Evening Glow

Chapters

Chapter 1 - Past and Present
Chapter 2 - Doubts and Resolve
Chapter 3 - Memories and Memoir
Chapter 4 - Mother and Daughter

Chapter 1 - Past and Present

Chapter 1
Past and Present

Carcass Bay was a small town located near Equestria's border. It was one that had proven to be quite popular with changelings in recent times, especially among those seeking to be closer to ponies. Twilight found the coastal town quite nice as she glided over it: It had the same charm as some of the smaller villages around Equestria, while still sporting a bustling core near the ocean.

Flapping her wings a few more times she scanned the southern edge of town for the house she was looking for. Her last visit had been quite a while ago now, had it been four years or five? She shook her head, princesses didn't get enough time off she reasoned. Having located the home in question, Twilight came in for a landing. Ponies might find it unusual that she was travelling out and about herself without an escort, but in this case it would do more harm than good. Plus, it wasn't as if she needed protection.

The house had wooden walls painted a bright red with black tiles serving as roof. It was two stories tall but was otherwise quite modest and unremarkable. The door was painted orange and on it hung a red heart with the bright text "Welcome". Twilight almost had to laugh at how picturesque it all looked, especially with the tulips planted on both sides of the door. She remembered how run down the building had looked the last time she had been here, it was quite a difference when she juxtaposed the mental images with what she saw.

Twilight knocked the door and waited, a smile on her lips. She could hear hooves against wood before eventually, the door opened. Red eyes met her own as she took in the pony in front of her; she had pink coat and a cyan mane made up in long curls. If it weren't for the fact that Twilight herself had grown a bit in the last few years then they would have been on eye level with one and another.

"Oh, it's you," the mare let out, sounding almost disappointed.

Twilight could just smile. "It's nice seeing you too Cozy."

Cozy Glow turned her face around to yell. "Mo- Chrysi, the book princess is here!"

"I told you not to call me that!" A voice yelled back from further within the home, followed by more hoof steps.

Cozy turned back to face Twilight and gestured for her to come in. "Whatever, it's not as if you'd fool her anyway," she said while rolling her eyes.

A light blue pegasus mare rounded the corner, their yellow mane tied up in a bun. "That's not the point, and you know it," she said while lightly nudging Cozy with her hoof.

Twilight had to suppress a chuckle as she entered and closed the door behind her. "I see you two are still getting along:"

"Hah, as well as we can be," the mysterious pegasus let out before Cozy could get a word in.

The three of them moved to the living room, a place that looked as normal as any other home. On shelves were pictures of the family as well as a light assortment of books and other personal affects. In the center was a round table surrounded by a couch, a big chair, as well as a comically oversized chair. The two pegasi settled down on the couch next to each other while Twilight took the chair, levitating down her bags down to the floor next to it.

"Would you like tea or anything?" The older of the two pegasi questioned.

Twilight nodded. "That'd be nice, but no need to hurry; this might end up taking a while anyway."

The two of them frowned and exchanged glances before Cozy eventually spoke. "It's something serious then?"

"Well, I wouldn't say serious, but it might take a while to go through," Twilight replied while gesturing towards her saddle bags.

The relief was clear on their faces as they slumped further down into the coach. "What's this about then?" The older once again asked.

Twilight took a moment to gather her thoughts, as if to best figure out how to tackle the subject. "It's about Cozy Glow, but also about her old room at the School of Friendship."

The light blue mare raised her eyebrow while Cozy tried to make herself as small as possible. "That was a long time ago Twilight, I figured that would have been sorted by now," she spoke, Cozy electing to remain silent.

"While that is true, I sent a few letters to Cozy to remind her to come over and clear out her old room; she never did."

This caused the older pegasus to turn and glare at Cozy. "I... I did write back, I told you that you could just dump everything in there," Cozy let out.

Twilight could just shake her head. "You did, and as I recall from my answer back I said that it would be a shame to just throw it all away, I'm sure there must be something in there that you might want to keep."

Cozy could just sigh and turn her gaze away. "Not really."

The older mare started rubbing Cozy's back, her gaze having evened out. "Cozy, why don't you go make tea for us?"

Cozy turned and faced them before sighing again. "Sure, same as usual when we have guests?"

The older mare nodded and Cozy hopped off the couch and headed off towards the kitchen.

The silence reigned for a few moments before Twilight elected to speak up. "So, what do you want me to call you anyway? I didn't want to be rude."

The mare chuckled. "I go by Fleeting Heart these days, but you can call me Chrysalis if you prefer."

Twilight smiled. "Fleeting Heart it is then, I'd like to call you by what you'd prefer."

Fleeting just nodded, the room turning silent as the two of them sat there staring at one and another.

"What's this really about Twilight?" Fleeting eventually let out, a sigh soon following.

"What do you mean?"

"What I mean is, I can't imagine the ruler of Equestria dropping everything to go track down an ex-student just to bother her about her old room."

Twilight considered letting it all spill, the real reason she was there; but it was a bit too soon. "You're right, there is more to it than that; but it is still the main reason. The fact that I get a day off for vacation is just a bonus," she winked at Fleeting.

Fleeting chuckled. "Ruling taking that much out of you? You know you could just let me take over if you don't feel like it," she was wiggling her eyes as she spoke.

If Twilight hadn't been expecting something like this sooner or later she would have been caught off-guard, instead she just returned a smirk. "I think you'd have better luck pestering Thorax about that, you know. I hear he's quite overworked these days."

The mirth immediately disappeared from Fleeting's face. "Can we not talk about that ingra- doofus?"

Twilight frowned. "You two still haven't talked to one another?"

"Of course not, and I'd rather keep it that way; I'm sure he feels the same."

"I... I think he'd like to make up with you; make things right."

Fleeting just sighed. "Can we not do this?"

Twilight stared at the changeling for a few seconds before eventually sighing. "Fine."

She supposed it wasn't really her place to butt in on the two changelings troubled relation to one and another. She was pretty confident that Thorax wanted them to at least be on speaking terms though. Even so, there was a lot of baggage there, and it was likely the reason why Fleeting still opted to pose as a pony; despite the fact that a third or more of the town's population consisted of changelings.

"Where's Tirek anyway?" Twilight asked, having just considered the lack of the aforementioned centaur.

"He's off at work, someone has to bring in the bits in this house," a smile grazing Fleeting's lips.

"Ah," Twilight replied, changing position in the chair to get more comfortable. "You don't work?"

Fleeting let out a small sigh before smiling. "I do, I work down at the daycare. This just happens to be one of my days off."

Twilight felt a bit flabbergasted. "You," she said while gesturing at the pegasus. "Work with foals?"

Fleeting could just chuckle. "I had a lot of experience taking care of the young, you know. Plus, it's a good source of food."

Twilight could just stare in shock. It made a lot of sense, she could see the reasoning; yet she never would have pictured Fleeting of all changelings to want to work with foals.

