This was one of those times. Picking up the Cutie Mark Crusaders.

Lesser ponies would have run in fear, but not Big Mac. He knew how to handle them. Stay out of the way and keep quiet.

‘Course, this was his way of dealing with anypony. Except one, maybe.

Big Mac always thought himself a feeling kind of pony. Perhaps a bit more sensitive than the ordinary pony. So he always trusted his feelings. And besides, when your ideas make you squawk like a chicken while aiming for Cloudsdale, it might be time to stop listening to those thoughts.

Thinking never seemed to work out for Big Mac. Feeling, however, worked out well. Following his heart led him to his own special somepony. Even if they weren't exactly going out. He once urged her to let go and just follow her feelings, but now... Thinking had taken over. They would meet every now and again and talk. Just talk. About life, what they were up to, books, etc. There was one thing they didn't talk about though.

That day at the farm. Her helping him with the harvest, and them kissing in the orchards. It went on for hours, but ended all too soon for Macintosh. They agreed to meet up again, but something was stopping them from talking about the griffon in the room.

Feelings, Mac decided, give you the guts to go for it. But sometimes you have to think about it after, about what you want, and how you're going to get it. In the end, it’s feelings that make you understand what you want, but the thoughts and plans are what help you make it.

OOF!

Thinking led him astray again, it seemed, as he walked straight into the very ponies he was sent to find.

“Hey Big brother.” Applebloom beamed. “Here to take me home fer supper?”

“Eeyup,” he said, and motioned his head toward Sweetie Belle.

“Sweetie Belle’s invited too? Is Rarity there then?” Applebloom asked.

“Eeyup.” He looked around confusedly.

“Is someone trapped in a well Big Mac?” Sweetie Belle asked somewhat excitedly.

“Eenope.”

“Looking for Scootaloo? Is she invited too?” Applebloom asked again.

“Eeyup.”

“How do you do that? Is it like a mental connection, or is he secretly speaking a language I don't know?” Sweetie Belle questioned Applebloom.

“Naw,” the bow-maned filly laughed. “You just gotta know what he’s like.”

Huffing a little, Sweetie Belle and the Apple family started looking for the missing crusader before Applebloom spotted her coming out of the library, her head hanging a little low as if in thought.

“Scootaloo!” Applebloom called, causing her to look up. At the shout, Big Mac looked towards the library, a slight twitch of worry crossing his face.

“Huh? Oh, hey Applebloom. Guess you guys found me. Did I win?” Scootaloo's face sported a crooked grin at the idea.

“Yeah Scoot, but the game’s over now. We're all going back to the farm for dinner. Me, you, Sweetie Belle, and Rarity. You coming?”

“Duh! Will there be pie? Winner pie for me, the best hider in all of Equestria!” She said, subconsciously mimicking her idol.

“Eeyup.” Big Mac's brassy tones rung out.

Slowly walking through the town towards Sweet Apple Acres, the Cutie Mark Crusaders fell into conversation as Big Mac walked ahead of them, his own thoughts still preying on his mind.

“So where did you hide, oh master of stealth?” Sweetie Belle giggled.

“The library.” Big Mac's ear twitched.

“The Library? But how come you didn't stay there if it was such a good hiding spot?” Applebloom asked.

Scootaloo visibly squirmed. She didn't want to lie to her friends, but Spike deserved his privacy today of all days.

“I think Twilight needed some private time,” Scootaloo said. It wasn't a lie, but it wasn't quite the truth either. Still, Spike deserved her to keep the thing secret until he was ready.

Big Mac stopped dead in the street. Something wrong with Twi'? Why the hay am ah still here then? He thought. Sometimes he had to follow his feelings and not his head.

Turning back to the three fillies he looked at them.

“You girls head straight to the farm and don't go nowhere else, you hear?” They nodded. “Now ah have an errand to run and ah might be some time. Tell Granny Smith to keep me some dinner. You understand that?” Again the girls nodded.

Off he galloped towards the Golden Oaks library.

“Applebloom?” Scootaloo said.

“Yeah?”

“Your brother is one weird pony.”

***

“He did what?!” Applejack screamed at nopony in particular.

“He said he had errands to run, sis. What was ah supposed to do?” Applebloom said defensively.

“She's right, Applejack. She is just a filly and he is a full grown stallion. He'll be back soon enough.” Rarity chipped in.

It didn't sit right with Applejack. Leaving three young fillies to walk home by themselves. He was in for a world of trouble when he got home, that much she knew.

“Ah guess you're right. Ah'll tan his hide when he gets back though.”

“And I will help you. Leaving them there was very ungentlecoltly of him.” Rarity agreed.

“Ahem.” Granny Smith cleared her throat. “Now that we know where everypony is, can we get to the eatin’? Ah didn't slave over this here meal for it to go cold.”

“Granny, me and Rarity cooked it,” Applejack deadpanned. “You fell asleep with your hoof in the stew.”

“We all cook in our own ways, little missy. Dontcha talk back to yer' granny ya hear?”

“Yes ma'am,” AJ replied, properly chastised. “Well now. We best get down to eating this grub then.”

With that, they all tucked in. The Apples shovelled their food into their mouths in a way that only family can; with wild abandon, not caring who's watching. Even Sweetie Belle scoffed down the food as if it was her first meal in days. Rarity was obviously a bit more refined in her eating, delicately spearing each morsel of food with her fork. What struck her as odd was that Scootaloo was almost as careful as her. Clumsy, but well mannered.

Something must be troubling her. Rarity thought. She knew Scootaloo was a careful eater, but around her friends she always ate like them. Though for a different reason, she added with chagrin. No, something must be wrong if she's just toying with her food.

Scootaloo, for her part, was barely paying any attention to the meal. She ate mechanically, her thoughts consumed by her earlier meeting with Spike. She is his mother, but not. She thought. She didn't lay him. She just looked after him is all. She's not his real mother. Except, what is a real mother? Somepony who takes care of you. Who tucks you in at night and tries to make you happy. Always asking how you are. Maybe she is his mother. His adopted mother, I guess. But isn't that unfair? He's replacing his own mother with Twilight. How could he do that? I couldn't do it. Pretend that she didn't exist; that mom was... gone.

“What do you think, Scootaloo?” Applebloom asked , staring at her.

“Hmm? Oh sorry I must’ve zoned out a little.”

Applebloom just giggled. “Ah said we could probably get our cutie marks in pie throwing maybe. What do ya think?”

“Oh no ya don't, sugar. You ain't throwin' any of my good pies around. Its for eatin’, not clownin'.” Applejack butted in motherly.

“But sis, what if this is it? Pie throwing could be our destiny! At least this way we wouldn't end up covered in tree sap.”

Sweetie Belle nodded emphatically while Scootaloo just sported a grin. Pie throwing could be a lot of fun, she decided. Least it'd take her mind off things. Applejack shot them a glare that'd put Fluttershy to shame.

A derisive snort arose from the matriarch of the Apple family, causing them all to turn to her.

“Pie throwing. Like yer cutie marks would be like that. Why not just throwing, or food throwing if ya hafta be specific?”

Rarity and Applejacks blood ran cold. They knew what was going to happen next. They could see it on the forming grins of the little fillies and the already present pleased smile of Granny Smith. She may be old, but she still had a few tricks up her non-existent sleeves.

“Gran-” Before Applejack could even complete the word a sickening smack of sloppy food collided with the left side of her face.

“FOOD FIGHT” came the bellowing chorus of the cutie mark crusaders as they launched food at each other and Applejack. Predictably, no one dared throw a crumb of food at Rarity or Granny smith.

SPLAT.

SMACK.

SQUELCH, was all that could be heard as wet food was chucked around the room. Chairs were knocked over by the jubilant fillies careening around the room for any piece for food they could lay their hoofs on. The entire kitchen wall looked like an explosion in an Istallion restaurant, as ketchup and bolognese sauce was messily splattered across it.

