Helping Hoofby TheKing2001ChaptersChapter IChapter IIChapter IIIChapter IVChapter VChapter I“I’m going to kill Rainbow Dash.” I jumped slightly at my friends declaration as Golden Harvest angrily nosed through the destruction that once was her house. Berry Punch and Cherry Berry were doing the same further down the field with Cheerilee. “S-s-she was just trying to gather up the parasprites Golden,” I stuttered and reassured her. I hated my stutter that I had been born with. I always got made fun of over it. Luckily I met a few ponies who didn’t care about it. “I get that Junebug,” Golden Harvest grumbled. “But they already ate half of my house! The other half she crashed into!” Okay, I admit she had a point there. Rainbow Dash did get a bit excitable and had a reputation of being just as destructive as the Cutie Mark Crusaders somedays. If not more destructive. They’re ground bound like us, Rainbow can fly. “Don’t worry,” Cloud Kicker tried to reassure her as she and another mare dropped down into the field. “You’re getting a new house built.” “Gee thanks,” Golden Harvest scoffed. “I don’t care about the house! Well I do but I cared about the stuff inside it! Like this right here,” she hoofed around some debris and pulled a half destroyed clock with a grunt. “This belonged to my grandfather! My house was full of antique heirlooms and items passed down!” She flung it down the field where me and Cloud Kicker winced at the sound of it shattering. “That could have been repaired,” the jasmine mare remarked. Golden Harvest glared at her. “You be quiet. What are you guys doing here anyway?” The mare glowered at Golden as Cloud Kicker gave her a warning look. “Don’t retaliate Raindrops. Anyway, we’re here to tell you the weather service will be paying for the repairs. Turns out Rainbow was on the clock when she crashed into your house,” Cloud Kicker looked around at the wood littering my friends carrot fields. “Is your farm land damaged at all?” “No it’s just gonna take a bit to clean up,” Golden Harvest admitted as the others trotted up. Berry Punch had a sleeping Ruby Pinch on her back. “And if the weather service is paying for it, I want a hot tub! Along with a play room for my daughter! And more storage for my farm in the winter! And I don’t wanna hear shit about it until it becomes a reality!” Cloud Kicker wore a strained smile on her face and I got the feeling Golden Harvest wasn’t the first angry pony she’s dealt with today who’s house got destroyed. “I’ll see what I can do for you,” Cloud Kicker said. “It’s covering everything inside too. Did Noi lose anything?” “Yes,” Golden Harvest grumbled. “Rainbow Crash is lucky my daughter wasn’t in the house or I’d have ripped her apart limb from limb by now.” The two pegasi looked at each other. “Alright just drop the list off at the weather service headquarters at town hall and it’ll get sorted out,” Cloud Kicker said. She and Raindrops took off, Raindrops tossing a look back our way. “Can you guys believe this?” Golden Harvest sighed. “We’re homeless now! How am I going to tell Noi this?” I placed a reassuring hoof on her back. “You’re not homeless technically,” Cherry Berry said. “The weather service is paying for a new one. We have inns, we all have houses.” “Oh yeah because I can totally afford to spend bits on a hotel!” Golden growled and slammed a hoof into the dirt. “At this rate, I’m gonna have to drag a card board box and Noi out to Main Street to sleep and beg.” She picked up a broken watering can and started shaking it. “Hey there mister, can you spare a bit to get my filly some food or school supplies?” We all looked at each other worriedly. This was more like Cherry Fizzys annoying pessimism, not Goldens normal happy self. Then again, her house did get destroyed. “If it helps, you can have the bits in my piggy bank,” Ruby Pinch yawned as she shifted on her moms back. “There’s not a lot but it might help.” We all melted at the look she gave Golden. Golden slowly approached the filly and nuzzled her. “Thanks but I’m not taking your bits. We will sort it out. We always do,” Golden sighed and scuffed the dirt a bit. “I’ll guess I’ll have to figure it out.” “Y-y-you can always stay with one of us,” I suggested quietly. “Absolutely!” Cheerilee smiled at our fellow earth pony. “I agree,” Berry Punch said. “Ruby could enjoy the company of Noi. They are best friends along with Dinky.” “O-o-or me,” I said hopefully. “I have enough space and I live alone.” Golden Harvest looked between us all and sighed. “Okay Berry.” I drooped my head and tail and started to trudge off. I let out a tired sigh. “O-o-okay,” I mumbled as I avoided some pieces of wood and metal. I always let other ponies do whatever they wanted to me. I never stand up for myself and besides, it’s just a house. It’s not like it’s the end of the world. I started slowly trotting