"Most of my co-workers are changelings these days you know. So it's not as if others didn't pick up on how lucrative the job is."

"I could see that...."

"Hey Chrysi, do you want a cup or no?" Cozy yelled from the other side of the house.

"I'll take one," Fleeting yelled back.

Twilight could only chuckle, at moments like these they seemed like any normal family. But then, she supposed they were.

"What?" Fleeting said.

"Nothing, nothing," Twilight replied, her smile brightening while Fleeting just huffed.

It was only a few moments later that Cozy trotted into the room, balancing a tray on her back. She put it down on the table and started setting out the cups for everyone, followed by pouring tea into them.

"Thank you," Twilight said with a smile, levitating her cup to herself.

Cozy nodded and took her own seat next to Fleeting. "So?" She asked the changeling.

"Nothing too serious I don't think. Besides, if she does anything stupid I'll bite her," Fleeting said while flashing her teeth.

Twilight awkwardly chuckled.

Cozy sighed. "Well, let's get on with it then," she said while gesturing towards Twilight.

"Right," Twilight nodded and put down her cup, but not before taking a sip.

She levitated her bags forwards in front of herself and opened them up. "Starlight figured you'd not end up showing up after all, so she asked me what we should do. She kind of need the room what with how the school gets more popular by the season."

Twilight levitated up a few pieces of clothing and placed them on the edge of the table. "I didn't feel like we should just throw everything in the trash so... you'll have to excuse me but I went through your things to see what might be worth bringing," Twilight said as she floated up more and more items, placing them on the table.

Most of items were pieces of clothing, all of them likely too small for the grown mare. But among the mounting pile there were also framed photos of Cozy, a small hair iron, and the occasional puppet painted in familiar colours.

"I'm not sure if you actually want most of these things, but I figured you could decided that yourself, you know?" Twilight smiled.

"That might take a while," Cozy sighed and lifted the dress that was on top with her hoof. "Plus, I'm pretty sure these clothes are too small for me now."

"I figured as much, but I know some mares like to keep their filly clothing just for the memories."

Cozy put the dress down and grimaced. "Sure... the memories."

Fleeting let out a sigh. "You could stand to be a bit happier you know, lest you give me food poisoning."

Cozy tuned her head to glare at Fleeting. "Why do you think I didn't go, or tell you about it in the first place for that matter?"

Twilight lifted her cup and returned to drinking her tea. It was quickly starting to seem like she really, really, shouldn't be here right now what with how the two of them looked at one and another.

"It's just clothes," Fleeting said with a flat expression and tone.

Cozy growled. "Of course it is to you, you don't even wear clothes most of the time!"

"Whatever," Fleeting huffed, looking the other way.

Twilight hummed, maybe she shouldn't overstay her welcome. She licked her lips while pondering how to best tackle the topic she really came here for, it was likely sensitive.

"There was... something else," Twilight began, getting the attention of the others.

Lifting the object wrapped in newspaper from her bag, she carefully placed it on the table. Taking a moment she started unwrapping it, revealing a framed photo of two pegasi.

"I figured this might be important..." Twilight trailed off.

Cozy carefully picked up the frame, a blank expression spreading on her face. Fleeting narrowed her eyes and glared between the photo and Twilight.

"I..." Cozy began, dropping the frame on the floor and staring ahead with empty eyes. "You shouldn't- I- No," tears gathered up in her eyes.

Twilight swallowed. "She was important to you, right?"

"No..." Cozy whined.

Fleeting scooted closer to Cozy and wrapped her hoof around her, pulling the pegasus close.

"You should be really glad right now princess," Fleeting spoke, the seething in her voice clear. "Because if you could feel what I do then you'd be emptying your stomach."

Cozy was whimpering as she sat there, it was disheartening to see. Whatever reaction Twilight had expected, this sure wasn't it, not even close.

Fleeting huffed after a moment and got up from her seat. A green glow surrounded Cozy, lifting her and carefully placing the mare on Fleeting's back. The two swiftly departed the room, the sound of heavy hoof steps going up the stairs could be heard.

The discarded photo showcased two pegasi, one was a much younger Cozy Glow who was beaming to the camera, the other a dark blue mare with cyan mane. Both were wearing party hats and one could barely make out a tray of cupcakes on a table to the side.

Twilight gazed out the window, sipping some of the tea that had long since gone cold. The sunny skies had shifted to a light overcast, in a way it reflected her own mood. She considered apologizing to Fleeting again, but she knew the changeling didn't hold any ill will.

It had been hours now since Fleeting had supposedly tucked the pegasus in. The changeling had only come back downstairs after her adopted daughter had fallen asleep; having cried herself dry according to her account.

"Do you know who she is?" A voice broke the silence.

Twilight turned away from the window and glanced at Fleeting, she was studying the framed photo; holding it up in her magic grip. It was a bit unnerving to see a pegasus lifting things as if a unicorn, but of course; it was a disguise.

Twilight let out a sigh. "I have a guess as to who they are, but I don't know for sure."

Fleeting hummed. "It's rare that I taste such a wide range of emotions at once, would be that they were happy ones," she shook her head before turning to face Twilight. "They weren't."

Twilight wasn't sure what to say. You'd think being the primary authority on friendship would mean that she always had all the answers; but that wasn't even close to the truth.

Fleeting huffed and rolled her eyes. "You really don't need to feel so down Princess, I know you didn't come here with the intent of hurting her."

"I know, but that still does not mean I like the outcome. If I had known dragging up old settled matters like this would bring so much hurt, maybe I would have refrained."

"Maybe," Fleeting agreed.

Twilight glanced out the window again, she hadn't expected to stay so long. But at this point she felt like she couldn't just leave; not without making sure Cozy was alright. Spike could handle things just fine, he was more than capable of performing most of her daily duties if she was being honest.

"Care to enlighten me to what you do know princess?"

Twilight brought her cup to her lips, taking a slow sip. It was all guesswork, based on what limited paper work existed for students that had joined her school. Still, was it even her place to say?

"Her name is Evening Glow," a voice came from the doorway.

Twilight turned, she hadn't even heard Cozy walk downstairs. The young mare refused to meet the eyes of either Twilight or Fleeting though, instead rubbing one of her front legs against the other.

"She was..." Cozy stopped, struggling for words before eventually sighing. "My mother."

Author's Note

Here we go, another short story focusing on Cozy Glow. Hopefully you like Chrysalis and Cozy Glow interacting, because that's going to be the bulk of this story, as well as other sad/moody feels.

Expect rapid updates till all chapters are out; they are already written and just need final editing. (Contest deadline is in a day or two, so)

This one has radical different tone from the other story I wrote. I don't know if this will be great, but, it will be something. And hey, worse case scenario? At leas it's more practice for me.

Chapter 2 - Doubts and Resolve

Chapter 2
Doubts and Resolve

Cozy stared out the window, being at the center of the town and situated on the second floor gave her a view all the way down towards the docks. She could see the boats slowly, but surely, moving in and out of port; it was a good view, but one that likely wouldn't last. The town had seen rapid expansion in recent years, so the center of it was littered with construction sites; grand plans for tall multistoried buildings.

She let out a sigh, it was a good distraction, yet she couldn't tear her mind from the unexpected visit she had but a few days ago. In all honesty, she hadn't put much mind and thought towards... her, not before the princess showed up. The last few years she had been... happy? content? Something to that effect anyway, having a family helped, even if others might find hers a bit unorthodox. And before she settled down here with Tirek and Chrysalis, she had been too busy with other matters to spare much thought towards the mare that had brought her into this world.

"Something on your mind?" A voice asked, forcing Cozy to look away from the window. On the opposite side of her desk stood a red coated mare with gray and orange mane.

"Huh?"

The mare snickered briefly. "You have been staring holes in that window for two hours now Cozy, something is clearly up," the mare walked around the desk and nudged Cozy where she sat. "Don't tell me you're nervous about directing, you're so confident otherwise."

Cozy sighed, she was clearly not getting out of this. Brick Barge was a nice mare, and a good co-worker, but sometimes she was just a bit too nosey. "It's not about the job, we have worked on designing these for a while and I'm fully confident they'll work out. And it's not as if I haven't already worked on-site before to make sure things are being done according to plan."

"Then what's the problem?" Brick asked, taking a seat next to Cozy.

"Some... family issues came up a few days ago, and I'm not sure how to deal with it."

Brick did a fake gasp. "Don't tell me, did Fleeting throw an angry fit at somepony again?"

Cozy sighed. "No, that would honestly have been preferable."

The mirth in Brick's expression faded, as if the realisation hit her that this was likely serious. "Well, whatever it is, I'm here if you need to talk," she put a hoof on Cozy's back and rubbed.

She almost jerked away, other ponies being friendly towards her still tripped her up. She had gotten used to being close with Chrysalis and Tirek, but they were family. "It's... kind of personal."

Brick just nodded, giving her time to consider things.

"You... you know I'm adopted, right? That Fleeting isn't my real mother."

Brick smiled slightly. "It was kind of obvious, what with her being involved with a centaur."

Cozy had to restrain herself, it always hurt when ponies spoke as if Tirek was... different. She knew they didn't mean it that way, but it still stung. Instead she just nodded. "Yeah, well my..." She struggled to find the right words, mother implied a connection that wasn't there; yet she struggled to think of anything different. "Birth mother, she," Cozy sighed. "I was recently made aware of her again."

"I see," Brick looked away. "I'm not really good at these sort of things, but I know it can be hard for ponies who ended up in the foal care system to reconnect with their old parents again."

"Yeah," It was a bit more complicated in Cozy's case, but she didn't need to let that on.

There was a lull in the conversation, seagull cries could be heard through the windows. The open space office was pretty conventional for an office building, one of only three existing ones in the town. There were currently only three work desks in the office, leaving plenty of unused space. The center of the room was dedicated to a miniature model of the town, complete with the projected expansions.

Brick was technically her boss, her other co-worker was still on vacation; a joyful changeling by the name of... she had forgotten. They had recently had their name changed, citing that her old one didn't match their new appearance very well.

"So, what will you do?"

Cozy turned her attention back to brick. "Both mom and... a family friend of ours thinks I should go see her. Dad thinks I should just do what I feel comfortable with. Honestly, mom is likely of the same opinion, she just doesn't want me to go around being grumpy."

Brick snickered. "Sometimes Fleeting sound more like a changeling than a pony. I know my partner is often the same, they make it very clear to me if I'm being moody."

Cozy put on a smile. "Yeah, probably has something to do with her working with foals and nymphs all day. Is not like most her co-workers aren't all changelings."

"Hah, yeah, I guess you'd get to be pretty good at reading emotions from working with foals."

A more genuine smile reached Cozy's lips as she considered how far her mother had gotten. Working with children was perfect for her, despite how easy she was to aggravate; she just had a knack for it. Not to mention, it was always nice seeing her come home looking genuinely happy after a day at work. It had taken so much coxing from her and Tirek to get the stubborn changeling to get out there and get a job, but it had been well worth it in the end.

"And what about you, do you think you should go?"

"I'm not sure," Cozy replied, there were plenty of reasons to go, and yet.... it was hard to get over the mental hurdles. She wasn't sure she could face Evening again; certainly not alone.

"Well, if you want my opinion, don't go because you feel like you're obligated; go because you want to," Brick gave her one last back rub before walking back to her own desk.

Cozy flashed her a smile before diving back into her work, these construction plans wouldn't be drafting themselves, after all.

Cozy trotted through the white sterile corridors of Manehattan Western Hospital. In front of her trotted a nurse that was guiding Cozy and her mother along.

"We'll be reaching the inner section of the mental ward shortly, are you sure this is where the two of you are going?" The nurse briefly glanced at Cozy before turning her eyes towards her mother.

Cozy rolled her eyes internally, some ponies never got over how foalish she looked, what with how intricate her mane was done and the cute hair bow. "We're expected, and don't worry about my mom, she's not very talkative at the best of times."

Her mother snorted, and Cozy giggled slightly.

"Well, if you're sure," the nurse said, turning back forwards and continued down the corridor.

A few twists and turns later and the three of them found themselves in what could have been confused for a lobby if it weren't for the fact that it was quite deep within the building. The nurse gestured towards the desk before turning around and heading back the way she came.

Cozy wasted no time in flying over to the desk and making eye contact with the receptionist, her mother remaining a few paces behind. "Hi, I believe we have an appointment, it should be under the name Cozy Glow," she smiled, it came natural to her.

The receptionist, a tall stallion, seemed a bit confused at first before he started to sort through the files. "Ah yes, here we are," he said, looking over a paper sheet. "You're here for... wait," something seemed to unnerve him and his gaze alternated between Cozy and her mother.

"Is something the matter?" Cozy asked.

The stallion swallowed. "No, everything is in order ma'am, I'll have a nurse come up and escort the two of you to her living quarters."

Cozy flashed him a smile before flying over and lunging in a chair. It was almost time, soon she could finally put all this behind her and move on with her life. It didn't take more than ten minutes before a nurse showed up, calling her name.

Cozy flew over to her mother and leaned against her, some comfort would be nice for this. The two of them set off at a trot, following the nurse further inside. Eventually they came to a door, similar ones populating the entire corridor. The nurse opened the door and gestured inside while giving the two pegasai a small smile.

Cozy practically flew inside, taking in the room for all that it was. To call it a hospital room would be inaccurate, it looked closer to a small apartment. There was a window on the far wall, and in one of the corners a bed was placed. The room even had a proper desk and a bookshelf; but all of it was kind of expected. After all, patients assigned here weren't expected to leave for a long time, if possibly ever. Other than the entrance, a second door connected to a bathroom.

"It's a nice place," Cozy said, as she flew back to her mother.

Cozy had elected to not bring her own saddlebags, so she opened the ones her mother was carrying. She picked up various effects that she had decided to have them bring; placing them on a shelf or the desk.

"A little bit of personal touch helps," Cozy said as she walked back to her mom and hugged her tight.

"This will make a great new home for you, mom~" She said as she let go of the dark blue pegasus.

Author's Note

If it's a bit unclear, the last segment is a flashback.

Chapter 3 - Memories and Memoir

Chapter 3
Memories and Memoir

"You didn't need to come," Cozy said while trotting down the corridor.

"I know," Fleeting's voice replied behind her.

"I can do this on my own, you know."

"I know," her voice much quieter than usual.

"So then, why did you come?"

"I... wanted to be here for you," the unease was clear in her words.

"Tsk."

Fleeting was many things, but honest with her emotions wasn't one of them. It was rare that she'd go out of her way to just be there for someone... and yet, here she was, trotting along.

The two of them reached the inner lobby, she'd like to think it looked just like it did last time; but frankly she barely remembered it. Cozy walked up to the desk and waved briefly to get the attention of the receptionist.

"Hello, how can I help you?"

"I'm here to see someone," Cozy replied, while fidgeting one of her front hooves against the other.

"Did you schedule in advance? Depending on the patient that is something we require."

"I... did not."

"That's alright then," the mare said, bringing out a paper form. "What's your name?"

Cozy briefly delayed, taking a deep breath to gather her nerves. "Cozy Glow."

"Mmmhmm, and the patient's name is?" The receptionist asked while starting to fill in the form, pen in hoof.

The words felt heavy on her tongue. "Evening Glow."

Cozy could feel Fleeting placing a comforting wing on her back; it made her shiver. The receptionist just nodded and went to a cabinet, presumedly to find Evening's file.

"Ah yes, now let's see... According to the file on hand there should be no problem getting something arranged today, though Evening Glow has asked to generally turn away visitors that she does not know."

Cozy swallowed, knowing the upcoming question. She could feel Fleeting leaning against her for support.

"That being the case, how do you relate to the patient?"

"I'm her... listed support contact," Cozy licked her lips. "Unless she changed it, that is."

The receptionist leaned forward and studied the file closer, eventually doing a series of blinks before looking between the file and Cozy.

"Yes... that does seem to be correct but," there was a delay. "You couldn't have been more than-"

"I know," Cozy interrupted.

The receptionist frowned. "Well, in this case that should be everything. I'll go get someone to arrange the visit, please take a seat and wait until you're called."

Cozy nodded and turned away, heading for a bench. Fleeting followed her and sat down by her side.

She leaned against the changeling and sighed.

"She was very excited when she heard you were visiting, you know?"

The nurse that was guiding them was too chatty, Cozy decided. "I can imagine."

"I sometimes keep her company, she's asked about you a lot over the years, did you know that?"

Cozy shook her head. "No, but I can imagine."

"Well I'm sure she'll love to-"

The nurse was interrupted as Fleeting not so subtly nudged them with her flank, shaking her head towards them. Cozy let out a sigh, she shouldn't be nervous about this, it was just a visit to a pony from the life she had left behind, nothing more, nothing less; perhaps if she told herself that enough times she'd believe it.

The three walked in quiet for the rest of the way, the nurse thankfully getting the hint. It wasn't until they neared what would be the end of the journey that they spoke up once again.

"Now, today is a bit busy so we couldn't arrange one of the visiting rooms on such a short notice. But the lunch room for the patients is empty at this hour so we set it up there. If the two of you want something more private then we can later arrange for you to visit Evening Glow in her room, assuming she'd be willing."

Cozy nodded to them in reply as they reached the threshold of the room; the doors already wide open. Cozy briefly froze in her steps as she spotted the mare in question. She was seated at a round table some ways from one of the room's corners.

As they approached and were noticed, Evening locked eyes with Cozy. She could see a huge smile spread on the mare's lips; yet all it did was freeze her stomach. She couldn't turn back now though, she had promised to go through with this.

She could see Evening swallow as she and Fleeting took a seat on the opposite sides of the table; what did you say to someone you hadn't seen in a decade?

"You have no idea how happy I am to see you Cozy," Evening eventually said.

Cozy nodded. "It's been a while..."

She could see Evening's smile fading away. "You're not happy?"

Cozy cursed internally, she hadn't put on a smile; she should have, it would have been the proper thing to do.

"I..." And yet, she felt like she shouldn't do so here; she shouldn't need to anymore. Cozy could feel the irritation mounting and took a deep breath to stabilise herself.

"It's complicated," she eventually said.

Evening frowned. "I have been hoping you'd come visit me for a few years now, I have been getting better."

Cozy could feel Fleeting's wing rub her side and she quickly held back her immediate answer, settling for something kinder instead. "I can tell, you're much more lucid than the last time I was here." It wasn't even a lie, even if it implied something that was not.

"And... you have grown up so much since I last saw you!" Evening glanced between Cozy and Fleeting. "Is she your marefriend?"

Cozy froze and she could feel Fleeting do the same; her wing wasn't moving.

"...not exactly."

"And look at your mane! It's such an adult style."

Cozy started growling, how could she just sit there and... and-

"I have had it for years," she managed to get out through clenched teeth.

"Well it's really nice-"

"Stop," Cozy whispered.

"And I'm so happy at what you have managed to do for yourself!"

"Just stop!" Cozy yelled, glaring at the mare across from her. "You just don't get it at all, do you?" Cozy all but snarled.

Evening deflate back in her seat in shock.

Cozy gesture to the mare beside her. "This is Fleeting Heart," she took a deep breath. "My mother."

Evening's eyes widened as she looked between the two.

"And for the record, I have had this mane style since before you ended up here," Cozy dug up the offending photo that had started it all and slammed it on the table.

Silence filled the cafeteria as slowly but surely Evening reached over and picked up the photo with trembling hooves.

"Cozy-" Fleeting began.

"Stuff it, I don't want to hear it," Cozy said, getting up and quickly trotting out the room.

She could hear a deep sigh escaped from Fleeting.

If she was honest with herself, she was a bit surprised the orderly hadn't stepped in. A visitor all but yelling at a patient seemed a bit extreme, and the sobbing mare left behind certainly could use some cheering up.

Chrysalis closed her eyes and rubbed her forehead; why did she always get stuck with clean up duty? A light smirk reached her lips, Cozy and Tirek wouldn't manage a week without her.

It had been five or so minutes since Cozy had all but stomped out of the room, Evening's tears and whimpering had shown no signs of stopping. Getting up, Chrysalis slowly walk around the table and wrapped her hooves around the crying mare.

"It'll be alright," she whispered.

The mare went rigid from the contact, having clearly not expected it. The sniffling continued for a few minutes as Chrysalis kept whispering soothing words to her.

"B-but she hates me..."

"I don't think that's true, and I know her quite well."

Evening scoffed through her snivelling. "Of course you do... you're my replacement."

Chrysalis sighed, why were ponies always so difficult? At least she had a lot of experience with crying foals now. "Maybe so, but you have to understand: Cozy had to live without you. Is it that strange that she moved on?"

Evening sniffed. "I... I suppose not," she finished with a quiet whimper.

Chrysalis gave the mare one final nuzzle before settling down in the chair next to her. "You two need to talk this out, properly talk that is. You'll need to listen to what Cozy has to say, even if it's hard. Likewise, Cozy needs to start accepting you for who you are, not who you were or what tore the two of you apart."

Evening huffed and looked away. "She already left..."

"She'll be back," Chrysalis replied firmly. "It's how she is, and should she be too cowardly to face you I'll simply drag her back here myself."

Evening's lips curved up slightly. "You two must be really close."

Chrysalis pondered it for a moment, they were close. The entire mother daughter thing had always been a front, it still sort of was. Chrysalis wasn't an idiot though, she knew how Cozy saw her, kind of hard not to when you could read emotions. She'd be lying if she said she didn't see Cozy as more than just a friend or ally either.

"I... I suppose we are. We have been through a lot together."

Evening sighed and leaned her head on Chrysalis. "It's a hard pillow to swallow... being replaced I mean."

Chrysalis sighed. "I guess that's just what I do... replace ponies."

She hadn't considered it before, not really. Her disguise was original, both in name and shape. As far as any pony in Equestria was concerned, Fleeting Heart was her own pony. And yet... the role she took had still replaced somepony. It hadn't been intentional, in fact, it likely would have happened with or without disguise.

In some ways, it was disgusting to her. Chrysalis didn't regret most things she had done in the past, not if she was being honest. She had many reasons to do what she did, and most of the time it really did seem like the best call. But having come to have her own life, she regretted the individuals she had hurt; the lives she had touched and ruined.

Most of all was every other changeling at the hive, she couldn't ever see herself making things right with Thorax and his ilk again. Not to mention all the ones that died after her failed invasion... But ponies like Cadance? She could never see herself facing her again. Princess Twilight insisted that she had her blessing in regards to them getting another chance but... Chrysalis still hadn't moved past it, even if the pink princess had; and it's not like she was the first pony she had replaced.

"I don't," Evening swallowed. "I don't blame you... Fleeting was it?"

Chrysalis nodded, some days she wondered if she was still Chrysalis, or if she simply had become the unassuming pegasus she posed as.

"I don't blame you for being... a mother to Cozy," she all but chocked out the words. "I just... does she still have a place in her life for me?" Evening was staring at Chrysalis with large bloodshot eyes, her face still wet from tears.

Chrysalis wrapped her wing around the mare. "I don't know, that is something she will have to decide."

Evening sniffed.

"But, no matter what, know that I have no problem with whatever arrangement the two of you make. Even if it means for me to give up what I have."

It was the least she owed the mare for stealing her place, Chrysalis reasoned. The pegasus just buried her face in Chrysalis' chest and cried.

"How long are you going to sit there and brood?"

Cozy snapped up, she hadn't even heard Fleeting approach.

"How did you even find me?"

Fleeting chuckled. "It's not too hard with the emotions you're giving off. Not that I needed those to find you, I know you well enough."

Cozy sighed and frowned, some times it was really obnoxious living with someone who could read her so well. But then, maybe that was for the best? It kept her honest.

"So, are you ready to go back yet?" Fleeting continued.

"No."

"You do know she cried herself dry more than once after you left, right?"

Cozy snarled. "Oh she's sad, what about me, Huh?"

Fleeting had an unamused expression on her face. The changeling walked over and sat down on the bench next to Cozy. Aside from the two of them, the corridor was empty.

"You're not a filly anymore Cozy, and you're certainly not a foal. So stop acting like one."

"I have every right to be upset at that... that pony!"

Fleeting narrowed her eyes. "I'm not saying you don't, but this isn't how you deal with that. I thought the entire reason we came here was to stop running away from the problem."

Cozy looked away, she was tempted to say something she'd regret later. But Fleeting was right, and she hated when other ponies were right.

"Come on," Fleeting said, lightly tapping Cozy's barrel with her wing.

Cozy let out a deep sigh and eventually climbed back onto her hooves again. The two slowly walking back towards the cafeteria.

"I'm proud of you, you know?" Fleeting said.

Cozy glanced at the changeling with a narrow eye. "What's that suppose to mean?"

"Coming here... doing this," Fleeting continued, before sighing. "I don't think I would have been able to do it."

Cozy rolled her eyes, she needed to pester Tirek about trying to invite Thorax again. Maybe it had been long enough for the changeling king to get over his jitters.

Cozy stopped on the threshold of the room, she could see Evening where she had left her earlier. She was staring with empty eyes at the photo on the table.

"It's from my cute-ceañera," Cozy said as she approached. "I figured every filly would have a photo of theirs, even if it was just the two of us."

Evening blinked in surprised as she looked up, her eyes meeting Cozy's. Both of them turned to look away.

"I..." Evening began before stopping and looking down at the photo again.

Fleeting nudged Cozy and gestured to the chairs, getting the hint the two of them once again got seated.

"I don't remember it," Evening spoke, her voice quiet.

Cozy sighed. "That doesn't surprise me, it was well after you got... sick."

"But..." Evening looked up, staring at Cozy. "That doesn't make any sense. I self admitted myself here..."

Cozy closed her eyes. "Do you remember doing that?"

"That's- what?"

Cozy took a deep breath before meeting Evening's eyes again. "I was only seven, when you started to get sick. At first it was the little things, you'd freeze up in the middle of something for a few seconds. There were a lot of accidents back then."

Evening nodded. "I remember that..."

"But then," Cozy continued. "Seconds turned into minutes, minutes turned into hours. Do you remember my eight birthday?"

"I... I think so? Only in parts but, you got that big chocolate cake, right?"

"You're right," Cozy nodded. "That was one of the last few times you were lucid for long. After that, things got tough. I had to... start doing things around home. You couldn't cook, you could barely eat, so I had to do those things."

Evening's eyes shrunk in horrid realisation. "But, you were-"

"Yes, I was just a filly," Cozy nodded. "But it's not like we had anyone else to help us after that horrible stallion that sired me left us. I was, what? Five, six? You should remember that."

Evening just stared, if it wasn't for the trembling Cozy might have worried she had an episode.

"Whatever," Cozy rolled her eyes before sighing. "Our neighbours helped us, for a while. But eventually I had to start taking care of the grocery shopping. But ponies started asking questions, they always do. At first it was the little things, so it was simple; I simply said you were sick," Cozy leaned back in her chair and gestured with her hoof. "It's not like it was a lie."

At some point Fleeting had moved closer, she could feel the her coat against hers.

"But an eight year old filly doing all the work a parent was supposed to do? Ponies started asking hard questions. So... I simply had to make sure they stopped. It's why I took the time to learn to style my mane like this, it's complex and stylish, certainly not something a filly could do all on her lonesome."

Cozy slouched. "Of course, there was a limit to things. Eventually you got fired from the stitchery, not being able to show up and work kind of does that."

Cozy chuckled lightly and looked away. "That's when it truly started, I guess?"

"Started?" Evening managed to get out.

Cozy nodded. "We got home forms for you to sign, to get your severance pay as well as any unpaid vacation days," Cozy licked her lips. "At first I tried to get you to sign it, but the forms were really long and you were barely lucid enough to read them. We... we really needed the money though since I couldn't access the bank, so...."

Fleeting huffed. "I guess I should have known," she mumbled under her breath.

"So?" Evening asked.

"So I started learning to forge your signature, it took a lot of practice, but eventually I got it down. How do you think I got you admitted here?"

Evening just gaped at her.

"It's not the only uncouth thing I had to do either, things kind of just spiralled from there," Cozy continued. "One day when I looked myself in the mirror I realised I had gotten my cutie mark. I collapsed and cried on the spot, who would want a cutie mark in manipulating and lying to ponies?"

"That's... Cozy..."

"It's fine," Cozy said, her eyes turning to the ceiling. "I have long since gotten over it. What actually took a long time to do was figuring out how I could use my talent for something good," she chuckled. "But back then, I guess I needed it."

When her eyes lowered again, she could see that Evening was crying again.

"I arranged the cute-ceañera just for show, for the photo. Everything you see in that frame is all that it was. The two of us in slightly fancy getup, some cupcakes and a boardgame on a table that was packed away as soon as the photo was taken. The fact that we had a camera with a timer was a blessing."

Evening glanced meaningfully towards Fleeting. Figures the two of them had talked about something.

"Eventually news got out that Princess Twilight was opening up a school, a prestigious one that was open for any and all, regardless of backgrounds. I sent in an application signed under your name, and I guess either I got lucky or the sob story I wrote resonated with somepony. Because it wasn't long after that we got mail back that not only had I gotten in, I had done so with free tuition and boarding."

Cozy sighed and leaned forwards, resting her hooves and head on the table.

"At that point I started looking into getting you set up here. I was already struggling as it was to take care of you; I couldn't do that and attend school on the same time. I had kind of stopped going to the one back in Cloudsdale at that point."

Cozy slumped further.

"You know who Princess Twilight is, correct?" Fleeting asked.

Evening nodded. "I, yes. She shows up in the news often enough, she succeeded Princess Celestia and Princess Luna, right?"

Fleeting nodded. "Yes, though back then," she glanced towards Cozy. "She wasn't Equestrias sole ruler, instead she was working under Celestia."

Cozy huffed. "And she really needs to start minding her own business."

Evening blinked. "You know the princess?"

"I went to her school, didn't I?"

"I suppose-" Evening started.

"Cozy," Fleeting interrupted.

"What?"

"Don't do that."

Cozy grumbled while Evening glanced between the two of them.

"I... yes, I know Princess Twilight. We aren't close or anything and..." Cozy just sighed. "I honestly thought you knew about this stuff already?"

"Er, no?"

"Me and... some friends," Cozy glanced at Fleeting. "Had a run in with the princess a quite a few years ago. It made national headlines, several times."

"Is that why the nurses give me weird looks whenever I bring you up?"

Cozy could only chuckled. "Probably, I was kind of infamous for a while."

"I..." Evening swallowed.

"Maybe another time," Fleeting interjected, likely considering the subject matter heavy enough as it was.

The two pegasi at the table nodded as silence settled.

"I still can't believe you went through all of that... everything."

Cozy sighed. "It's why it was so hard, coming back here and meeting you again I mean;" Cozy looked away. "I should have come sooner, but it was easier to not think about things."

"I, yes," Evening nodded. "I'd like to say I understand, but it's kind of hard to grasp it all. I did miss you though, every day since I could properly start thinking again."

Cozy just stared at Evening, she wasn't sure what to say. It was nice to finally get it all out, to lay it all bare. And Cozy knew, she knew all to well that it wasn't really Evening's fault things went the way they did; and yet...

She yelped when Fleeting nudged her hard. She was about to ask what the big deal was when she noticed that Fleeting was gesturing at her saddlebags with her hoof. That's right, now was probably as good of a time as any. She dug around in her bag till she found the soft object it in question, she carefully lifted it and placed it on the table; giving it a light push towards Evening.

"I made you this, I figured..." Cozy looked away. "I don't know what I was thinking, actually, but it seemed like something I should do."

"This is..." Evening picked up the stitched plush. "Me?"

"Yeah... I never stopped practising stitching, even when you stopped teaching me. I have had a lot more time to get better at it in recent years. I figured... I figured I'd make you one."

Evening carefully put down the plush of herself on the table. She quickly got up and walk around the table, wrapping her hooves around Cozy and hugging her.

"Thank you, you have no idea what this means... I- I thought you hated me," she was tearing up again.

Cozy awkwardly wrapped her hooves around Evening, her wings twitching. "I don't, I don't think I hate you. But seeing you brings back all the bad memories."

"Can we... can we see each other again?"

Cozy thought about it for a moment, she didn't really feel close to Evening, and she brought back everything bad from her foalhood. But... you had to make new memories to replace the old ones, isn't that what Princess Twilight said?

"Yeah," she put on a smirk. "But next time you'll have to be the one to come visit me."

Evening let go of the hug and took a step back, a smile rested on her lips. "It's a promise."

Chapter 4 - Mother and Daughter

Chapter 4
Mother and Daughter

"Come on, at least give it a try mom," Cozy spoke with a huff.

Chrysalis glared at her in response. "This is stupid."

Cozy just rolled her eyes at her. "You can't just lounge at home all day."

"Sure I can, it's not as if I have anything better to do with my time. Also, don't call me that."

This time Cozy huffed. "Oh it's not as if I want to, but last I checked you," she said while throwing her hoof towards Chrysalis. "Insisted on this arrangement for your cover."

Chrysalis frowned, it had seemed like a good idea at the time; mostly because it bothered Cozy. "Yes, well, that does not mean you need to call me that."

"You made your bed, now you get to sleep in it. Plus, Tirek insisted that I'd not let you chicken out, so get on with it."

Cozy put her hooves on Chrysalis' flanks and pushed her forwards towards the building they were standing in front of. She yelped and swore as she almost collided with the door. As she got her bearings, she turned around and hissed at Cozy, who had put on one of her characteristic fake smiles. It hadn't been long since they moved here, yet Cozy's growth spurt had started to kick in, she was almost as tall as a full-grown mare, even if she wasn't quite as well rounded.

Cozy knocked on the door a few times before opening it and pushing inside, gesturing for Chrysalis to follow. Chrysalis grumbled under her breath and followed on in, she could get through this stupid interview Tirek had set up for her; they wouldn't want her anyway. Besides, why did she need to work anyway? Only Tirek and Cozy needed to buy dumb pony food; this was completely unfair.

She closed the door and took in the practically empty lobby, though she could clearly hear foals laughing and whining somewhere close by. The walls were painted a bright blue with crude approximations of the sun and clouds painted on. Somehow the daycare looked exactly as drab and foalish as she had imagined it would be.

They weren't alone for long, as in walked a tired looking mare, in her front hoof she carried what made for a changeling nymph these days. Chrysalis had to hold back the bile in her throat just from seeing the thing. Cozy took the initiative and walked over to the mare, greeting them with a smile.

"Hello, I'm Cozy Glow, and this," she gestured at Chrysalis. "Is my mother, Fleeting Heart. She's here for that job interview the big scary centaur booked last week."

"Oh, hello. It's a pleasure," the mare waved to the both of them with her free hoof.

Chrysalis elected to not respond, leaving the two ponies to talk to among themselves. Instead she studied the nymph, something was wrong with it... well, more than the usual wrong that is. It looked malnourished, almost as if it hadn't been fed properly. That didn't make much sense, she turned and studied the mare that supposedly worked here. She could taste a light hint of fear surrounding her, but her strongest emotion was relief.

"What have you been feeding him anyway?" Chrysalis spoke as she walked up to the mare, completely interrupting the conversation she hadn't been part of.

"Pardon?"

Chrysalis rolled her eyes and picked up the nymph. It was a queen's duty to care for her brood, even if they had mutated into freaks. She tapped into her personal reserve and used a connection that had been lying dormant for years. She pushed trickles of love into the small creature, the effect was immediate; its eyes widened and it turned its full attention towards Chrysalis and reached towards her with it's arms.

"As I said, my mom has some experience with changelings," Cozy said to the daycare worker.

Chrysalis ignored them and kept pushing the emotions through the link, she didn't stop until she felt that the nymph was full. As a force of habit she deposited them on her back when she was done, the young changeling quickly got comfortable and curled up to sleep.

"He was quite malnourished," Chrysalis said, turning to the mare, only just now noticing that they were staring at her.

"What?" She asked in annoyance.

Looking at the daycare worker, she was a brown earth pony with a gray and yellow mane tied up into a bun. Chrysalis glanced at Cozy, who was giving her a knowing smirk; she knew something that she didn't.

The daycare worked finally gathered her wits again and took a step forwards, staring at the nymph before turning to Chrysalis. "You're hired," she practically yelled.

Chrysalis recoiled back in shock. "What?"

"We have had several changeling families lately come in with their foals-"

"Nymphs" Chrysalis corrected.

"Right, nymphs. Anyway, they have come in with them asking us to take care of them the same way we care for foals. We can't just turn them down, but none of us have any idea how to care for them. Not to mention we are understaffed as is what with the town growing. You have no idea what a life saver you'll be."

Chrysalis recovered from her shock when she noticed Cozy giggling under her hoof at her. "But, what about the interview?" She asked in the vain hope that this wasn't happening.

"I have seen all I need to see, you clearly know how to care for changelings; something none of us here currently do. How did you learn that anyway?"

"I..:" She wasn't prepared for this.

"Oh, that's simple. Mom here," Cozy said while walking over and dragging her wing across Chrysalis's side. "Was one of the first ponies to go and visit the changeling hive when they opened relations with Equestria. She's practically an expert, well, as much as an expert as a pony can be."

She could hear the smugness in Cozy's voice, and she was giving her that look again. That filly was way too good at wrapping ponies around her hoof.

The mare looked at Chrysalis with wide eyes. "Really? Then we are so lucky to have you Ms.Fleeting."

"Yeah, congratulations mother, now you don't need to be bored lounging at home all day anymore."

She had to hold herself back as to not start hissing at Cozy.

"Relax kid, you don't need to get this worked up about it."

Cozy turned around and glared at Tirek, who was sitting comfortably in his chair reading a book.

"I'll relax when this is over with!" The frustration clear in her voice.

"He's right you know," Fleeting said as she walked down the stairs.

"Oh shut it, I don't want to hear that from you of all changelings. If this was Thorax you'd be sitting and spiking the tea leaves with poison at this point."

Fleeting let out a growl while Tirek only chuckled.

"She's right you know," Tirek said, a smirk on his face.

Fleeting just huffed and walked over to the foyer. "Whatever, you can deal with this moody foal then Tirek; I'm heading to work."

"Enjoy your meal," Tirek replied.

Cozy had to refrain from rolling her eyes. "How can you two just be so casual about all this?"

Fleeting elected to not reply, instead heading out the door and closing it behind her with a light slam.

Tirek just flipped to the next page in his book and kept reading. "It's because it's your mess, not ours."

Cozy huffed. "So much for sticking together," she said while turning her gaze elsewhere.

"I'm here, aren't I?"

"Barely," Cozy rolled her eyes and returned to pacing around the room.

She should have expected this day to come eventually, yet somehow she wasn't ready for it. She knew she had agreed to it those scant few months ago, but she had really hoped to put all that stuff behind her by now. Yet as with everything else in her life, things had elected to come back and bite her in the flank.

She had barely made four laps around the room when a series of knocks came from the front door. She gulped and slowly made her way over, opening the door. Beyond the portal stood the pony she both expected and dreaded to meet again: Evening Glow.

"Hi... Evening," all of the assertiveness was gone from her voice.

The mare was smiling and took a step forwards, gesturing with her hooves. "Hi Cozy."

Cozy nodded and Evening proceeded to hug her, an act which Cozy slowly but surely returned.

"So, field day, huh?" Cozy asked.

Evening giggled. "Something like that. But they think I might be well enough to move out soon."

Cozy smiled genuinely. "That's great news."

She released the hug and gestured for her to come inside, before closing the door behind them. They made their way to the living room where Evening froze on the threshold, her pupils shrinking.

"Whoa, you're... bigger than I expected."

Cozy could hear Tirek chuckle as he put down his book on the table. Cozy just rolled her eyes, he wasn't that big, not anymore anyway.

"Evening, meet... dad, I guess."

Evening snapped out of her stupor and walked over, raising her hoof. Tirek quickly accepted the gesture and shook it.

"And you must be Evening Glow then, the one responsible for this menace," he reached down and ruffled Cozy's mane with his free hand.

"Hey!"

Evening giggled while Tirek shot Cozy a smirk; all she could do was huff. She gestured for Evening to take a seat while she herself walked over and flopped on the couch, taking up most of it.

"I'm glad, you know," Evening started after having gotten comfortable. "That there was someone there for Cozy," she looked away in shame.

"Think nothing of it, she's been there for me as much as I have for her."

"Maybe so, but. I know now about what condition I have, I have for years, really. But I didn't really consider the consequences of it until they stared me in the eyes."

Tirek rubbed the back of his head. "Sometimes... it's hard to fully grasp things without an outside perspective. I think we are all faulty of that to various extents."

Cozy groaned. "We don't have to talk about the past, you know."

A light smile graced Evening's lips. "Perhaps, but I still hurt ponies, ponies close to me. And that is something I want to make right."

"A valiant notion," Tirek added before shaking his head. "It's true that we can't change the past, but making up for it is something one can strive for, even if it might not ever be achievable."

Evening nodded, before turning to face Cozy, licking her lips. "I'd... I'd like to be a part of your life again Cozy. I know I missed out on so many years and much of your foalhood, but... you're still my daughter to me, even if you have found somepony else to fill the spot of mother for you."

Cozy let out a deep sigh, she had expected this. She reached up with her hoof from the lying position and waved it in the air. "Sure," she said with practically no commitment.

Evening frowned and her ear drops. "I..." She didn't finish.

Tirek coughed. "Don't be rude Cozy, you should know this is just as hard for her as it is for you."

Cozy growled. "Well, what do you want me to say? I'm fine with it, it's just... ugh."

It was like she was a foal again whenever she looked at Evening; like she was back there and had to take care of her. Just looking at her reminded her of all the things she had to do, all the awful lies she had to commit to.

"I can go... if you want," Evening said, tears her eyes.

"...no," Cozy began. "I do want to move past it all," she sighed and sat up properly. "It's just hard."

Evening just nodded, not looking even remotely better. Cozy sighed again and got up, walking over and wrapping her hooves around the mare, holding her close.

"Maybe it was better Chrysi wasn't here for this," she awkwardly chuckled. "She'd have hated feeling all of this."

"Probably," Tirek said, Cozy couldn't see him from her position, but she'd bet on him smirking.

Eventually Evening recovered. "Who's Chrysi?"

"Oh, pff, it's what I call Fleeting, old habit."

Evening chuckled lightly, still not entirely there yet. "That's not even close to her name, you'll have to tell me the story."

Cozy could feel a light blush oh her cheek and looked away, meeting Tirek's gaze. "Maybe one day I'll tell that story, it's how the three of us meet."

"It's a wild one," Tirek chipped in.

"That would be nice," a light smile reaching Evening's lips.

Cozy walked back over to the sofa, patting the spot next to herself as she sat down. Evening seemed a bit surprised but headed over and sat down next to Cozy.

"So, getting to move out soon? That must be exciting," Cozy pondered.

Evening nodded slowly. "Yeah, but also a bit frightening, to be honest."

It was a bit weird hearing the mare right next to herself. "Frightening?" Cozy raised her eye.

"Yes, I know that... someone will be assigned to me to help me with the assistance I need, in case I have an episode. But I will be on my own for most of the time, which is a big change from always being surrounded by ponies."

"I guess you'll need to make a few friends then," Cozy awkwardly chuckled.

"Yes... and, I was hoping to start here," Evening glanced to Tirek before meeting Cozy's eyes again.

Cozy sighed, she could do this; just old habits, right? She reached out with her wing around Evening and pulled her close, causing the older mare to lean on her. "And we'll happily have you... even if I'm not feeling very comfortable with it right now:"

Evening closed her eyes with a smile on her face, a light purr of contentment escaping her lips. Cozy frowned, it all just felt so awkward. It was much easier to just fake being friends with ponies. Thought it was also a lot less rewarding if she thought about it.

"Oh!" Evening suddenly snapped to attention. "I went back to our old house in Cloudsdale before coming here."

Cozy tensed up. "Oh?"

"I... I don't think I plan on keeping it. If things work out I'll be moving down here instead. I'd ask if you were interested in taking over it, but I'm pretty sure you aren't," Evening chuckled.

"No, not really."

That house had too many memories, and not many of them were good. The few good memories that she had of the places had been soiled by all the troubled ones. Cozy glanced about the room, this was home now, and that was fine. It was cramped for the three of them, sure; but it still felt just perfect.

"Maybe Cozy could help you find a place, it's in her line of work, after all," Tirek chuckled.

Evening turned her head to look Cozy in the eyes, she had to restrain herself from rolling them.

"I work in construction, mostly in overseeing the work and planning. I don't really have a hoof in anything beyond that."

Evening smiled. "It's not the field of work I would have thought you to be into."

Cozy shrugged. "Me neither, to be honest. But I'm good with managing ponies, planning, and getting things done. So I guess it sorta fits, even if the stuff we work on is itself not anything I have passion for."

Cozy tensed up as Evening put a hoof through her mane and lightly brushed it. "The important part is that you're happy with it."

Cozy let out a breath and relaxed, her posture slumping. "Yeah, it's keeping me busy enough."

A light smirk reached her lips. "Did we ever tell you about where Fleeting works?"

Evening shook her head, causing Cozy's smirk to widen.

"Well- she's actually taking care of foals at the local daycare."

The day had gone well despite everything, Cozy reasoned. The three of them had been sitting there talking away the entire day. Well, the two of them, really; Tirek didn't say much.

"Will you be fine on the way back?" Cozy asked, the two of them standing in the front yard as the sun was slowly turning the sky red.

Evening nodded. "There's someone waiting for me in town to help me get back."

Cozy smiled and hugged the mare. "I could fly with you to the train station if you want?"

Evening chuckled and hugged back. "That'd be nice, but unnecessary. Besides, I'm not supposed to fly."

"Oh, right."

That made sense, locking up in the air could prove fatal. She felt stupid for even suggesting it now, Evening had to miss the feeling of flying terribly.

"Gotten comfortable with the idea of having two mothers yet?" A voice cried from above.

Fleeting came in for a landing next to them, a smirk on her face. She could feel Evening tensing up, she was probably doing the same.

"Ugh, you're horrible."

Fleeting chuckled. "If you don't want to put up with me you could always move out," she stuck out her tongue at Cozy.

Cozy released her hug and rolled her eyes. Clearly the changeling must have had a good day at work if she was this jovial.

"Well, if you're so into it then," Cozy exclaimed while wrapping her hoof around Fleeting and pulling her close, she chuckled at the changelings sudden discomfort. She gestured with her eyes for Evening to join them, something which the mare hesitantly did.

She could hear Fleeting swear under her breath as she hugged both mares close, a smile spread on her lips; maybe things would work out.

Author's Note

And this marks the end of the story. It's not a complete story on any of these characters lives, just a tiny window into parts of them. Maybe one day I'll consider writing a sequel, but if so it would be a very different tale. I think there are better people out there when it comes to writing happy family scenarios of these three.

I had fun writing this, it took longer than that other story which I wrote in a fever induced haze one night. I'll probably write up a large blog post concerning Cozy at some point, as this contest proved interesting.