Trying to duck for cover behind her beloved hat, Applejack saw Sweetie Belle quickly taken out by a hoof full of mash potatoes and corn by Scootaloo.

Who in the hay made corn? a part of Applejack noticed. Nevermind, Ah gotta put a stop to this.

Standing up on her hind legs, Applejack drew herself to her full height and shouted. “Everypony stop now!”

The effect was instantaneous. Sweetie Belle jumped up quickly to look at Applejack as the rest of the Cutie Mark Crusaders was shocked into stunned silence. Beans slid off Appleblooms outstretched hoof.

That's better. Applejack thought as she internally nodded. Now to put a cork in… Beans? Now ah know we didn't make no...

Applejacks internal rage at things was cut short by a almighty THWACK as the cooked stew smacked moistly like a wet rag to the right side of her face. From that angle it could have only come from one pony.

“Rarity.” Applejack said coolly as the rest of the onlookers turned to the alabaster unicorn trying to be inconspicuous while levitating a pot of stew.

“Yes?” she said feigning innocence.

Applejack looked to the centre of the table. There sat an exceedingly large marrow, the centrepiece for the meal. Taking it in her front hooves, she climbed the table and turned towards Rarity, murder and mischief blazing in her eyes.

“You wouldn't dare.” Rarity said confidently.

“Try me.”

Author's Note

Hmm little bit of story overfill there. I may have to comeback to this chapter at some stage. No plot changes or anything just that the food fight could be a lot better.

I'm definitely enjoying these author's notes. As always comments are appreciated. Would love to know what you think about the Big Mac side story. I'm probably biting off more than I can chew huh? Anyway comments are the greatest thing to see and I'm sorry for being a little late. (I accidently wrote the chapter taking place a few after this. Odd.)

Chapter ten

Humming. It wafted through the kitchen at Sweet Apple Acres like the scrummy apple smell itself.

Standing, drying the dishes all on her own was the mare responsible. Applejack stood humming an old tune that time hadn't managed to muddy just yet. No, instead her memories protected it and brought it out from time to time like an uncut diamond just ready to chipped to reveal the worth beneath, to polish and buff it till it shone.

Picking up speed her little humming became a quiet song as she recited it from memory.

“Been a long time coming, feelings for you. My hearts been skippin' a beat, maybe two.” she sang almost silently.

She hadn't even thought of her mothers song since she lost her. Appropriate that she'd sing it now. All those years ago learning to Applebuck young Aj liked to nothing better than to just listen to her momma sing that song. It was probably why she was so bad at applebucking back then, pleading her mom to sing that song for Celestia knows how many times before she'd ruefully shake her head and oblige her.

According to Diamond it was about her and her daddy. A love song bout how much they meant to each other, how they respected each other. But right now it seemed to be about expecting something Applejack thought. Diamond would sing it everyday while applebucking her favourite tree.

“Right now you're weak but you'll be strong. I know where there's a place that you belong.”

She wasn't sure what her head was trying to tell her but it was trying awfully hard thats for dang sure.

“I cannot believe you did that.” Rarity said as she walked into the kitchen.

The alabaster unicorn was still a little moist from her extensive showering. Those bits of marrow had gotten all over her coat and mane. Even now after what could only be politely called “marinating” in the bath in a vain attempt to rid her of all the vegetable detritus lodged about her pony, little flecks of marrow still stubbornly clung to her fur and mane.

Walking over to Applejack she furiously attempted drying her hair with her towel and magic in a veritable tornado of activity. Of course the result was hilarious as with a weighty POOMF her normally luxuriously curled mane puffed out like Twilight's after a Rainblow dry.

Applejack snickered.

“Looks good on ya' Rare.” she said.

“Har de har Applejack, I will have you know that this is all the rage in Jamareca. They are doing terrifically bold new statements with fashion these days.” She said haughtily, though as she caught sight of her violet afro in a reflection on a pan she added “but perhaps my usual style is better for me. More class I should think.” and with that her horn lit up in a suspiciously golden light as she cast the spell to set her hair. In an instant it was transformed back into the curls she so loved, albeit a little less groomed than usual.

“Much better sugarcube” Aj said approvingly. Rarity blushed a little at the compliment but decided to wade through her embarrassment.

“Thank you darling. Do you need a hoof with that.?”

“Nope ah got it. Can't have guests doing all the dishes, and besides..” she said setting down the last dried dish with a clink. “ it's all done. Now how about me and you make up some hot chocolate for those little devils before y'all head home?”

“That sounds wonderful. Here allow me.” Rarity levitated the plates back into the cupboard while Applejack fetched the necessary utensils for the drinks. And a few marshmallows.

The rest of the beverage making past in comfortable silence. They swiftly made the hot chocolate as each delicately brushed past each other as the made everypony's drinks. Every time they did Rarity felt as if she was going to implode with the touch. Each whisper of Applejack that came achingly close to her threatened to knock her senseless.

All to soon the forced close contact ended as she levitated all the cups and trotted into the eerily quiet living room with Applejack following behind, a smile resting easy on her face.

The sight that greeted each them wasn't really what they expected.

Sitting in her chair silently snoozing was Granny smith. That was almost to be expected but what was not was the three fillies lying together in a haphazard dog pile on the sofa. Scootaloo lay a little on the outside with Sweetie Belles head on her back as Sweeties toungue lolled out onto her fur as she snored gently. Applebloom lay on top of her but on her own back with her hind legs stretched out as if she fell asleep while trying to push both girls of the sofa. It was a rather odd tableau to say the least.

“Heh.” Applejack huffed in a whisper. “Now if that don't beat all. Guess today plum tuckered them out. Guess we're having a sleep over tonight.” Rarity opened her mouth to protest before Applejack continued. “Darlin' you're staying here tonight. We gots plenty of room and well it'd be might rude just to send you out after throwing a giant marrow atcha'” Applejack turned her head away at the end as to hid her scrunched up face.

“Ah'll go get the sleeping bags.” She called quietly over her shoulder as she tip-hoofed up the stairs.

When she returned Rarity was sitting on the floor, legs tucked underneath her in front of the fire with two steaming cups of Hot chocolate. Applejack smiled lightly as she pulled the sleeping bag over the tired fillies.

Those girls. Too much energy for their own good sometimes She thought good naturedly.

Still tip hoofing she went beside her unicorn friend and sat down, placing a sleeping bag each beside both of them.

Nothing was said.

Instead they just lay there drinking their chocolate in silence, each waiting for the other to break it. Before long Rarity bit the bullet and talked.

“Darling I do not mean to be rude but earlier on I heard you singing. I did not know you had such a lovely voice.” She said in a whisper, leaning close so Applejack could hear.

“Oh ah don't know about that lovely voice stuff but yeah ah was singing. It was something my momma used to sing about her and pop. Just their own private love song ah guess.” Applejack looked down at her hooves embarrassed.

“That's very romantic. I scarcely recognised your voice you know. It's beautiful Applejack.” With that Rarity looked straight in Applejacks eyes. Those two emeralds sparkled more than other gem she had ever seen. The entire cosmos was contained in each lush green sphere as Rarity was transfixed.

“Thanks Rarity.” As she looked up to see Rarity looking at her, those blue eyes pierced her very soul. Those sapphire irises had more warmth in them than anything she had ever seen. For her the only thing she could she was the glistening eyes of the pony opposite.

But another pony could see them. One little filly who should have been asleep was watching the entire thing.

“Ya know Rare'” Applejack started, never once taking her eyes off of Rarity.

“Yesss?” she replied leaning ever closer. Their muzzles barely inches apart as she could feel the heat of Applejacks breath. Her fur was on end by being this close.

“Sometimes sugarcube things happen. Ah'm a farmer so ah know when somethings are meant to happen, when you give them time to mature and grow to understand what they are and what that something is meant to be.”

“Yessssss?” Rarity replied once again almost nose to nose with Applejack.

“And sugar ah think its time for that something to happen.” Applejack said as she crossed the final distance between them, pressing her lips against Rarity.

A low, light moan emanated from Rarity's throat as Applejack pushed their lips firmly together. The moment they touched it had felt as if lightening had struck her, she suddenly felt too warm and tingly all over as her nerves fired into overdrive with the pure bone aching need to touch, to feel every inch of the pony beside her.

All too soon the kiss ended as Applejack snuggled up to Rarity as she draping a sleeping bag over them and held her tight. Rarity just sighed and lay her head down on Applejacks shoulder. She could wait for now. Right now she just wanted to be held tightly in Applejacks strong hooves.

As they all fell asleep unicorn, earth pony and filly pegasus a marshmallow melted in an untouched hot chocolate.

Author's Note

Surprised? I know I am. Did not expect this to be written for hearts and hooves. Not that I'm complaining mind just surprised. Just a little not the song used is aviators lights. It was originally going to be autumn leaves by tarby but changed it last minute. I think this fits better anyway.

Other side note. You have no idea how tempted I was to have Granny smith wake up and before they could kiss. I was honestly this close to doing that but meh I'm in the lovey dovey spirit and it feels good to final have that Rarijack I promised. Hope it was worth the wait.

:eeyup:

Chapter twelve

Two weeks later.

Applejack lay in the west field, a warm breeze trickled over the hills and blew against her muzzle gently as she looked towards the sunset.

Celestia's bronze disk seared the acres in a glorious, heavenly light that seemed to cascade down like a waterfall of sunny heat.

She never got tired of looking out over her families fields. Her fields. She was the fourth generation of Apples in Ponyville and she knew as sure as sugar that she wasn't going to be the last. The Acres and the Apples would be here much longer after she had gone. Somehow that thought comforted her. That no matter how short her own existence, some part of her and of her family would endure. She even for this brief while was part of something so much bigger than herself.

Comfort wasn't the only reason she liked to stay in this part of the farm. True it held the best view of the sunset as it lazily dipped below the three hills on the horizon, but the another reason for coming here was that it was the most secluded. Sweet Apple Acres was unusual for an Equestiran farm as instead of being a perfect square, the western portion stretched out, far towards the grasslands and uncultured fields that lay beyond its borders. After the western part of the Acres there was nothing for tens of miles until you reached Trottingham. While the rest of the farm was encroached by the Everfree, other farms or even Ponyville, the west remained wild and unfettered. Free as far as the eye could see.

Coming here was the best place Applejack could go to let her own thoughts run as free as the west.

She was trying, Celestia, she was trying to get on board with Big Mac dating Twilight, truly she was. But, there was something stopping her. Something she didn't even want to admit to herself.

Darling, you know you're going to have to talk about it sooner or later. the Manehattanite voice was back again, fast becoming a constant voice of reason inside her head.

Ah know, ah know Applejack answered ah just don't know what to say to her. Let's be marefriends seems awful stupid to me.

Is that what we're talking about? I thought... oh nevermind we'll get back to that.

Get back to wut?Aj asked internally.

Nevermind that now. We'll get back to that next. Now what's this problem with Rarity. I thought this was all sorted. Granny Smith approves, you already know that your friends will be supportive of your new relationship, Rarity loves you and you love her so what's the problem?

Whoa, whoa, whoa, now hold on a sec there sally. Ah never said that ah loved her. Ah just like her is all.

The voice in her head didn't even bother to reply to that piece of stupidity. Opting instead to emit an almost unbearable smugness, it seemed to Applejack, with overtones of patronisation. As if it was saying. 'Of course you don't. How adorable.'

Darling stop it. We both know you are just inventing problems, to avoid tackling the real issue here. One that actually could harm a few of Relationships.

Oh really? An' what relationships are you inferring to miss Fancy-britches. Ah ain't that kinda mare. Applejack thought annoyed now.

Really dear, do not be so obtuse. I mean not only could it hurt your budding relationship with Rarity but the current one you have with your friends and family. It's what I eluded to earlier. Your brother. You have been avoiding Macintosh for two weeks now, even your good friend Twilight has felt the cold shoulder as you purposely ignore them. They are in love and you cannot even look at them, let alone stand to be near them. You are hurting them by snubbing them.

T'aint snubbing them. Just don't feel like talking to them that's all. Applejacks nose scrunches a little at the lie.

You are a terrible liar Applejack Apple. I know why you are not talking to them. You cannot bear it can you? You really do think that Macintosh will hurt her. That you will end up hurting Rarity. You are afraid are you not?

No.Applejack thought vehemently. She shook her head back and forth. She had heard enough, she didn't want to be here anymore, she didn't want those memories back in her head.

He's not like him Applejack. The Manehattanite voice said. You are not like him Applejack.

Applejack kept shaking her head as she began to silently cry.

You are not like your father Applejack.

Don't you dare. She impotently warned.

Applejack, sugar. He's gone and you are nothing like him. You and Macintosh are- the Manehattanite voice was overridden by Applejacks internal yelling.

- exactly the same. You thought the same about him once. That he wouldn't abandon us. That he would love us an' stay but you were wrong, Momma. You were wrong.

It was stunned silence in Applejacks head for a while. After a few minutes, once Aj had stopped her crying her Momma's voice answered her.

Darling, I know. But I'm not wrong about you or Macintosh. My children. You two are the most dependable ponies I know. Do you really think that you could hurt Rarity that way? Or that Big Mac could hurt Twilight like that? Of course not. You are my children, you hear me? Stop beating yourself up for his mistakes. You are not him. You make your own destiny in this world Darling.

With Applejacks head quiet again, she looked to the setting sun. She knew that she had some apologies to make, some things to say and some ponies to see but for now she just wanted to watch the sunset.

She wouldn't run from anything anymore.

Back in Ponyville, in a room where one little filly slept, something was wrong. Ever since she moved into Rarity's home, her home she supposed, the nightmares had returned stronger than ever. She hadn't told anybody yet as she didn't know what to say. Scootaloo was a brave pony. Not some little chicken. She knew they were only dreams but... they still frightened her.

Fast, frantic muttering broke through the fitfully sleeping fillies mouth.

“No. Don't” were some of the words that managed to be clear enough to make out. But for the most it was just unintelligible. One thing was clear though. They were spoken in fear.

In her dream Scootaloo was in a field miles away from anywhere. Rain plastered itself to her fur, running down in greasy driblets as it mixed with her the hot tears streaking down her face. Through the tears and the rain she could barely see anything. The sky above her was as black as pitch while forked lightening flashed through the sky in contempt at the earth, illuminating all around it.

There was one thing though that the darkened sky did not hide. One thing that even the flashes of angry white scorching light could not have revealed. She didn't have to see it, she knew it were it was. There on the ground just ahead of her was a limp form. Scorched feathers floated down around the charcoaled lump, because it was a lump now. It had been something else, somepony else before it had been struck out of the sky.

As Scootaloo walked ever closer to the lump its crispy flesh crackled and sizzled with the remaining heat of the lightening strike. The first thing to hit her was the smell of overcooked meat. It was not something she had every smelt before as like all ponys she only ate vegetables. This was a sickening smell of fat searing and bones melting together only to be fused by the sudden coolness.

Pausing she retched. Yet she had to continue towards the lump. In her mind she called out in terror to stop herself but the dream filly did not slow instead moving inexorably towards the blackened lump.

She was level with it now. Close enough to feel the remaining heat. She tentatively reached out with her right forehoof to jab the lump. When she connected it rolled over in a squelching thud. If she hadn't already been sick this sight would have made her. The squelching mass lolled showing its underside to the frightened filly.

She wasn't prepared for this. No matter how many times she had the dream she was never prepared for it.

It was a face. IT had belonged to her mother. One side of it was melted into the lump, the other stared outwards in terror. That lone side with its eye looked at Scootaloo. The heat of the lightening strike had evaporated the very liquid in the eye causing it to droop mournfully outwards. Scootaloo thought it was boring into her very soul with its reprehensible gaze.