down the road to my house. “Hey Junebug wait!” I faintly heard my name and turned around. Golden Harvest galloped with Noi on her back. Either I was walking for longer than I thought and she went to get her from school or Noi had walked home. “W-w-what’s up?” I asked curiously. Noi hopped of her moms back and rubbed her side against my foreleg before hugging it. I rubbed her mane with a hoof and smiled. “Mom said you offered to let us stay with you. So we came to find you after you left the farm,” Noi chirped with a smile. “B-b-but you said you were staying with Berry and Ruby?” I asked in confusion. Golden kicked the ground sheepishly. “Yeah I did,” she admitted. “I know you don’t get a lot of company and you looked sad so Berry and I decided to not stay with her and have me stay with you. If it’s still on the table of course.” “O-o-of course it is!” I nodded enthusiastically and Noi separated from my foreleg as I started to trot away. Golden trotted next to me with Noi on her back. “Thanks June.” Chapter III looked around the living room of the small house curiously. I had only been in Junebugs house a few times. The mare rarely left the house because she was self conscious about her stutter. The mare grabbed the couch with her mouth and unfolded a mattress. “S-s-sorry I didn’t get it ready sooner,” Junebug mumbled. “I wasn’t expecting your house to get destroyed.” “It’s okay Junebug,” I reassured her. “I didn’t either. Thanks for putting up with us.” “I-i-it’s not a problem,” Junebug smiled faintly. “Blankets are in the closet right there.” she pointed with a hoof to a closet. “Same with pillows. I’ll get dinner or something going.” “Do you want help?” I asked as I tossed a few blankets and pillows onto the fold out bed. “N-n-no. You’re my guest. I’ll take care of it,” Junebug said adamantly. “I’m not the greatest cook sorry in advance.” The mare disappeared into the kitchen before I could say anything. Noi jumped on the bed and grinned as she flopped on her back. I shifted my focus over to her and gave her a disapproving frown, shaking my head. “We are guests here Noi,” I chided. “Don’t go jumping around on June’s furniture please.” Noi gave me a sheepish smile. “Sorry mom. Why don’t we see Aunt Junebug more?” We weren’t actually related though a lot of ponies asked if we were and I’ll admit, we look pretty damn similar. Scarily similar. I thought we were related for a bit there myself. Noi just calls all my friends who she’s known her short life Aunt. Berry had been especially helpful with the labor and raising her aspect. “Well she never really leaves her house,” I admitted. “She’s a shy mare. She doesn’t really talk much as you know.” “Because she’s stupid?” Noi guessed. I immediately gave a light smack on her hoof and glared at her. “Don’t say that. Be nice. Junebug is not stupid, she’s just different. I don’t ever want to hear that come out of your mouth, do you understand me little filly?” I snapped. “Yes mom. I meant it as a good thing though. Isn’t it good to be stupid?” Noi asked. I blinked in confusion and shook my head. “What are you talking about?” “Stupid equals different. Different equals good. Therefore it’s good that Junebug is different.” I chuckled and ruffled her mane. “That is some weird logic there. Just say she’s unique,” I suggested. “Or don’t say anything to her at all. It would hurt her feelings.” “So I shouldn’t say shes reta-” I quickly stuffed a hoof into her mouth and gave her the angriest glare I could muster. “Don’t ever let me catch you say that. Where did you even learn that word?” I demanded. Noi spit my hoof out and wiped her tongue off. “School! Some ponies were talking about Derpy behind Dinkys back today. Thankfully Dinky is oblivious to them and just thinks they aren’t talking about her mom,” Noi said and stomped a tiny hoof down angrily. “Wish I could stomp them on the stomach till their intestines spilled out of their mouths.” “Now now. Violence isn’t the answer to everything dear,” I said calmly even though inside I was furious. I’d have to talk to Cheerilee about this. “If you say that word again, I’ll spank you.” “What if I like it?” Noi questioned and I gave her a stunned look. “I’m sorry, what?” Let me tell you, when my parents spanked me it was the opposite of fun. I don’t get how anyone can like it. “You remember the foal free press incident?” I grimaced at that. Berry Punch had been furious when those three fillies had went after her on their gossip column. Berry still didn’t allow Ruby to play with the cmc. “Yeah how could I forget?” I rolled my eyes. “Scootaloo was talking to me and Cotton Cloudy a few days later and said that Bon Bon had spanked her because of it. Apparently Scootaloo started liking it halfway in and then she had a awkward conversation with her moms. What if I like it?” Noi asked worriedly as she trotted back and forth. “Ponies would call me weird!” For once, I was at a loss for words. I don’t even know where to begin or what to say about that. I opened and closed my mouth a few times, Noi waiting patiently. “Well ponies like things that others might find weird. That’s perfectly natural,” I said evasively. Hopefully that would satisfy Noi for a few years at least. I really didn’t want to have that conversation until she was at least thirteen. “Okay!” Noi said happily and I let out a breath in relief. Thank Celestia that crisis was averted. “How does Aunt Junebug get food if she never leaves her house?” “Well she doesn’t always stay inside. She comes out a bit. Water her garden and all, talk to us. Most of the time me or the others will drop off food for her. She’s a bit of a doormat to put it lightly,” I admitted. I really did wish that mare would get some confidence and not let everypony walk over her but I can’t force her into anything she doesn’t want. “Like Fluttershy?” I paused before I spoke, rubbing my chin with a hoof. “Yeah a bit like Fluttershy. Not as bad as her though.” Noi curled up in a ball, pressing against my chest and I draped a foreleg over her. “Hopefully Aunt Junebug gets over her doormattness. It’d be cool to have her spend more time at the house with us,” Noi mumbled. I resisted the urge to correct her and say that doormattness wasn’t a real word but I decided against. Pick your fights and all that. “It would yeah,” I agreed as Junebug trotted into the room with a tray on her back. “D-d-dinner is ready,” she said as she folded her haunches and forelegs under her. “We don’t have to eat out here if you don’t want us to. We can use your table June,” I said. She shook her head slowly. “I-i-i don’t have a big enough table sorry Golden,” she said sheepishly as we took the tray off her back and she stood up before sitting next to Noi. “Sorry if it’s awful. I’m not a good cook.” I gave her a reassuring smile, placing a hoof on her shoulder. “This is perfect.” Chapter III Golden Harvest I nosed through my field and tossed some more carrots into my ever-growing pile in the cart. Tomorrow was probably going to be my biggest day of sales so I needed to get ahead of the game. I glanced back as some construction ponies continued clearing out the wreckage of where my house once stood and winced. “Hey Golden!” Somepony called out and I jumped slightly, hitting my head on the wagons hitch and cursed under my breath. I spun around and rubbed my head to glare at the pony who startled me, ready to tear into them. My eyes widened when I saw Twilights pet dragon Spike. “Oh hey Spike,” I greeted him and pulled another carrot. “What can I do for you?” “Nothing, just wanted to come by and see if I can help you out,” Spike answered as he examined the field. “Well so far I’m pretty decent. If you truly want to help, I guess you can start pulling carrots and getting Noi from school later,” I said as I stretched my back. “Well, as long as Twilight doesn’t need you. Doesn’t she like take you for walks and stuff?” “I’m her assistant, not her pet,” Spike grumbled as he flexed his claws and picked up a bucket of carrots. “Oh,” I muttered as my ears flattened against my head. “Sorry about that.” “It’s fine,” Spike sighed as he started to help me harvest my crop. “At least you aren’t running away screaming like some other ponies did when they first saw me. Namely Roseluck and her sisters.” I internally felt bad for the dragon. We all secretly called the Flower Trio the Ponyville Alarm. Because anytime a monster came into town or bunnies were invading, you could hear their screaming across town. I hadn’t entirely been afraid of Spike when I first saw but a bit wary. Noi on the other hoof threw that all out the window and invited him to play in the fields with Dinky, Ruby and Cotton Cloudy. I mean, he’s a dragon. Who isn’t going to be a bit cautious at first? I still remember Fluttershy galloping past my farm after him and Twilight. I also remember gawking at Fluttershy of all ponies seeming excited. I’ve lived in Ponyville my entire life and I can’t really remember the last time I saw Fluttershy excited or even talk loud enough to hear her. “So uh it sucks what happened to your house. You’re staying with your clone right?” Spike coughed into his fist as he watched me. “My clone?” I asked in confusion. “Oh you mean Junebug. Yeah, I am. She offered me and Noi a bed for a few weeks till my house is rebuilt.” “That’s nice. You two and Caramel Apple look scarily similar,” Spike commented casually as I shrugged. “We do yeah. June has a bit of a lighter mane than we do. Caramel Apple and I aren’t related. She’s one of the Apples, Junebug is well I don’t know to be honest. She doesn’t talk much.” The only real difference between me and Caramel Apple was cutie marks. Same mane style, same eye color and same coat color. We even had the same mane color. Ponies got us confused a lot at first. Thankfully she lives on the other side of Equestria. “I noticed. Do you need help selling your carrots?” Spike asked as I raised an eyebrow. “Come with me, let’s go pick up my daughter from school. Do you want to walk or do you want a ride?” “I’ll ride I guess.” I folded my legs under my to allow Spike to get on my back easier. Once verifying he was on securely, I stood up and started trotting to the school. “Hey Miss Cheerilee,” I waved as I narrowly avoided the fillies and colts running out of the school. The school teacher stood at the door waving to her students as I stood next to her. “Hey Carrot Top,” Cheerilee smiled as she watched the dust cloud disappear. “I thought your name was Golden Harvest?” Spike said in confusion as he peered over my head. “It is. Only my close friends get to call me Carrot Top. I don’t allow just anypony to call me,” I explained as Noi appeared out of nowhere. “There’s my girl!” “Hey Mom,” Noi rubbed against my leg. “Hey Spikey!” “Hey Noi.” “Before you go, tell your mom what you did,” Cheerilee said sternly as I narrowed my eyes at my daughter’s sudden sheepish look. “And be honest, tell her why you got detention.” “What did you do?” I demanded as I glared at her. I didn’t really like having to play both roles of stern parent and easy going parent. Problems of being a single mother. “I uh may have insulted Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon,” Noi admitted as she traced a circle with her hoof. Cheerilee gestured me forward and I leaned close as she pressed her mouth next to my ear. “She called them a pair of stuck up bitches and to not be bullies to the others. She also threatened them if they didn’t stop bullying Scootaloo for not being able to fly,” Cheerilee whispered as I groaned. “Thanks Miss Cheerilee. I’ll sort it out and I promise she will be there for detention. What day?” I asked as I gave Noi a disapproving look. “Tomorrow after school. It’s only thirty minutes and I’ll drop her off at home after she serves it,” Cheerilee promised as she turned around. “Have a good day!” “You too,” I said as she trotted into her school. Presumably to do paperwork or grade papers. “Now just what am I going to do with you filly?” “Get me ice cream for defending some ponies?” Noi asked hopefully as we started the slow walk to Junebugs. “Just because you stood up for them doesn’t mean you did it right,” Spike chimed in and gave me a sheepish frown. “Oh uh sorry Golden. I’ll shut up now.” “You’re fine Spike. He’s right though, you should have done it differently. I am proud of you though. Now come one, let’s drop Spike off at the library and get home. Then we discuss your punishment,” I answered and turned my head around to nuzzle Spike as he blushed. Noi gulped nervously as we trotted to the library. Author's Note For context, this story takes place in season one. https://mlp.fandom.com/wiki/Caramel_Apple Also, what name do you prefer for Golden Harvest? I prefer the canon name of Golden Harvest but Carrot Top works as well for her close friends. Chapter IV Golden Harvest “I need a drink,” I grumbled as I laid my forelegs lazily on my carrot stand. It had been a mix of busy and slow today, the perfect mix but now was a slow period. “Like water?” Spike asked curiously as I rolled my head to look at the dragon sitting next to my hooves. “I was thinking of alcohol but maybe water. Fire water, ya know?” I asked Spike as he shrugged. “Hey, what’s it like being a dragon? How exactly did Twilight come by you, anyway?” “It’s okay. When you get over ponies not being scared of you at least. The nobles in Canterlot wanted to throw me out of Canterlot for being a dragon before we moved here but well Twilight, shall we say, encouraged them not. Mainly by threatening to blast them into next week if they laid a hoof on my scales,” Spike answered as I whistled. I never expected the librarian of all ponies to threaten somepony. “As for the second question, she’s had me since she was a filly. I was her entrance exam into Celestia’s school for gifted unicorns. She had to hatch me in order to get in.” “So you mean a filly raised you?” I questioned and raised an eyebrow. “Well her mom and dad actually did until Twilight became an adult then they gave me to her. They were just temporarily taking care of me for her but we do everything together. Nightlight and Twilight Velvet are like my grandparents,” Spike answered as he bit into a carrot. I pointed a hoof at a jar and he sighed, dropping a bit into it. “Thanks. So that’s been pretty much all of your life? Sorting books and working for Twilight?” I asked curiously as I watched Berry Punch slid a bottle of wine across her stand and drop some bits in her bag. Market day was always entertaining, on the days there was no monster attack of course. I usually enjoy talking to my fellow farmers. Berry Punch has always had her stand across from mine. Hell, I remember her and I sitting next to each other in school growing up. “Well, it wasn’t always sorting books. That started about two years ago or so? She didn’t trust anypony except her to do it for the longest time. I don’t remember what changed her mind. Maybe me randomly handing her a book she wanted one day,” Spike answered with a sigh. “And you don’t get bored of your life?” “Do you?” I paused and looked back at him again. I hadn’t entirely expected that question. I was pretty happy with my life I guess. Work, go home, hang out with my daughter and friends, repeat. If you have a system that works, why change it up? “I don’t know Spike. I don’t know.” “This looks great Junebug,” I smiled at my fellow earth pony sit next to me and Noi in her living room. Junebug had annoyingly made dinner without even asking for help. Annoying might be the wrong term, I just didn’t like being a guest and not helping. “T-t-thanks Carrot Top,” Junebug smiled back faintly as we both glanced over at Spike. He had tagged along after picking up Noi from school for me. “Spike seems nice.” “That he is,” I agreed as Spike snored a bit as the three of us laughed. He had passed out as soon as he got here. “He’s a pretty cool dude,” Noi agreed as she poked him gently with a hoof. “He is pretty cute isn’t he?” I smirked as I wanted to hit myself. I don’t know why I said that or thought that. “And let him sleep, he’s been busy all day.” “W-w-what?” Junebug asked as she raised an eyebrow. “Isn’t he like, a kid?” “Miss Cheerilee said certain dragons age at a faster rate than ponies do. Maybe Spike is one of those dragons and then I’ll have a father! Everypony wins!” Noi announced as I choked on my carrot soup. Out of all the things I expected her to say, that wasn’t it. “Don’t get ahead of yourself. Spike is just a friend,” I chided as Noi grunted. “H-h-how did you even meet him anyway?” Junebug asked curiously as she drank from her wine glass. I don’t think I can remember the last time I saw her drink. “He accidentally crashed into my stand as he was chasing the CMC and broke it. Well the sign part I mean. How Scootaloo got him flying in the air, I will never know. Anyway, there was a dragon sized hole in the sign and he refused to go without fixing,” I answered and pushed some green beans Noi’s way. Originally I was gonna turn him down and fix it myself but I said sure. In all honesty, the sight of him climbing all over my stand frightened me. I had thought he was going to accidentally break it even more but apparently he didn’t weigh much. I probably should have known that but I was panicking. In the end, it had turned out well. My sign was brighter and had my cutie mark on it. Drew in way more customers than the original did too so there was that. “See, I told you all he was a nice dragon!” Noi announced and lifted her muzzle from her bowl. “But you got that idiot Diamond Tiara and the prick Silver Spoon who think he’s Tartarus bent on destroying Ponyville.” “Speaking of those two, thank you for reminding me you got detention today. How did it go?” I asked sternly as Junebug played with her hooves nervously. I knew she didn’t really like confrontation much. “It went fine. I had to apologize to them of all things. I don’t like Cheerilee anymore. She’s evidently siding with them,” Noi grumbled and I resisted the urge to snap at her. She was just a kid after all and was young. She would understand Cheerilee was just teaching her a lesson about kindness. Hopefully. “Wish I coulda pulled a Berry Punch and just punched them like she used to do to bullies. Would have been more fun. And have been more lasting. Not my fault they are a pair of cu-” “Noi!” I snapped and gave her a dirty look as Spike jumped onto Junebugs lap. “Watch your language.” “W-w-we also don’t hurt ponies no matter how much we think they deserve it Noi,” Junebug corrected as I watched Spike rub the sleep out of his eyes. “Alright, I’m going back to sleep since the yelling is over. Goodnight,” Spike muttered as he flopped over and started snoring as Junebug turned slightly red. “Want me to take him?” I offered and she shook her head. “N-n-no it’s fine. It’s quite adorable actually.” Spike kicked a leg in his sleep as we all looked at each other and laughed. Chapter V Junebug I gave a sigh and shut my door as I trotted outside. I barely went outside, mainly because ponies found my stutter funny. I didn’t really like most of the town, but it’s necessary to get groceries. Especially since Golden Harvest and the others were busy. Having more than one pony to provide for at home made things stressful. Not that I would ever tell Golden or Noi that. I didn’t get visitors often, unless they were my few friends. I sighed again as I timidly trotted down the street. “Well, well, well. Look who it is!” I froze as two fillies appeared in front of me. “The town freak!” “I know right, Diamond Tiara?” Silver Spoon grumbled as she examined me. “Cat got your tongue? Speak!” “W-w-hy?” I asked as the two looked at each other and laughed. “B-b-because!” Diamond Tiara fake stuttered as she laughed again. I didn’t like these two. They also found me and bullied me. “You’re so lame!” “That’s enough,” we all turned around to a angry looking orange pegasus. “Leave her alone Diamond Tiara.” “Oh hey it’s the chicken. What kind of pegasus can’t fly?” Silver Spoon mocked as I sat down on my haunches nervously. "Blank flank." “That ain’t right to say,” a yellow filly with a red bow in her hair growled and stepped forward. “Ah reckon ya should apologize, before ah get mah big sis to straighten yall out.” “Oh shut it Apple Bloom,” Silver Spoon rolled her eyes and smirked. “Shouldn’t you be rolling in the mud with your pigs?” “That’s not nice to say,” I flicked my eyes over to a white unicorn stand behind Apple Bloom. “Niceness doesn’t get you anywhere. But nor does your sisters freakouts! Where’s my fainting couch, anypony?” Diamond Tiara said frantically and looked around before laughing as I glared at her. “Oh Stutter wants to speak. Go on, do it!” “That’s enough,” a voice said as a purple hoof slammed into the dirt on front of me and we all looked up slowly at an angry looking unicorn. I forgot her name but I do remember Rainbow Dash hanging out with her often. “I don’t think bullying is what the two of you should be getting up.” Diamond Tiara whispered some unintelligible words into Silver Spoons ear as the grey fillys eyes widened. “Don’t worry Miss. We were just having fun with our friends. We are leaving now,” Diamond Tiara said as she gave me a dirty look and trotted off with her friend. “Are you girls okay?” The unicorn asked and turned around to look at the three fillies. They had already ran off and I heard something about cutie marks. The mare sighed and turned to me. “Well, that solves them I guess. And you?” I quietly nodded as she extended a hoof and I nervously accepted it as she pulled me up on all fours. “What’s your name?” “J-j-Junebug,” I said softly as she smiled. “I’m Twilight Sparkle. Please, walk with me,” Twilight said as she started to trot away and looked over her shoulder. “Come with me. Let’s go get some tea at my house.” I gave a shrug and followed her. “What would like with your tea?” Twilight asked as I sat in her library and looked around curiously. “H-h-honey is fine. Thank you,” I bowed my head slightly as she levitated two cups on the table and poured honey in mine. She sat across from me and smiled at me. “So Junebug, have you lived in Ponyville long?” Twilight asked curiously as I took a cautious sip of my tea. “M-m-my whole life. I went to school with Cheerilee and Berry Punch and Golden Harvest along with Cherry Berry,” I answered as Twilight nodded. “I know Cheerilee. Nice mare. Berry Punch is unique,” Twilight admitted as I giggled. “Golden Harvest is the carrot seller, correct?” “Y-y-yes.” “I don’t think I know who Cherry Berry is though. Does she happen to be the other sister of Cheerilees?” “Y-y-yes. Balloon mare, often goes flying around Ponyville and giving tours from the sky,” I answered as Twilight nodded again. I had always found it slightly intriguing that Cherry Berry prefer air to walking. “She’s a nice pony.” “And so are you,” Twilight said as she leaned forward. “Do you know who I am?” I shook my head as she shifted her weight. “I’m Princess Celestia’s student, sent here to learn about friendship.” “O-o-oh,” I said in surprise and knelt down in front of her. “I didn’t know that.” “Please, none of that,” Twilight smirked faintly as she levitated me back to my seat. “I’m nothing special, I’m just like you. No need to bow or anything.” “S-s-sorry. What exactly do you need me for? I’m just another face in the crowd after all,” I said shyly and brushed my mane away from my eyes. “Not to me,” Twilight said adamantly. “To me, everypony matters. It may have taken me too long to see that but I do now. And I would like to be your friend, if you wish.” I sat in stunned silence as Twilight watched me curiously. I always thought I was just another flower pony, another face in the crowd. I usually worked with the flower sisters, Roseluck, Daisy and Lily when I did step outside. I did need bits after all but I wasn’t sure if they called me a friend. “I-I-I’d like that a lot Twilight. I don’t have many friends, just the few I grew up with,” I said and rested a hoof on the table. “Are you sure you want to be my friend? I don’t know if you noticed, but I kind of have a stutter and all.” “I noticed and I’m perfectly okay with it. We all have our small problems that make us unique and I quite enjoy yours. I’m a neat freak and obsessed with books,” Twilight said as she reached out and patted my hoof. “Trust me, you’re probably one of the most normal ponies in town.” I faintly turned red as we smiled at each other. I bit my lip as I remembered my shopping list. “M-m-my groceries!” I exclaimed and stood up hastily. “Easy. I found your list and asked Spike to collect everything for you. He dropped it off at your house and should have put everything away,” Twilight said and I slowly sat back down. “And Junebug?” “Y-y-yes?” “I see how the others treat you. Don’t be afraid to stand up for yourself. And my door is always open if you need it.” “T-t-thank you Twilight.” I took a deep breath and hugged her as she chuckled and hugged me back. It was kinda nice to have more than five or so friends.
Chapter I“I’m going to kill Rainbow Dash.” I jumped slightly at my friends declaration as Golden Harvest angrily nosed through the destruction that once was her house. Berry Punch and Cherry Berry were doing the same further down the field with Cheerilee. “S-s-she was just trying to gather up the parasprites Golden,” I stuttered and reassured her. I hated my stutter that I had been born with. I always got made fun of over it. Luckily I met a few ponies who didn’t care about it. “I get that Junebug,” Golden Harvest grumbled. “But they already ate half of my house! The other half she crashed into!” Okay, I admit she had a point there. Rainbow Dash did get a bit excitable and had a reputation of being just as destructive as the Cutie Mark Crusaders somedays. If not more destructive. They’re ground bound like us, Rainbow can fly. “Don’t worry,” Cloud Kicker tried to reassure her as she and another mare dropped down into the field. “You’re getting a new house built.” “Gee thanks,” Golden Harvest scoffed. “I don’t care about the house! Well I do but I cared about the stuff inside it! Like this right here,” she hoofed around some debris and pulled a half destroyed clock with a grunt. “This belonged to my grandfather! My house was full of antique heirlooms and items passed down!” She flung it down the field where me and Cloud Kicker winced at the sound of it shattering. “That could have been repaired,” the jasmine mare remarked. Golden Harvest glared at her. “You be quiet. What are you guys doing here anyway?” The mare glowered at Golden as Cloud Kicker gave her a warning look. “Don’t retaliate Raindrops. Anyway, we’re here to tell you the weather service will be paying for the repairs. Turns out Rainbow was on the clock when she crashed into your house,” Cloud Kicker looked around at the wood littering my friends carrot fields. “Is your farm land damaged at all?” “No it’s just gonna take a bit to clean up,” Golden Harvest admitted as the others trotted up. Berry Punch had a sleeping Ruby Pinch on her back. “And if the weather service is paying for it, I want a hot tub! Along with a play room for my daughter! And more storage for my farm in the winter! And I don’t wanna hear shit about it until it becomes a reality!” Cloud Kicker wore a strained smile on her face and I got the feeling Golden Harvest wasn’t the first angry pony she’s dealt with today who’s house got destroyed. “I’ll see what I can do for you,” Cloud Kicker said. “It’s covering everything inside too. Did Noi lose anything?” “Yes,” Golden Harvest grumbled. “Rainbow Crash is lucky my daughter wasn’t in the house or I’d have ripped her apart limb from limb by now.” The two pegasi looked at each other. “Alright just drop the list off at the weather service headquarters at town hall and it’ll get sorted out,” Cloud Kicker said. She and Raindrops took off, Raindrops tossing a look back our way. “Can you guys believe this?” Golden Harvest sighed. “We’re homeless now! How am I going to tell Noi this?” I placed a reassuring hoof on her back. “You’re not homeless technically,” Cherry Berry said. “The weather service is paying for a new one. We have inns, we all have houses.” “Oh yeah because I can totally afford to spend bits on a hotel!” Golden growled and slammed a hoof into the dirt. “At this rate, I’m gonna have to drag a card board box and Noi out to Main Street to sleep and beg.” She picked up a broken watering can and started shaking it. “Hey there mister, can you spare a bit to get my filly some food or school supplies?” We all looked at each other worriedly. This was more like Cherry Fizzys annoying pessimism, not Goldens normal happy self. Then again, her house did get destroyed. “If it helps, you can have the bits in my piggy bank,” Ruby Pinch yawned as she shifted on her moms back. “There’s not a lot but it might help.” We all melted at the look she gave Golden. Golden slowly approached the filly and nuzzled her. “Thanks but I’m not taking your bits. We will sort it out. We always do,” Golden sighed and scuffed the dirt a bit. “I’ll guess I’ll have to figure it out.” “Y-y-you can always stay with one of us,” I suggested quietly. “Absolutely!” Cheerilee smiled at our fellow earth pony. “I agree,” Berry Punch said. “Ruby could enjoy the company of Noi. They are best friends along with Dinky.” “O-o-or me,” I said hopefully. “I have enough space and I live alone.” Golden Harvest looked between us all and sighed. “Okay Berry.” I drooped my head and tail and started to trudge off. I let out a tired sigh. “O-o-okay,” I mumbled as I avoided some pieces of wood and metal. I always let other ponies do whatever they wanted to me. I never stand up for myself and besides, it’s just a house. It’s not like it’s the end of the world. I started slowly trotting down the road to my house. “Hey Junebug wait!” I faintly heard my name and turned around. Golden Harvest galloped with Noi on her back. Either I was walking for longer than I thought and she went to get her from school or Noi had walked home. “W-w-what’s up?” I asked curiously. Noi hopped of her moms back and rubbed her side against my foreleg before hugging it. I rubbed her mane with a hoof and smiled. “Mom said you offered to let us stay with you. So we came to find you after you left the farm,” Noi chirped with a smile. “B-b-but you said you were staying with Berry and Ruby?” I asked in confusion. Golden kicked the ground sheepishly. “Yeah I did,” she admitted. “I know you don’t get a lot of company and you looked sad so Berry and I decided to not stay with her and have me stay with you. If it’s still on the table of course.” “O-o-of course it is!” I nodded enthusiastically and Noi separated from my foreleg as I started to trot away. Golden trotted next to me with Noi on her back. “Thanks June.”
Chapter III looked around the living room of the small house curiously. I had only been in Junebugs house a few times. The mare rarely left the house because she was self conscious about her stutter. The mare grabbed the couch with her mouth and unfolded a mattress. “S-s-sorry I didn’t get it ready sooner,” Junebug mumbled. “I wasn’t expecting your house to get destroyed.” “It’s okay Junebug,” I reassured her. “I didn’t either. Thanks for putting up with us.” “I-i-it’s not a problem,” Junebug smiled faintly. “Blankets are in the closet right there.” she pointed with a hoof to a closet. “Same with pillows. I’ll get dinner or something going.” “Do you want help?” I asked as I tossed a few blankets and pillows onto the fold out bed. “N-n-no. You’re my guest. I’ll take care of it,” Junebug said adamantly. “I’m not the greatest cook sorry in advance.” The mare disappeared into the kitchen before I could say anything. Noi jumped on the bed and grinned as she flopped on her back. I shifted my focus over to her and gave her a disapproving frown, shaking my head. “We are guests here Noi,” I chided. “Don’t go jumping around on June’s furniture please.” Noi gave me a sheepish smile. “Sorry mom. Why don’t we see Aunt Junebug more?” We weren’t actually related though a lot of ponies asked if we were and I’ll admit, we look pretty damn similar. Scarily similar. I thought we were related for a bit there myself. Noi just calls all my friends who she’s known her short life Aunt. Berry had been especially helpful with the labor and raising her aspect. “Well she never really leaves her house,” I admitted. “She’s a shy mare. She doesn’t really talk much as you know.” “Because she’s stupid?” Noi guessed. I immediately gave a light smack on her hoof and glared at her. “Don’t say that. Be nice. Junebug is not stupid, she’s just different. I don’t ever want to hear that come out of your mouth, do you understand me little filly?” I snapped. “Yes mom. I meant it as a good thing though. Isn’t it good to be stupid?” Noi asked. I blinked in confusion and shook my head. “What are you talking about?” “Stupid equals different. Different equals good. Therefore it’s good that Junebug is different.” I chuckled and ruffled her mane. “That is some weird logic there. Just say she’s unique,” I suggested. “Or don’t say anything to her at all. It would hurt her feelings.” “So I shouldn’t say shes reta-” I quickly stuffed a hoof into her mouth and gave her the angriest glare I could muster. “Don’t ever let me catch you say that. Where did you even learn that word?” I demanded. Noi spit my hoof out and wiped her tongue off. “School! Some ponies were talking about Derpy behind Dinkys back today. Thankfully Dinky is oblivious to them and just thinks they aren’t talking about her mom,” Noi said and stomped a tiny hoof down angrily. “Wish I could stomp them on the stomach till their intestines spilled out of their mouths.” “Now now. Violence isn’t the answer to everything dear,” I said calmly even though inside I was furious. I’d have to talk to Cheerilee about this. “If you say that word again, I’ll spank you.” “What if I like it?” