"Thanks for your patronage! I hope you enjoy the scones!" Gabby said cheerfully, waving from behind the counter. The hen and her two chicks smiled back quickly and then exited to the outside area. The snow was starting to melt as spring came in, and both hens had woken up early before dawn to clear off the outside sitting tables and chairs. Almost all of them were taken up at the moment, proving their intuition was correct. Business was booming right now.

All the inside tables were near to full, and a couple times they actually had to tell patrons that they were out of seating space. It was a pleasant change of pace. Both hens had been busy all day, making it go by quicker than usual. Behind Gabby in the kitchen, kneading more dough for a sixth batch of baked goods, was Gilda. A happy hum in her throat—most definitely not a purr—could be heard as she worked the material. Purring was too intimate of a sound, and Gilda would still tell others she did not purr.

She started tearing the dough into chunks, shaping the little globs into more appealing forms. She knew it was a horribly hidden lie, those that did know her closely knew she purred when truly happy, as most griffons did, but it still was a touchy subject for her. A small section of her pride still existed deep down inside her that said purring was for dweebs.

Gosh, I haven't called any one a dweeb in a long time. She smirked and set three little rose buns on the baking sheet, brushing each one with butter, before grabbing more dough. Her tail tuft flicked back and forth in contentment behind her as she thought of why.

My life has only improved ever since I moved out of Grandpa Gruff's nest. I love the old buzzard, but man he was holding me back. Three scones were slathered in meat spread, some bacon bits sprinkled in, and then folded closed and set on the tray. She grabbed the remaining dough, flexing her talons into it and loving the sensations it gave her claws.

And then Gabby and I... Gilda fought back a blush as the kiss from a few days ago warmed her heart. We... We kissed. Grover's wings, I never knew what that was like.

She paused, and looked at Gabby as she stood at the counter, her claws tip-tapping on the counter top as she waited for another customer to come in. Gilda felt her neck feathers ruffle up slightly in joy as Gabby looked back and their eyes met. Gabby smiled brightly and gave a little wave.

That kiss had been like lightning in a storm, lighting up everything Gilda had not known she was missing out on. She wanted to be struck by that bolt of love over and over again. She waved back, and then hissed when the dough stuck fast to her claws and she nearly dropped the blob. She flailed, making it worse as she tried to save it from hitting the floor. She managed to, but in doing so succeeded to some how get a small dollop of the gooey stuff on her head.

Gabby laughed and pointed to her. "You um, you're supposed to bake the dough, Gilda, not wear it." She hid her giggles behind her claws. Gilda harrumphed, but smiled.

"Yeah I know! Go back to gawking at customers would ya?"

Gabby stuck her tongue out in reply but it was also with a poorly hidden smile. With deft claws, the glob was removed and Gilda preened her head feathers for a moment. Things were slowly returning to normalcy. while it had only been a few days, Gabby was smiling more. Gail and her daughter Glory had visited the café today, and quietly congratulated the two on their success with the therapy. Glory had chatted it up with Gabby while Gail snuck Gilda some strawberries from her garden. Neither of them were told about the kiss though, Gilda and Gabby fearing it might get out to the wrong birds was a big worry now for both of them.

Gabby had even stayed out of her room for most of the day previously, only slipping in for a couple hours of rest. Griffons needed cat naps after all. She had spent most of the day simply hanging around Gilda, occasionally slipping close for a hug or a nuzzle, but never more. It was pretty obvious that while amazing, the kiss had been a rare moment, a break in Gabby's mountain of fear, and not something Gilda should expect more of, or something she should try for. She wanted to—oh boy did she ever— but things were still rocky.

A rainbow might be pretty to look at, but it's only there because it's raining elsewhere. Gilda thought with a wry smile. She could tell Gabby was trying to keep it all together. Setting the biscuits on the tray and glazing them with butter, Gilda then slid the tray into the oven and closed the lid.

"Take care, thanks for stopping by!" She heard Gabby call out as some customers left. Maybe she should take a page out of Ivy's book, and gently nudge Gabby. Standing from the oven, Gilda walked over and poked Gabby's shoulder, getting her attention.

"Hey Gabs, can I pull ya into the kitchen for a sec?" She asked quietly, watching as Gabby's smile wilted a bit but never left her face.

"Sure Gilda, what's up?"

The two walked back into the area the customers couldn't see, closer to the back door and Gilda made sure she was smiling genuinely, a little worry in her facial features as she did so. Ivy said Gabby was very good at detecting fake emotion, and that Gilda should be as honest as she could be.

"I ah wanted to ask how you're holding up. You doing okay?"

Gabby immediately rolled her eyes and sighed. "Yes, I'm fine Gilda. You don't have to check up on me constantly, okay?"

Gilda spotted the little twitch from Gabby's cheeks as she tried to hide her discomfort. "I'm sorry Gabby, I don't wanna act like Ivy, but she said it would be a good idea to check in on you from time to time, and you've been smiling... a lot. I just wanted to make you weren't masking your emotions is all."

Gabby frowned, her chest fluff puffing up a bit in defense, "Now wait a darn minute, they were real smiles! Don't tell me you're scrutinizing my facial expressions now! I don't need two therapists to—

"A rainbow appears because it's raining some where else..." Gilda cut in, watching as Gabby's eyes widened and she fell quiet. For a few seconds neither of them spoke, and then Gilda leaned in and warbled lightly, a gentle crooning sound that pulled Gabby's gaze back to hers. Gilda made sure she spoke softly. "I'm not trying to be another therapist, Gabby, my Song, I just want to make sure you know I'm here for you when you do need it, ya know?"

Gabby's eyes lowered, her voice fragile as she rubbed her healing arm and looked away. "I... I know."

Gilda nodded after another moment. She tried to perk up with a small smile. "Well, okay then, if you say you're alright, then I'll take your word for it. lets get back to work, I've never had this many customers before." She passed by Gabby, close enough to let Gabby stealthily lean into her side as she did so. "I don't want em breaking anything out there, or they are gonna pay for it."

Claws gripped around her tail tuft, stopping Gilda in her tracks. She glanced back and found Gabby gently holding her tail, the smaller hen was petting the tuft slowly and warbling softly. "Gilda..." She whispered. "M-My Rose?" She whispered the last part like a question, worry in her eyes. She wanted to verify the claim it seemed. Gilda smiled back to her and whispered.

"Yes, my Song?"

Those were definitely the right words to use, because Gabby fluffed up and had several moments of trouble breathing, quick little gasps as she tried to normalize her intakes. Gilda watched, doing what she could to keep smiling. She hated seeing Gabby so scared just trying to have a heartfelt moment with another griffon.

Gabby gently squeezed Gilda's tail tuft, and a real smile graced her lips again. She looked her Rose in the eyes, more confidence present than worry.

"T-thank you. N-not everything is fine, so um, can we talk tonight?" She paused, "M-maybe... in your nest?" Watching Gabby's head and beak nearly disappear into her increasing fluff was adorable.

Gilda blushed as well, nodded. "Yeah, let's do that."

The little trills of happiness that escaped Gabby's beak were the best music to Gilda's ears.

When they exited back into the front area it was perfect timing because two familiar griffons walked into the café at the same time. One was Gunter, the young male tom from the post office. He was super excited to see Gabby and they both chirped happily to one another and scooted aside to have their own conversation. The other was Grandpa Gruff, sour and grumpy looking as ever. He growled at the younger tom to get him to move aside, but when Gunter didn't notice, he then slipped around the two griffons and met Gilda at the counter.

She and him glared at one another as was tradition. "Gilda." He said with a curt nod.

"Grandpa Gruff." She snipped. They glared for a few more minutes before Gruff smirked, "Still got the family glare in tip top shape I see."

Gilda rolled her eyes, but it was with a small smile. " It was the only thing ya bequeathed to me upon my leaving, so of course I do, you did it to me all the time when I was little. Now, are ya here for some coffee and a scone or are you here for a chat?" She emphasized both parts and Gruff looked behind him at Gabby. She was reading over a letter with Gunter and humming in thought, Gilda loved how she always put her claws to her chin when she was deep in a think mode.

Gruff leaned in conspiratorially and whispered behind a palm "How about we go with both."

Gilda nodded with a frown. "I see, I'll try to get Gabby somewhere else then." She went to speak with Gabby but found Gunter and her heading to the door all on their own. Gabby looked back with a grumble. "I gotta go do paperwork at the post office, Gilda, I'll be back... some time in the next hour... probably." She then smiled brightly "Wish me luck!"

Gilda smirked and shouted after them. "Don't stay out too late, check both ways before crossing the street, be back in time for dinner, and don't talk to strangers!"

Gabby hissed back. "Ugh, Thanks mooom!" She laughed though at the end and Gilda smiled as the sound faded away. Gruff watched them leave and gained his own smile.

"Eh it's nice to see her chipper and spry again, little gal needs all the joy in this world, she does." His smile dropped away into a scowl, "Now, get me that scone, the coffee, and lets chat out back."

Gilda quickly snagged a cup from the kitchen, made Gruff his preferred brew style, and grabbed two meat scones just in case. One never usually was enough and the old bird would later act like he paid for two anyway. Grabbing two immediately was a great way to cut that end chit chat out.

She placed her little placard on the counter that read "back in five... ish" and then followed him out the back door. An extra table that Gabby couldn't get to fit in the front area was now sitting out back with the extra chairs they'd also bought. A little sign was also sitting on the table that read "Break table, no naps allowed."

A little chibi version of Gabby's head was off to the side on the placard, the hen smiling with her tongue out, next to the tiny words "unless you're Gabby!" was scribbled onto the card. Gilda remembered chasing Gabby upstairs for ruining her totally professional card with a cute little doodle.

Gruff clambered into one chair while Gilda slipped into the one across from him. He grunted and groused about the chairs being too tall for his old bones, before he had what Gilda dubbed, "his quiet moment." He would sip his coffee, glare at nothing in particular, take a bite of his scones, and then sit there for several seconds in silence.

This process would repeated a few times before he'd grunt and sit straighter, signaling to Gilda that the serious talk was going to happen. They'd had three of these little conversations in the past few days since Gabby and her had returned from Ivy.

Gruff set his cup down and pulled a slip of paper from under his wing, along with a manila yellow envelope. "Now that I've had a bite to eat and a nice cup, I feel we should get to the heart of the matter. I found some info on those names you gave me. The ones Gabby said in her therapy session."

Gilda nodded. The names had been burned into her memory since the incident had happened. She couldn't get to the dad, him being deceased and all that, but the others who had hurt Gabby? Oh they were in for hell.

"What have you got, Gruff?" She said, subconsciously scooting forward. Gruff slid three sheets of paper from the folder, each one with a picture clipped to it. He passed them over to her, keeping the fourth to himself, and spoke as she looked them over.

"Of the six other griffon toms who took part that horrible day, I found these three remaining alive. The others are either outside of Equestrian territory, or are already dead. One of them mostly likely is as he was well beyond being into his senior years when he arrived at Gabby's. Ya never can be sure without finding a death certificate though, so I've got a couple birds discreetly looking into it."

Gilda hummed. "I don't wanna leave anything left to chance, age can be deceiving, you're still here after all."

Gruff growled and scarfed down his first scone. "I swear your words are sometimes sharper than your claws were when ya was a little pile of feathers in my home."

Gilda read over the files.

Godmer Griffon, middle aged tom, kestrel and snow leopard colors. Worked at a refinery mill down in the valley. On probation for stealing bits from the main vault, and harassments charges. Multiple assaults' charges in his record, several counts of battery and abuse on his ex wives. Two restraining orders from separate families. Not allowed near children. registered sex offender.

Gindle Griffon, senior tom, eagle and bengal tiger mix. Retired and in an old folks home out near Horse Shoe Bay. On twenty-four-seven supervision for multiple molestation and rape charges and not allowed near females of any species. registered sex offender.

Grawsengire Griffon, mid thirties tom, peregrine falcon and river cat mix, life long monk in a monastery in upper Griffonstone, registered sex offender. always supervised, not allowed sharp implements of any kind, claws and beak need regular filing. never leaves grounds, never flies.

Gruff reached over and tapped the last one, Graws' file. "That last tom I personally visited yesterday. If any one of these bastards ya don't have to worry about, it's him. Bird's a basket case, the damn griffon cut his own wings off two weeks after he hurt Gabby, had a mental break down over what he'd done, tried to off himself. The local folk found him nearly dead on some random rocky cleft high in the mountains and took him to the hospital. When he woke, he told em everything he'd done, and then tried multiple times to finish his job."

Gilda recoiled slightly. Losing one's wings was a horrible thing to have happen...but to do it to themselves? She shuddered. "Well then he's off my shit list I guess..."

"They all are, Gilda." Gruff said, furrowing his brow.

Gilda looked shocked. "Excuse me?" She stabbed a claw nearly through the papers, "These griffons hurt Gabby and I'm not gonna let em just fly off scott free!"

Gruff nodded. "Aye, but you aren't able to do much to em now. Trust me I checked."

Gilda snarled, "Like hell I can't! I can still beat the living sh—"

Gilda was cut off as Gruff pounced onto the table, looming over her. "You'll end up in jail if ya do that ya daft whelp!" He swiped the three papers out from under her claws, and waved em about. "All three were charged and found guilty of the crimes they committed against Gabby. All three were sent to jail, and did their time for it. All three have been punished by the law for what they did."

"Well they haven't been punished by me!" Gilda hissed, standing and going beak to beak with Gruff. "Fuck the law, they all deserve to d—"

Gruff slapped Gilda hard across the beak suddenly, making her squawk in surprise. Her nape was grabbed and Gruff pinned her to the table with a snarl of his own. "YOU AREN'T THE LAW!" he roared into her face.

Gilda had genuinely forgotten how fast and terrifying Grandpa Gruff could be. Even in his old age, he was formidable. Age really did breed experience and all that. He'd only ever smacked her when she was doing something truly stupid, and never as hard as he just did. He only roared at her when the same was true, and never had it been that loud or vicious. She lay pinned against the table by his firm claws on her nape, eyes shut, wings down, tail tucked. Her memories of his tirades of anger being long ones made her keep quiet.

She expected more harsh words, more snarling, but got silence in return. Cautiously, she opened an eye and found the old bird looking down at her with the most hurt and fearful expression she'd ever seen on his face. A tear, crystal pure, fell to her cheek, and she blinked in shock as he let her go, and simply slumped back into his chair. His wings shook as he curled them around himself.

"N-never try to be the law, lass, or you'll soon find yourself underneath it's power, and you'll lose so much because of it." He swiped at his eyes and hissed at her when he saw her watching. "I get where you're coming from, Gilda, I do. I was there several years ago when a poor, broken, and beaten hatchling was found huddled in my pantry after she'd escaped her dad's clutches, trying so hard to blend in with the potatoes... so much fear in 'er eyes."

He sucked in a ragged breath. "N-never again I vowed, would a child look that scared under my gaze. Ever since Gabby's been in my care I've done what i could to keep her, you, and Gallus safe. I tried to teach ya what was important, and dammit, you need to listen when I say not to go above the law. Especially on this, Gilda."

She merely nodded, too shocked to speak. Gruff never showed weakness like this... then again, Ivy said crying was actually healthier, so maybe Gruff was stronger than she gave him credit for.

Gruff took a couple moments of silence to calm himself and then he reached for his cup, but found it empty. Gilda quickly rose and went inside to get him another. When she returned, he accepted the new cup. "Thanks, lass, m'sorry for smackin ya." He murmured.

Gilda just looked away, "The only time you ever hit me was when it was seriously important and I wasn't paying attention, so I guess I needed it?" She angled it more like a question and Gruff nodded.

"Aye, ya needed it less than I thought ya would over the years. I'm proud of ya fer that."

Gruff sipped his coffee, watching Gilda as she preened her nape and got it back in order. "So," Gilda said after she felt better. "You say you understand where I'm coming from, but then you say not to go...deal with them myself, because the law already has, but why not?"

He looked at her over his cup. "Yer not gonna drop it are ya?"

Gilda glowered at him. "No. especially not after the way you reacted just now."

Gruff sighed and slid the last piece of paper over to her, and she noted how he seemed to be bothered by the action, like he didn't want to give her the slip of paper at all. "I was hoping I'd never have to show you this, but read that first." He said with a very dour look on his beak.

Gilda looked perplexed by his tone, it sounded...remorseful. She let it slide for now and started reading. The paper was stamped two weeks after she'd moved to Equestria to go to flight school, and then she'd met Rainbow Dash. Gruff had sent Gallus to Zebrica for a three year trade school, and Gabby had been handed over to one of Gruff's ex's for the time, said ex hen worked in the post office so go figure that that was where Gabby would take to like a fish to water.

"By the Griffonstone's court appointed judge, in agreement with the Equestrian tandem laws, we find Gruff Griffon, court appointment guardian of Gilda, Gallus, and Gabby Griffon, guilty of all charges, and hereby declare him imprisoned for five years at the Equestrian reformation penitentiary."

Gilda blinked in shock and kept reading.

"It is stated that while Gruff shows genuine remorse for his actions, he also states that it was 'his right' to commit the act, stating "No court ever helped fix the problem, so I fixed it myself."

"He will be monitored and his progress charted as his time is served. Princess Celestia also personally noted in court that Gruff has also done Griffonstone, and by connection, Equestria a service for eliminating [REDACTED REDACTED], but it should not be in the jurisdiction of a civilian to decide the fate of another, no matter the depths of their crimes."

"Going above the law to rescue someone from a terrible fate is commendable, but we can lose ourselves in that sense of self justice. Law is only present when there are those to uphold it. —Princess Celestia."

Gilda sat back and stared at nothing in particular. "I... what? You told me the flight school trip was to foster better relations with Equestria!"

Gruff nodded. "Aye, and it was."

Gilda growled and smacked the paper with the back of her talons. "You told Gallus he was worthless and needed a skill to survive in this world!"

Gruff nodded again. "Also true, he was lost and had no confidence in himself. Needed to get out and grow up."

Gilda snarled and flung the paper at him. It drifted past and landed on the ground. Gruff immediately scooped it up. "Well what about Gabby?! Gabby was distraught when she had to move houses! You were her anchor, dammit! You told me she needed a better living situation then an old buzzard!"

Gilda felt the anger in her sails dwindle as she looked at Gruff, he wasn't smiling. He was looking worse and worse by the second. "You sent us all away because you committed a crime! What the heck did you do, Gruff?"

Gruff sipped his coffee and stayed quiet. Gilda eventually sighed and ran her claws over her crest. "Fine, don't answer, whatever, it got the point across. I shouldn't go above the law."

Gruff snorted. "That's good to hear, but it wasn't the point I was trying to make."

Gilda groaned and ran her claws down her face gently, sitting back down in her chair. "Then speak normally and not in riddles, what was your point?"

"My main point," He said after a big gulp of his coffee. He set it down and pointed to the café. "Is that five years is a long time, Gilda. I lost all three of you, and I can't go back and change that, no matter how badly I wish I could. Don't lose what ya have now, for twenty minutes of bloody vengeance."

He let his head droop, his little fez hat slid a bit on his head and it only seemed to make him seem older. He clenched his claws, watching them dig into his palms, "I lost five years of my life, when I could have spent them helping you three become better griffons."

He looked at the sky forlornly. "I lost moments and memories I'll never be able to get back, and that's more important than any amount of vengeance ever will be."

They fell silent as Gilda mulled over his words. It was true, she had a café, the best shop in town in fact. She had friends and family, and the community looked up to them! Then she had Gabby to take care of... While she really wanted to burn those three blasted assholes into ash, she hated... how right he was being!

"Dammit, Gruff." She mumbled. "You and your stupid wisdom." She huffed and folded her arms petulantly.

Gruff chuckled dryly and repositioned his hat. "Hate it when I'm right don't yeh?" He scooted off the chair and scooped up the papers, slipping em under his wing before grabbing his dishes and walking to the door. "But I meant it, don't be stupid, don't lose what ya have over something that's already been dealt with. Don't hate when you can love and all that tripe."

Gilda watched him go, something nagging deep in her chest. He cared about them, like, a lot. She called out to him just as he entered the doorway.

"I have to know, Gruff, I won't judge you for whatever it is, but what did you do?"

He paused, and looked back at her with a frown. Gilda sighed, rubbing her neck. "Look I... I don't think poorly of you, okay? Even given your bad parenting habits, you were still our parent. To me and Gallus and Gabby, you're family... and you're right, we missed out on making memories. You had your reasons, and I am not one to poke those, but, as... as your daughter. The honest answer would be nice, what caused you to disappear on us for five years?"

Gruff was silent for a moment, his eyes glimmered as she watched him. "As my..." He smiled lightly and chuckled for a moment.

and then it was gone, He snorted, a sour look replanting itself on his face as he walked inside. "Don't you ever tell Gabby or Gallus this, but some one had to get rid of Gabby's father, I made sure that some one was me."

Click, click, click, claws tapped in a staccato of rhythm on the table.

Gilda sat in a daze at one of the tables near the door, nursing a cup of tea, as Gabby reentered the Café. She seemed to be in her own funk as well and simply sat across from Gilda in silence. Gilda had closed up the store while Gabby had gotten her paperwork done at the post office. She'd also completely forgotten about the tray of baked goods that had been in the oven and a whole batch had been horribly burned to a crisp.

The doors were open and a fan was blowing in the corner of the kitchen to air out the burnt smell. Neither hen really noticed, or if they did, they never commented on it.

Gabby clasped her claws together on the table and chirped gently to get Gilda's attention. Gilda stared at her for several moments, and Gabby seemed perplexed by the expressions that danced across her friends face.

"Uh, I have some good news, Gilda, are... are you okay?" Gabby asked, tilting her head to the side.

Gilda stared a moment longer. No I'm not okay, I just learned that our grandpa killed your father... jeez. Well she couldn't say that! Gilda shook her self and patted down her chest feathers with both claws.

"Y-yeah, I just...Grandpa gruff aired out some of his dirty laundry on me and...wow, I wasn't ready..." She blinked several times before giving Gabby her full attention. "Sorry about that, um, what did you say about good news?"

Gabby blinked slowly. "Oookay. I um, I got promoted at the post office. I'm head mail bird now."

Gilda felt her chest fluff fight to rise again. "R-really? Gabby that's awesome news!"

Gabby blushed as Gilda stood and reached her claws out to the hen. Gabby took them and warbled happily as Gilda pulled her gently into a hug. They did it slowly just in case Gabby panicked, but this time the smaller hen was too excited to let it get to her.

"I went to fill out some regular forms to be able to work again and such, and noticed they'd slipped one extra form into the pile. It was the application paperwork for the job. They'd already filled out most of it, and just needed me to sign the forms. The head bird is retiring in a few weeks, and I was voted by every bird in the post for the position." Gabby murmured, nuzzling Gilda's chest fluff with her beak.

Gilda closed the front door with her tail, locked it, flipped the sign to closed, and then gently wrapped her wings around Gabby. "Gabby that is wonderful news, you are definitely gonna be the best head-mail-post-bird-delivery-griffon-thingy there is."

Gabby giggled lightly and nuzzled up under Gilda's chin. "You don't know what that position even is, do you?"

Gilda laughed. "Nope. Not a clue." She slipped gently out of Gabby's grasp, feeling a twinge of regret as Gabby warbled her discomfort, and walked to the back door. "Why don't you explain it to me upstairs in detail, over food. I wanna make dinner to celebrate!"

Gabby rolled her eyes and nodded. "You always are the one to make dinner."

"So!? You eat it don't you?" Gilda snarked from the back door. Gabby heard the lock click shut and then Gilda reappeared around the corner. "If you cooked we'd be having cereal, and it'd be on fire."

Gabby huffed and puffed her neck fluff up. "Hey! I made dinner once and I distinctly remember you saying it wasn't that bad!" She mumbled. "It only burned a little."

"it was bread, cheese, and bread, and it still burned because you didn't put butter on them."

"It's called grilled cheese sandwiches and I didn't know!" Gabby groused. "S'not cereal at least."

Gilda laughed and began her ascent up the stairs, Gabby following behind, doing nothing to hide where her gaze was traveling or the blush that crawled up her face. Gilda made sure she got a good view, but not too much of one. They did not need a repeat of the kitchen chair. Gilda had actually caught Gabby scrubbing it down the next morning furiously, in an attempt to remove her scent.

Considering how neither of them could smell anything but cleaning products after that, for an hour or so, it must have worked.

The apartment was clean and orderly, thanks to Gabby's insistence on cleaning it regularly. Gilda might cook, and run the business, but Gabby was a god to her for doing the cleaning.

It'd be a total pig sty in here without her, I just know it. Gilda thought, then she chose to voice it. "Hey, you're right I do cook the food, but you do all the cleaning, and I appreciate that so much, Gabs. I hate cleaning, and without you this place would look terrible." Gilda leaned over and nuzzled Gabby's cheek fluff, making Gabby squeak, "So thank you."

Gabby murmured something noncoherent into her feathers and nodded quickly before shooting upstairs. "L-lemme know when dinner is ready!"

Gilda chuckled and lifted her claws to her beak to rub it. She really had to be careful how bold she got with the girl, there were times Gilda really wanted to just clamber atop Gabby and claim her right there. Her thoughts drifted to the specialist she'd been referred to by Ivy and for a moment she thought it might be a good idea.

And then mental images flew through her head of what a sexual specialist was going to do and her blush tripled in strength before she shut the train of thought down. "Nope! Not doing it, nu-uh, don't need no ponies telling me how my body works!"

Gilda lost herself in the art of food war for the next hour. She fought veggies with a sharp knife, stabbing, dicing, and slashing them to ribbons. She rent skin from body as she peeled potatoes and removed their brown bits, and sent chunks of flesh plopping into the depths of hell as they sizzled and popped in a oiled frying pan.

War never changes after all, and there are always casualties.

With seasoning and butter she tortured the poor foodstuff until it was soft, edible, and most importantly, delicious!

All in all dinner was done in an hour or so, and Gabby came down to Join her at the table. She explained through out the meal what her new position at the post office would entail, and Gilda was pleased to hear that Gabby would no longer be on the far away trips to Ponyville or Canterlot. Gabby also would be in Griffonstone and be able to make it home a lot sooner then before. The best part about it all though, was that the pay was better.

Gabby's pay was nearly doubling.

"Maybe we could put the extra bits we make towards a house somewhere outside of town, like Gail and Glory have." Gabby had suggested. Gilda had perked up at this idea and the hens had argued back and forth about house styles for over an hour. Gabby wanted a tree home, while Gilda wanted a ground home. Gabby wanted a stone fireplace, while Gilda wanted magical heating.

They both agreed that wherever they built their home, that it needed to be close to town, but far enough away that they could have some privacy. This meant that they'd have to live down in the deep wood valley where Gail and Glory lived, as it was the only nearby area that fit those parameters. While the commute to and from work would be longer, it also meant they could spend time together without prying eyes, something they both knew was going to be a must.

Then Gabby had pestered Gilda for the stuff Gruff had brought up and thankfully Gilda had already created a half truth surrounding the chats they'd been having. She told Gabby that Gruff had been visiting to tell her stories of his time while they were away. Which in and of itself was a truth, but she said Gabby would have to ask Gruff for more details.

She had made sure to pass along that Gabby should hug Grandpa Gruff the next time she saw him, and thank him for being such a great parent. Gabby had given her the most incredulous expression ever but didn't ask further on it, and they'd continued with the meal.

For desert, Gilda had pulled out two bowls of pre prepped strawberry ice cream she'd made complete with Gail's strawberries from earlier today, and glazed over with caramel. The chirps of glee had been loud, and the lights in Gabby's eyes had exploded. The hen had hugged Gilda without even questioning the action. It warmed her heart a lot to feel such a surge of love from her friend.

They then shared in the mutual bonding that is the pain of a brain freeze shortly thereafter, and the pleasures of fresh juicy strawberries.

When dinner was done however, was when things got interesting. Gabby had helped with the dishes and then to Gilda's surprise she'd quickly slipped away upstairs and into Gilda's room while she was putting away the left overs.

Gilda had followed shortly after of course, and found Gabby in her nest of blankets and pillows, holding the jewelry box in her claws. The lamp was on, casting a warm orange glow on the room and on Gabby. Gabby looked very nervous, so Gilda cautiously entered. Gabby watched her, and when Gilda started climbing into the bed, Gabby had chirped her approval, but did so while scooting over. There was plenty of room in the nest, heck, Gallus could have also fit in her nest and all three of them would be comfortable.

Gilda paused as she realized that, and she looked over her nest. Hmm, why did I build my nest so large? She shrugged and curled up next to the small hen, waiting and watching as Gabby worked up the courage to scoot close enough so Gilda could drape her wing over the hen. Upon doing so, Gabby had sighed in pleasure and simply took a moment to lean over against Gilda's side. She took in Gilda's scent, and Gilda did so too, nibbling lightly at Gabby's neck nape.

Both hens were definitely purring. The vibrations from Gabby mixed with Gilda's and it caused the most pleasant sensation they'd ever felt.

Gabby had blushed. "Huh, our purring synchronized...neat." Gilda hadn't said anything, simply enjoying the feeling. The purring intensified as Gilda leaned down and kissed the top of Gabby's head.

"Being this close to you, Gabby... I want to feel that more." Gilda whispered. She laughed gently as Gabby had chirped loudly in shock, and then tried to hide deeper under her friend's wing. The feeling of Gabby's beak nibbling on her feathers was another pleasant sensation that Gilda hadn't expected to feel. Gabby was preening her.

Bold little bird.

She did the same in return. The warmth of the nest, the soft glow of the lamp light, and the mixture of gentle nips and nibbles that they shared, slowly decreased the tension, until Gabby sighed, pulling her head out from under Gilda's wing to rest it on her back, right over her shoulders. Eyes closed, She purred for several moments in bliss. Gilda looked back at her friend, smiling.

"This... I want this, Gilda. Every night... Every time I wrote those letters, this was what the words were after, what they were trying to say. I know... " she paused, and sniffled a little, Making Gilda warble sadly as her friend tried to hold back her tears. "It's... it's so hard, y-ya know? To know y-you need some one, desperately need them in your l-life, b-but you're too afraid to reach for them."

Gilda held Gabby, rhythmically petting her nape and nuzzling her cheeks as the hen let out a hard keening wail of pain. Her own eyes glimmered as she held back her tears. "I suppose you'd know what that's like, my Song. I'm so sorry that you do, that... I can't related to that."

She kissed Gabby's head again, eliciting another energetic chirp of joy from the hen, and her own purring increased when Gabby brushed her cheek against Gilda's, nuzzling back firmly, craving the touches of her partner. "I wish I could understand so this might be easier for you, and I want to, so I'm here for you. No matter what, my Song."

Gabby shook, her claws clutching the box like a life line.

"Gilda don't l-let me go. Please don't let go. I'm safe with you, and I-I know now how much I need that s-safety." She nipped Gilda's shoulder sharply, making Gilda gasp. "I want you to love me, and I made this to help show that."

Gabby shakily held up the jewelry box. Gilda helped her set it down, her claws steadying Gabby's as they held the box together. "D-did you ever figure it out?" Gabby whispered.

Gilda shook her head. Gabby let out a little laugh. "Heh, M-maybe I made it a little harder than was n-necessary, but this works out rather well." She said while looking from the box to Gilda. "I can show you the secret, myself."

Gilda watched as Gabby carefully pulled each drawer out in sequences that made the device click and tick in a pattern, before the final drawer closed, and then...

Music emanated from the bottom. It was gentle, and kind, but also sounded scared. Fragile, like it might break at any moment. Then for the second time that night, Gilda was stunned.

Gabby started singing. shakily and with little hiccups at first, but pure.

"Maybe... we aren't so simple, perhaps we ... aren't the same,
But in the moment I met you, I grew wings from learning your name...

You carried a rose in one claw, a heart as pure as the soul,
From the second I beheld your splendor, I had to find out... just to know...

What is a rose but a flower, lost in a sea of thorns,
hoping for light from the branches above, to come down and keep it warm.
So maybe we aren't so different, and maybe we are the same,
I hope to be like the flower you hold, so that you'll call out my name...

and be mine, I'll be yours, and we will open every door,
to the life, that we're sure, will cover the forest floor...

in our roses..."

Gabby shuddered, tears streaking down her face that no matter how many times she swiped at them, they continued. The smile that she kept fighting to have stay was the purest form of joy Gilda had ever seen, and when Gabby looked to her friend, Gilda was no different. She was hiccupping and near bawling as she held her claws over her beak to keep from screaming in joy. It was the courage Gabby needed.

Gabby continued as best she could, this time more confidence in her words.

"If I were a petal in your palms, I'd know a glimmer of what love's like,
If I were held close to you now, that petal would be full of life...

I'd hear a song as true as the wind, and a heartbeat as strong as steel,
pounding down all the doubt in my mind, and blowing away all my fear...

And that rose would become a garden, blooming red and green every spring,
Our lives would be ever entangled, in the song that we both would sing,
We'd be one and the same, a garden no one could tame, a rose with a crystal core!

We'd be loved, it'd be pure, and the whole world would want us more...

Gilda watched with quiet sobs as Gabby cupped her cheeks and leaned close, they nuzzled beaks, warbling gently to another, to the beat of the song. Gabby whispered the last lines of her song gently, her beak tip slowly inching closer to Gilda's.

"If ever I could be that flower, or be held by you in your arms,
I know I'd be safe and sound from harm, and I'd know what is truly true...

"It'd be you, Gilda... my Rose." Gabby ended the song with the deepest kiss she could muster.

And the music kept playing.

Author's Note

Listen to:

Wherever you are — by kodaline

We are nearing the end folks. In the final arc now.

WARNING: next chapter gets SPICY.