“No.” She whispered seemingly scared by her own words.

Shaking her head to try to add conviction to her tone, to try to shake off this terrible image she looked back at her mothers face.

It had shifted.

Rarity's face now looked at her.

Screaming she woke up, drenched in sweat.

Author's Note

Wow, things got a little dark there didn't it?
Wonder how many of you called who the voice in Aj's head was.

Anyway yeah that got a little dark. I can imagine this being a real decisive thing for people reading this fic. Perhaps this too far in what is supposed to be a happy ship fic/ adoption story. I debated scrapping these scenes out entirely but since the dream sequence was written basically since about chapter 2 and I couldn't think of a better way to out Aj's conscience voice, this will be probably stay.

I might go back and add in some more detail to Aj's daddy issues and possibly have Big Mac appear. If not that'll be a separate chapter later on.

Chapter thirteen

Rarity woke up in a daze. A terrible scream was in the air. Springing to her hooves she rushed towards the frightful sound. It seemed to be coming from Scootaloo's room? Forcing the door open with her magic she barrelled inside. In front of her the little filly was lying in bed, kicking the covers off her and with that awful noise still erupting from her lungs like tea-kettle screeching as it goes off the boil.

'Scootaloo?' Rarity says as she shakes the filly. Her gentle shakes do nothing to bring Scootaloo out of her nightmare.

Rarity can hear some words fearfully mumbled from Scootaloo's lips as a thick rivulets of sweat dribbles down her face. She hopes that just misheard them but she somehow doubts it. Now she knows that her worst fears are being confirmed with each nightmare-fuelled admission.

'Scootaloo?' She calls again this time shaking harder, wanting desperately for her wake up and this nightmare to be over. She can't even think what this filly has went through and wants even less for her to relive it.

Rarity is still shaking her when Scootaloo screams a final time, a screeching fearful noise

'Rarity!' Scootaloo is wide-eyed and frantic as her breath comes in thick ragged gulps.

Rarity picks her up in her forehooves and hugs her close to her chest, the sweat sticks close to her fur but she doesn't care. All that matters right now is the filly in her hooves.

'There' she croons 'there, there. It's alright now. I'm here and you're safe, my darling. You're safe'

Scootaloo's heavy breathing slows as she closes her eyes and buries her head into Rarity's violet mane;her hair is warm and frizzed, odd for the usually perfect mare. The smell of her light perfume and the soft soothing assurances help to calm Scootaloo down but she is still shaken from the dream.

'I thought...' Scootaloo begins but cannot finish.

'It's ok Darling. I am here. You are safe and so am I. Everything is ok.' Rarity says quietly.

It was a tree. Just a tree.

To most anypony else, it was simply that. A tree.

To Big Mac and his kin it was his mother's tree. Old Bloomberg had been on this spot since before the apples were. Nearly every tree for as far as the eye could see was of her blood.

Wood Big Mac supposed.

Whenever he needed to clear his head he always came here, to his momma's tree. In truth Diamond Jubilee wasn't buried anywhere near here but it always felt that here is where she resided. The ancient gnarled bark seemed more loving and warm than any hunk of rock in Manehattan, Big Mac seemed to think. She was always so full of life, hard to think of Dj apple cold and unmoving as the stone that topped her instead of the growing and protecting apple tree that she cared for like a sister. It's branches seemed to stretch out over the fields, reaching out over the hills and valleys as if to shield it from some harshness unseen, that would never be seen as long as Bloomberg had a say in it.

Course, that was a while ago. When Diamond finally died it seemed so did the tree. As if it just gave up. No matter what Big Mac tried when he was a colt, the tree never seemed to respond. The once strong branches seemed withered and crooked, bent with age and sickness. The thick bark crusty and damp, riddled with critters that ate it from the heart out. Turning a once mighty tree into a living husk.

The tree looked how he felt back then, after she died. Dead inside, trying to protect and nurture the farm but it all felt hollow.

Not like when he first met the tree.

He had gotten his Cutie mark on Bloomberg back when he was colt. He was barely older than Applebloom is now when his mother took him out for Applebucking. He strode purposefully, wearing his harness (a mite big on such a small colt) to Old Bloomberg. When they had gotten right up beside it Diamond had lay down her hat and embraced the tree, all beatific smiles and warm thoughts as she almost cradled it.

'Momma, why are you doin' that for?' the cherry red colt asked.

Diamond just turned and hugged her boy. 'It's all part of the magic son.' she said happily. 'Try it.' she gestured with her hoof towards the tree as she let go of the hug. 'I think you and she should get better acquainted.' She tittered.

Nervously Big Mac walked up to the giant tree, that seemed to tower over him, it's imposing height that stretched skywards.

'Uh, hi ma'am, uh tree.' He said feeling a little foolish.

'Bloomberg, darling.' Diamond supplied. 'Her name is Bloomberg.' The love was thick in her voice.

'Bloomberg' Big Mac repeated the awe creeping into his voice. For the first time Big Mac actually saw Bloomberg. Her sturdy trunk, her all encompassing limbs that shouldered the burden of protection and providing for farm, the red apples like on momma's flank that shone like natures jewels, just ready to be picked and eaten.

His eyes wide with wonder he softly leaned forward and hugged the massive tree in his tiny arms. A mouse hugging a elephant. 'Hi Mrs Bloomberg ma'am' he said as his arms tightened around her.

His rump felt warm but he didn't want the hug to end. It was as if he understood it, understood her and everything that she did.

'You know what's special about earth ponies don't you Macintosh?' His mother asked from behind him, the grin was audible in her voice.

'No momma' he replied not breaking the hug, instead doubling the intensity of it. Whatever she was going to say would be important, somehow he knew that.
'What makes earth ponies so strong and dependable, what makes our own magic work and grow all this food for our friends and family, why we have such a deep tie to the land, son?'

'Eeyup, ah think ah do momma.'

'Go ahead son, say it.' Diamond encouraged, proud of her first born.

'It's …'

Thunk.

Something struck Big Mac square on the head, fishing him out of his day dreams.

'What in tarnation?' Big Mac asked, shaking his head to dispel the knock he received. Looking around he found the offending instrument. A bright green apple.

Picking it up in his right hoof he looked closer at it, as if unbelieving what it was. It was a Diamond Jubilee, the same kind that adorned his flank. He swept his gaze around to see if he could spot where it had come from, if anypony had thrown this at him as some kind of prank but there was nopony around. Just him and the trees.

That thought caused him to glance up, as another apple struck him on the snout. This time a smaller red apple. He knew what this apple was, as sure as he knew most apples. This little red apple he thought was a beauty when allowed to ripen fully, the sweetest apple you could ever eat once it was ready. Course, it was always tricky to grow them. Raritan apples are fussy things.

But wait, Big Mac thought as he looked back into Bloomberg's foliage. There above him like stars across and emerald sky hung the most delectable apples he had every seen. Raritan apples grew in bunches side-by-side with the large Diamond jubilees, proudly looking over them it seemed to him.

Two, different breeds growing on the same tree? It was a miracle, it was magic, it was...

Big Mac knew then what was mother was saying all those years ago, what makes earth ponies different, what makes them strong and dependable. What makes them who they are.

It could be their greatest weakness but it was also their greatest strength. It had wounded him when his mother died, making a walking shell of a stallion but it had helped him with his family, with Twilight. It could move mountains and travel distances, it could heal the wounds in his heart. Not entirely but it could give him the strength to carry on, to live.

He knew what the magic was now, as he did all those years ago and now he was going to fix it. First he had to see Twilight then onward to his sister.

Time to repair the damage that was done. As Big Mac knew, friendship was a powerful magic. It stopped Discord and Sombra. But it wasn't his magic and it paled behind this magic. In fact friendship was nothing without it. Merely the first hoof towards the destination.

He was going to fix this problem with his sister with the most magic he knew. Time to heal the wound.

And love heals all wounds.

It was a rock.

Slate grey with words etched onto its surface below a symbol of two thunderbolts.
“Here lies Firefly. She died as she lived. Riding the lightening.”

That was all it said. It didn't say how she got her cutie mark during the great storm of Cloudsdale. It didn't say how much she used to laugh, snorting like a buffalo. It didn't mention how much her eyes shone with and intangible zest for fun and adventure. What else could it have said? How she was the youngest mare ever to audition for the Wonderbolts and be accepted, only to turn it down for mysterious reasons. That when she died she was stuck in a dead end job barely making ends meet, the life grounded out of her by harsh reality and loneliness. Maybe it should have mentioned the reason for all these choices. Why a mare in the prime of her life would turn her back on the bright lights and money.

It could have least mentioned her daughter.

Scootaloo sat in front of the gravestone just staring at her mothers cutie mark.

She had never been here before. She hadn't even known they had buried her. She thought... she didn't know what she thought about what had happened to her. She had pushed it all from her mind. Never wanting to know.

But she had to know. She knew Rarity now knew about her mothers death but she had never told her how it happened. What happened after or why she ran away to begin with. Things had changed so much in the past few years. She had only moved to Ponyville when it happened. The accident and why she kept running.

She wasn't signed up for school yet and with just moving to the small town nopony noticed her. Her mothers death was chalked up as a tragedy by the council but she was never mentioned. As far as anypony knew she didn't exist. It was tough those first weeks. Hiding in her old house too scared to leave. The lightening had claimed her mother and she was frightened. She had lost the only Pony who cared for her. Her mother and only friend. She never wanted to leave the house if she could help it. How could she? Everything out there was cold and hurt. Here she was safe. She had food and everything she needed right here.

It didn't last long as strange ponies soon came around the house on the edge of Ponyville. Scared of what they might do to her if they found her she hid from them in a cupboard under the stairs. But she could still hear them.

“And here we are.” A male pony with a all too sweet voice said as a door swung open. “The lot in question.”

“What do you want me to do boss?” A gruff voice asked. He trotted into the house following his 'boss'.

“My lowly freight crate, I want you too pack all this crap while I inspect the place. It goes on the market next week to recoup the towns losses. And anyway where Firefly is she doesn't need the bits hmm?” he laughed while Scootaloo shivered in her hiding spot.

“You got it boss. But uh don't you think we should wait until some family come forth or sumthin'”

Another laugh broke through the air again. A great booming laugh dipped in sugar it was that cloyingly sweet to Scootaloo's ears. This was a bad pony the little filly thought.
The laughter stopped as a thwack sounded throughout the house and Scootaloo gave a little frightened yelp. Luckily the painful scream of Freight drowned it out.

“Think idiot.” The sugar pony said angrily. “ We don't want any relatives to come forth. We want to sell all this rubbish. If we do that then we'll swell the public coffers immensely not to mention my own. And besides I doubt this failed wonderbolt had any family. If she did I would take care of it.”

Scootaloo trembled with fear at that. A hundred thoughts screamed through her brain. Most telling her to run, to abandon the house and get as far away as possible. But she couldn't. She was rooted to the spot with fear. She stayed there for what seemed like an eternity, her breath coming in rapid and shallow, too scared to do anything but listen for what she knew was coming. He'd find her. Surely he would.

Her breath quickened even more and her blood thundered through her veins. He'd find her. He was going to find her and take care of her. This thought reverberated inside her skull as the ground shook with slow hoofsteps. Each step resonated through the wood, wobbling them and Scootaloo. He was going to find her.

Then the front door closed. A key turned in the lock and all was silent.

The only noise was her own breathing.

She didn't know how long she lay there. An hour, two. It didn't seem to matter as she waited to see if he was trying to trick her. As if her knew all along she was there and was just toying with her.

But no sound came. She was alone.

Ever so slowly she crawled towards the door of the cupboard. Nudging it gently open with her forehoof she peeked out expecting to see the smiling face of the sugar pony.

“Gotcha” crowed the triumphant Sugar pony as his soulless eyes stared at Scootaloo.

She threw her head behind her hooves as she cowered, waiting for him to do whatever he had planned.

Nothing happened. She looked up and saw only darkness. Relieved at the fact it was only her imagination playing tricks on her she stumble unsteadily to her hooves. Quickly she thought as she raced around the house trying to grab what she could. Checking each room she saw that everything had been cleared out, all except for a few snacks left lying in the trash. It seemed rather than packing them up Freight had just tossed them.

Grabbing the discarded food Scootaloo opened a window and ran. Ran as far as her hooves would carry her. Ran away from the house she had lived in all on her own, away from where her mother should have lived and away from the sugar pony.

Scootaloo blinked the tears away. She hadn't thought about that night in a year. The day she ran and kept running until she found friends.
Still looking at her mothers gravestone she didn't hear Rarity approach her.

“Are you ok Scootaloo?” she asked softly.

“I'm fine Rarity, I needed to see it.” She bit back tears as she talked. “ Could you maybe give me some time with her? Alone?”

Rarity nodded her assent. “ Of course. I will be over there by that tree if you need me.” And just like that she was gone. Not for good just for now as she hovered at the edge of the graveyard waiting for Scootaloo. Her new mother.

When she knew she was far enough away Scootaloo broke down in racking sobs, hot salty tears cascaded down her cheeks as she rocked forward.

She was dead. She knew that of course and had known it for a long time but there was something so final about seeing the gravestone.

Crying she lifted her front hoof to touch the stone.

“I'm sorry mom.” she choked out “ It's all my fault. You wouldn't be here if it wasn't for me.”

Babbling now through her tears she continued.

“You'd be a Wonderbolt if it wasn't for me. A high flying daredevil pleasing thousands. Not here under the cold ground. You'd be up there in the clouds wrestling lightening and playing with thunder. I ruined your life. You gave up everything for me. And what do you have to show for it?” Her voice became agitated now but still carried on, her eyes misty with tears. “Dead. And me? I replace you. You did everything for me and now I replaced you. Oh Celestia, why? I'm sorry. I love you mom but I have a new one now. I'm sorry. I'm suh-ruh-hy” she smacked her little hoof off the hard unforgiving stone as she collapsed into her grief and guilt.

Rarity rushed over, from where she stood she could not help but hear what Scootaloo was saying.

Lifting her in her magic she hugged the orange filly close to her chest and allowed her to cry herself out.

They sat like that for a long time, the only sound being Scootaloos sobbing and Rarity's consoling shushing.

“Scootaloo.” Rarity said moving Scootaloo back to look into her eyes. “You aren't replacing her. She is still your mother.”

“But Rarity...” Rarity cut in not allowing Scootaloo to finish.

“Ah ah ah let me finish dear. Do you think that she'd want you to be alone? The mare who gave up so much for you doesn't want you to have a family? No. I think she knows that for now you need somepony to look after you. I love you Scootaloo as if you were my own daughter. You are my own daughter but I'm not replacing anypony. She isn't truly gone if you remember her. She is still your mother. It's just now I am as well.”

“We won't forget her Scootaloo.” Rarity said fervently.

“ I promise. Mom.” And with that Scootaloo hugged Rarity, her mother. She wasn't here to replace Firefly nor could she. But she could be there. She could be a mother.

The sat there in silence holding each other close before Rarity broke the silence.

“Tell me about her.” was all she asked.

So Scootaloo told her about how she had gotten her cutie mark, the way she would laugh like a snorting buffalo, how her eyes sparkled full of life, how much she gave up including being in the wonderbolts just to raise her. She told her everything and Scootaloo and Rarity remembered it all.

When they turned to leave Rarity cast one spell upon the gravestone.

Below the epitaph lay a new etched sentence.

“Loving mother of Scootaloo. Never Forgotten.”

Author's Note

Wow, it has been a while. Wonder if you can spot which sections were written months ago and which were only added 10mins ago. Actually it'll be pretty easy. I haven't updated in such a long time and honestly I have no excuse. I got bogged down on one particular variation of this chapter that I couldn't write it. Took me until today to just say enough is enough and scrap it entirely, write some new scenes and splice it with what would have been the fourteenth chapter. Still can't believe this fic is that long.

I think that this chapter is a lot different from the earlier ones. The tone kinda shifts around a lot and the original sappy fic that I envisioned is still here somewhere in this heap of cluttered writing. I want to finish this. I will finish this. I'm not going to promise updates since it seems I can't keep to schedule but I will say this, I will finish it. I have always known how this fic was going to end and what the ending scenes will be.

Although the Big Mac has really thrown me for a loop and put a big ole' spanner in the works. Might actually take that whole scene out since it's probably out of place and probably a lot sappier than I wanted it to be.

Anyway enjoy the new chapter, I hope you enjoy it and if you were wondering what I was doing for the last three months,well... Board games honestly. Wil Wheaton has infected me and board games are just too awesome. Ditto for DnD even though I have only had one game and I had to be Dm. Plus it was 4e. Apparently that's bad. Meh, I enjoyed it. Oh crumbs, I'm really being a bit verbose here for no reason and my constant stream of verbal rambles does not show any sign of stopping. I'll just have to pull out the plug with my feet in the hopes that it stops my bloody mindless....

Chapter fourteen

Applejack stood looking out over her hills, the voice in her head quiet now and her eyes still red from the crying. That little internal argument had opened up some old wounds but as granny said “You gots to bleed a little, to heal a lot”. It wasn’t one of her better saying but in this case it rang true. She had bled, her emotions poured from that dirty scab she had ripped off and now hopefully it could heal clean. It wasn’t a perfect metaphor but life wasn’t perfect, heck, she knew hers wasn’t.

There out on the horizon was a red dot and if her tear blurred eyes didn’t know any better she’d say it was getting closer. Rubbing her eyes and squinting at the distant she started to make it out. It was Big Macintosh and he was in a powerful hurry.

Well, no time like the present I guess.Applejack thought, a little chagrined.

She had been avoiding him and now it was time to apologise for all that, and for her pig-headedness. Big Mac was in love and that was a mighty fine thing. With Twilight, yeah, that could take some getting used to but if they were happy, she was happy. Just had to tell him that.
Applejack started down the hill towards her brother, the grass soft under her hooves as she approached him and that’s when she first saw his face, his eyes gleamed with defiance and determination, something she had never seen there before.

Ah, horseapples. This ain’t gonna end well, is it?

“Hey, Big Mac list-“ She began

“No,” Big Mac cut in, “ this time yer gonna listen, little sis.” His emerald eyes bore into hers.

“I’ve held my tongue too long on this farm.” He stepped closer to her, each word punctuated with him inexorably moving forward. “I mean to have my say and you are just gonna shut up until you hear every Luna-forsaken word of it.”

Without waiting for her mute, nodded response he close the finally inches between and grabbed her in his forehooves and
And hugged her.

“I love you, AJ.” Applejacks mouth dropped open. “ Yer, my little sis and I love you. I would not do anything to hurt you but I have. Somehow me and Miss Twilight getting together has hurt you something awful.” He leaned back from the hug, his hooves resting on her shoulders as he looked at her straight in the eyes. “AJ, do you really think I meant to do that? Do you think I meant to hurt you?”

“No.” Applejack shook her head violently.

“Then why? Is it because she’s your friend? I love her. I love her so much that I feel like I’m gonna burst. She’s the first thing I think in the morning and the last thing at night, I can’t live without her and I can’t take hiding it and feeling ashamed about it in front of my family. Don’t you want me to be happy?”

“A’course Big Mac, it’s just…” she trailed off.

“Just what?”

“I was afraid you were going to hurt her,” Big Mac started to say he wouldn’t, that he could never hurt Twilight when he heard the bare whisper of what Applejack was saying. “like momma got hurt.”
It clicked then, the cold shoulder, the overprotectiveness she felt towards her friends, everything. IT all made sense now.

“I’m not Poppa, Applejack.” He said, quietly.

“I know.”

He sighed. “I’m not going to promise I won’t hurt her, AJ” Applejack gasped a little as he continued. “..the same way she can’t promise she won’t hurt me. We’ll fight at some stage, get angry and even for a moment, we’ll hate each other. But under that, through that, I’m still gonna love her. I’m not going to quit when it gets tough, I want to be there for her. Always”. He lifted his hooves from her shoulders before continuing. “Pops had it tough. He had to see the mare he loved fade away in front of him, the vibrant gal he loved was gone and he couldn’t cope. So he drank himself away. That doesn’t make him a bad pony and it doesn’t make him a weak one neither. He loved her and couldn’t take her being gone. He’s gone. But that doesn’t make him me. Or you. Do you understand?”

Applejack nodded, wiping away a stray tear in her eye.

“Big Mac, I’m sorry. I’ve behaved awful these past few weeks. I just needed some time and a lot of shoutin’ at before I realised. Can you ever forgive me?”

“Eeyup.” Was all he needed to say as she flung her hooves around him and tightened them in a hug.

“Back to just one word sentences again eh Big Mac” she chuckled, pressing close to him.

“Eenope.”

After they had hugged themselves out she stepped back before realising something.

“Say, have you told Twilight how you feel for her yet?”

“Eenope.”

“ and I haven’t been back there since.” Twilight finished with a sigh. She lay across from Rarity in the middle of her library. The day was ending and the evening approached as the two friends coffee cooled, forgotten in the midst of their conversation.

“I just want her to talk to me more than Eeyup or Eenope. She’s my friend and she talks to me like I’m a tax collector.” Twilight hung her head at the comparison.

“This will just take time, Darling I’m sure of it. Given time she’ll come around, you’ll see. As much as I hate the concept, patience is a virtue in this case dear.” Rarity finished reaching out with her hoof to Twilight’s.

“It’s been two weeks Rarity, Two weeks and she still hasn’t talked to me has she even talked to you? I didn’t think so” she shouted exasperated.

“Twilight, I just don’t know what to say. Applejack has behaved, well, boorishly, but let’s remember that this is a big deal to her-“

“And it isn’t a big deal to me? I love him, Rarity. Celestia, it hurts to say it but I do and I can’t keep ignoring him because it hurts not to be near him, it hurts that one of my best friends can’t even look me in the eyes anymore. Big Mac told me what she said when he told them about us kissing. I can’t even begin to think how much it’ll hurt her when I say that I want to be with him. Why can’t she just be happy for me? I know that perhaps I’m being selfish to say it but that’s all I want. Him.” Twilight finished her interruption tiredly, deflating form the defiant stance. “Is that too much to ask, Rarity? Am I a bad friend for loving him?”

“Never” Rarity said firmly.” Applejack just needs some time to adjust, that’s all. Relationships are tricky, I can’t even get a handle on my own budding relationship so I can only imagine what you are going through.” Rarity lost herself in her own thoughts for a second before continuing “that’s neither here nor there but what I can tell you is that she’ll come around. She’s stubborn is our Applejack but her heart is in the right place and she sees sense in the end.”

Twilight gave a small nod, comforted.

“I know but it still hurts.”

“Maybe it’s harsh but perhaps that’s how you know it is real. What’s love without a little adversity, a little pain?” Rarity smiled.

“I just wish it didn’t hurt so much, why couldn’t it be easy? I always think about things, Rarity. I plan and plan and where does it get me? I can’t plan this, I just want to feel. Just follow my heart.”

The two mares just looked at each other. There was nothing either could say to that.

“Then do it.”

There was something she could say though.

“Twilight, I just wanted to apologise” Applejack started, she stood in the doorway of the library, her hat grasped nervously in her left forehoof, “first for just bargin’ on in here. That ain’t exactly good manners and….well…” she stumbled before arched an eyebrow at her, Twilight doing the same “ for being plumb ignorant. Ah know ah’ve been ignoring you, snubbin’ ya and that ain’t what friends to. Heck you are family and you don’t treat family like that neither. So ahm sorry.”

Rarity nodded, understanding that the apology was meant for her as well. It wasn’t enough but it was a start.

“And?” Twilight asked cutting through the room.

“And since ah’ve been pig-headed ahm going do us all a favour and move out of the doorway” she replied stepping off towards Rarity.

“What does that-“ Twilight’s voiced choked off as she looked at Big Mac walking through the door.

“Miss Twilight,” his deep throaty voice rumbled full of contentment. “Ah think me and you need to have a talk. Finally.”

Twilight nodded mutely as he approached her.

“Ah love you, Twilight” he said simply.

A surprised Big Mac stood still as Twilight kissed him deeply, pouring all that she had felt in the last few weeks into it, all the pain and anger, the joy and laughter, and most importantly the love.

Nudging a lovestruck Rarity lightly in the ribs, Applejack led her outside the Library to give the new lovers some privacy. It was the least she owed to them considering the hurt she caused them and as she left she swore she could hear Twilight’s voice quietly reply “I love you too, Big Mac.”

Author's Note

What to say about this Chapter? Well first off, since I in many ways ape Applejack, I will do so again. I'm sorry. Sorry this took me so damn long, and the reason for that is myriad and too long to recount so instead I'll simplify. I'm lazy. I got stuck on this chapter so long ago, I went through a few different scenarios (originally none of this was meant to happen and instead it would have been a spa scene with Rarity and Fluttershy talking about certain things) yet nothing seemed to work. Probably because I had never planned this part of the story and it really threw me for a loop. I struggled and stumbled and about twenty minutes ago I managed to knock this up based on an earlier chapter I threw out. Honestly, this is not a chapter I'm happy with but it is a chapter. So at least there's that. To the few still reading "Hello and I'm sorry." Again I'm not going to promise updates (I'm not good at that) but I will finish. The base ending I wanted is still in my head and if I really wanted to I might be able to pare it down to two chapters just to put this story to bed. That's a possibility. Anyway as bad as this is, I hope you enjoy.

Chapter eleven

Tension.

It was the only word that three of ponies at the apples' dinner table could think of.

Each pony slowly ate their breakfast as the Apple family Matriarch's shifty gaze took each of them in turn. She knew her children like the back of her hoof and she knew they were keeping something from her. It was time to turn on the pressure cooker an' let 'em stew in their own juices till they can't take it any more. Each mouthful of her gruel was punctuated with a steely look at each of her grandchildren except for 'Bloom.

Scootaloo could see Granny Smith sitting at the head of the table looking at the two older apple siblings but she had her own thoughts to consume her mind. Maybe she was crazy, but last night she could swear she saw Applejack kiss Rarity, and the thought of her new... carer doing something like that was bouncing around in her skull like Pinkie at a Party. The worst part was when she woke up there was no hint that what she saw had happened. Just Rarity lying by herself. Maybe she was crazy after all. Least it was taking her mind of those other thoughts.

Rarity on the other was wondering something similar as she politely ate her food. Looking around she could see that for the most part things were what she expected. Applebloom and Sweetie Belle eating their food in a drowsy, woke up too soon sort of way. They didn't even seem to be awake enough to talk to one another as they mechanically chewed their breakfast.

Maybe we should have another food fight sometime if it means they do not have the energy to cause mischief for a while. she tittered softly as she batted her coiffure. Though maybe not. It does such a number on ones' hair.

Big Mac was doing what she always assumed he was doing. Absolutely nothing. That's not to say she thought he was lazy or slow or anything of that nature but in all honestly the strong and silent type may work for someponies but it just bored her rigid. Give me a good argument over quiet acceptance any day.

The two ponies who were acting strange,to her at least, was Scootaloo and Applejack. Both of them were sitting facing Rarity with Big Mac on Applejacks left and Scootaloo on her right. Scootaloo still hadn't returned to her usual happy spirits since yesterdays brunch. We'll have to talk soon about what's troubling her. As much as Scootaloo's pensiveness was worrying her Rarity's prime concern was the pony who was trying awfully hard not to look at her.

I swear that mare drives me up the walls. We finally kiss. I will not be foolish enough to believe that it was all just a dream. A more perfect moment I could not plan. Well that simply isn't true, perhaps if we were at a moonlight picnic... GAHH you are getting sidetracked Rarity. she berated herself You are meant to be filled with righteous fury at being scorned this morning. The nerve of her, leaving me to wake cold and alone on a hard floor by the sounds of her granny snoring. I have wanted her too long to be toyed with. Is she ashamed of me?.

“Hmmph” she snorted indignantly causing the mare in question to look up.

Dangit, ahm in trouble Applejack thought as she wiped a dribble of oatmeal of her chin with the back of her hoof.

Applejack had up until this point been avoiding any pony at the table. She knew that only too soon some awkward questions was going to rise up an' she wanted to square them away one at a time. Maybe she could sort them out tomorrow. Or next year. Heck how about ten years, it wasn't that urgent to tell Granny smith and the rest of her family that she may be entering a relationship with another mare. It could wait.

It can't wait dummy. Ya gotta tell 'em soon.

Applejack stared at her hoofs as they fidgeted as she tried to conjure up the courage. She knew it wasn't the sort of thing you blurt out over breakfast but dammit they had to know, besides as Granny Smith stared at her with that knowing glare she could feel the full weight of her need to confess. Ever since she was a little filly she couldn't hide anything from her granny. All the green mare had to do was give her one look and Aj would be sobbing about stealing the last cookie from the jar or whatever childhood secret granny wanted to know. She started sweating. Her head moving quickly from side to side, flicking her eyes around the room but avoiding those eyes. Those horrible truth finding eyes.

She couldn't take it much longer. Rarity stared at Applejack as she stood on her back hooves and started to shout “Me and Rare'...”

But it was deafened by a louder shout from the elder sibling.

Big Mac had gotten to his hooves just a beat faster than Applejack. She had been so stressed that she hadn't seen his own reaction to Granny's truth glare. He was in a sorrier state than Applejack, his yoke slick with nervous sweat.

“Ah kissed Miss Twilight and ah liked it Granny.” he shouted, happy to finally have it off his mind. Though he shuddered knowing full well what was going to happen next.

Everypony at the table stared at him. Sweetie Belle's eyes positively sparkled as she near swooned at the idea that finally Big Mac had a special somepony. Rarity mirrored her younger sister rather well, even going so far as too fall back a little, resting her hoof on her forehead. The rest of the Cutie Mark Crusaders just looked confused with a hint of disgust as one filly thought of her big brother kissing Twilight.

The rest of the group could have been one pony, their faces masks of murderous rage. Yet Granny smiths eyes glittered slightly with a carefully hidden smirk.

“Girls” Applejack said through gritted teeth. “Go play outside for a spell. This here is grown up talk.”

The little fillies started protesting but with one look from Aj they ran outside as quick as their hooves could carry them.

“Now hold on a sec' there AJ” Big Mac said, backing up towards the wall.

“No you hold on a sec' there Casanova.” Applejack snorted out her nostrils. “ You mean to tell me that my brother is tryna rut one of my friends. A friend who you might recall is Princess Celestias personal pro-to-che” Aj punctuated each syllable by jabbing her brother forcefully in his chest. “Surely my brother isn't so stupid as to try that. Surely he'd know that my friends are off limits. That if he dared hurt them, my extended family Macintosh, that not only could it put the fate of Equestria in danger, it'll put one red coated snake n' the grasses hide in danger.” Applejack was very nearly frothing at the mouth with fury as she pushed her head together with Big Macs.

Rarity was stunned. All this anger just wasn't what she was used too from Applejack. All this raw passion to protect her friends from even the possibility of hurt. Maybe it was silly of her but she was so proud of Applejack right now, even if she was acting crazy.

“Darling, calm down.” Rarity used her magic to pull Applejack back, dragging grooves in the floor as she tried to stand her ground. “I'm sure Big Mac has done nothing untoward.” She eyed Big Mac.

“Eenope.” he said flustered.

Finally Granny smith decided to speak.

“Applejack Apple you back sit down on yer haunches right this second or ah'll make sure ya can't sit down right for a week” She said calmly.

Applejack fell back down with a muted thump and a barely heard “Yes Ma'am”.

Oh she's good Rarity thought.

After staring at Applejack to make sure she was doing what her elders and betters told her she returned to Big Mac.

“Macintosh. You better get on up to your room fer a while. We'll talk after ah have a word with your sister about what you been up too.”

“But Granny..” Big Mac protested.

“Ah said to yer room mister.” she fixed him with a hard eyed gaze, almost petrifying him to the spot.

But Big Mac had enough.

“Not til after Ah've had my say Granny.” he growled.

Applejack looked shock and a gasp was heard from the direction of Rarity but the grizzled green mare was impassive. Her face never even flinched as he began to warm up.

“Ahm dating Miss Twilight. We've been sort of dating for a few months now anyhow. But now its official. Ah thought y'all should know and if you don't like it Granny ahm sorry but ah can't change the way ah feel. As long as she'll have me ah'll be there for her.” turning to Aj he continued “and Applejack ahm sorry ya had to find out like this. About me and Twilight. Ah promise ahm not just tail chasing or anything like that. Ya know ah've never been like that. Ah wouldn't hurt Twilight” his voice took on an almost desperate pleading tone as his mouth stumbled around the words he wanted to say. “Ah...well.. ah l..”

“Macintosh. Your. Room. Now” Granny smith spoke seriously, cutting him off with a glare.

Sighing dejectedly he walked out the room his head hung low.

The remaining mares just sat there soaking in what Big Mac had said as his hooffalls echoed around the house only to be silenced by a door closing gently.

For a second there was silence. Rarity didn't know how to break it.

Then all of a sudden loud racking guffaws emanated from Granny smith.

She was almost rolling about the floor as she attempted to curtail her laughter.

“Haw ha ha ha ha”

“Um granny” Applejack asked worriedly “you alright?”

Granny on the other hoof showed no sign that she heard her or that she was going to stop as she just kept laughing, tears collecting in her eyes.

After a few minutes in which Applejack and Rarity just stared at the old earth pony worried and awkwardly, respectively, the laughter began to peter out as Granny smith righted her self and wiped the tears from her eyes with the back of her hoof.

“Oh Celestia, that was a good 'un” she chuckled finally.

“Granny” Applejack started exasperated. “ This is serious. Big Mac is...”

“Ah know what he's doing sugarcube. Ahm not that old.” Granny smith said. “He and yer friend are a couple now. Can't believe it took him so long to tell me after three months of them two making moon eyes at each other”

“You knew?” Applejack all but shouted.

“Course ah knew. Ahm crazy not blind.” she deadpanned. “Surprised you didn't see it either. Dang foals walking around like they was the only two ponies in Equestria.” She shook her head ruefully. “ Anyway good fer him. She seems like a good mare.”

“Granny” Applejack exclaimed. “but shes my friend.”

“You've made yer thoughts clear sugarcube. Do you really think Macintosh would hurt her? The same Macintosh who held a funeral for that butterfly he sat on once.”

“It was a lovely service.” Applejack agreed.

“Besides anypony can see hes crazy for that gal.”

“She's right darling.” Rarity added. “He was all about to confess his love for her right here before your granny tactfully sent him to his room.” She turned to face Granny smith. “ It was very decent of you to do that. Twilight should be the first to know how he feels.”

“Ah happen to be of the same mind myself.” Granny Smith nodded.

“Love?” Applejack was flabbergasted. “ Don't ya think y'all are jumping to conclusions 'bout that? It's a bit too soon for that.”

Rarity and Granny Smith shared a sly look, it seemed to Applejack to say “aww isn't she precious” in the most patronising manner possible.

The two mares started.

“Darling..”

“Sugarcube..”

Rarity looked at Granny Smith somewhat awkwardly before inclining her head for head for her to continue.

“That there stallion is the quietest, kindest one ah know. An just because of the possibility that ah won't take too kindly to him and Twilight he shouted me down and fought me. Me. A mare hes more scared off than any critter in the Everfree. Just because ah might not approve. He is absolutely smitten an ahm betting Twilight is too. We're simple ponies Applejack. We follow our hearts not our heads and that boys lead him straight to yer friend. An when we fall for somepony, we fall fast and hard. Like it was for me, for yer pop , fer Big Mac and probably fer you too. Wouldn't surprise me if him an Twilight got married within a year.” she chuckled. “Better do it soon an make an honest stallion of my boy.”

Applejack was taken aback. She had just learned that her brother was courting one of her friends and now it seems they are as good as married according to her Granny. It was a lot to process in such a short time. She sighed.

“Ah guess it'll take some getting used to. But ahm surprised at you Rarity, being all gung-ho about this here thing.”

“My dear of course I'm supportive of this. I wish nothing more for Twilight to be happy and really a whirlwind romance? How could I not approve? It's like a magic fairy tale I always dreamed of when I was a little filly.” Rarity said eyes a little lost in remembrance.

Typical Applejack smirked. One sniff of romance and she's off. Speaking of romance..

“Granny what did ya mean 'bout how we fall hard and fast'?” Applejack whispered as Rarity remained oblivious in her day dreams of fillyhood imaginings.

“Ah told ya ah was crazy not blind. Ah see the way you an that mare keep looking at each other.” holding up her hooves to stop Applejack spluttering explanations she continued. “ Don't you dare lie to me Applejack. Ah can see that there mare is head over hooves fer you even if you aren't. Ah'll let you two stay in the stable as long as you like, heck since Macintosh has had a few months to sort out how his own feelings you deserve the same courtesy.” She leaned in to whisper with a serious expression on her face “but don't lie to me. Take some time to think about things. Its the advice ah gave yer daddy and it worked out well fer him. He liked 'em fancy as well.” With that Granny smith trotted off leaving Applejack dumbfounded.

“ Where is Granny Smith?” Rarity asked finally snapping out of her daydreams.

“Talking to Mac ah guess.”

“Something the matter dear?” Rarity asked.

Something the matter? Applejack thought. Few days ago ah was single, my brother wasn't trying to snuggle up to one of my best friends and another one of my best friends hadn't just adopted a kid before basically outright saying she was in love with me. Now.

Now my dear A Manehattanite voice cut in Your brother is in love and you could have a new sister, a poor unfortunate girl that you care for has been saved from a life on the streets by the most generous mare you know and that self same mare is in love with you. I think you are doing rather well darling. It may not be simple but life, love and family never are. In the end they are all the same.

Applejack looked up and smiled that lopsided grin that Rarity loved oh so much.

“Darlin' Ah can't think of anything that matters more right now than you.” and with that she reached across and kissed her, not giving a damn about anything but the gorgeous mare that was all hers.

Author's Note

Whoop sticking to the schedule. Give or take a day or two.

Right onto more important things. I'm surprised nobody caught the reference in the last chapter? I thought it was rather heavy handed but I digress. As punishment see if you can find any reference in this chapter.

This has been the longest chapter in a while and well I'm not entirely happy with it but that seems to be a running theme with me,Some of this chapter is kind of important and settles a few things that could easily bog down the fic.

I know you are all missing Scootaloo but this is also a Rarijack fic. Scoots is coming back to the forefront if not the next chapter, the one after that. It's already written and has been since around chapter two. I've just been waiting for the right time to slot it in to the story so to speak which has proved a lot harder than I every imagined. It seems this story has a life of its own and keeps going off in directions I really didn't anticipate.

Also I was looking for a little bit of feedback about the whole twi/mac thing. I'm I going a bit too fast with it or do you just not like it in general. Let me know as I always love reading comments. They are usually so much better written than my crummy fics.

TL:DR
References, Scoots while be main character again soon and please comment, comment, comment.

:eeyup: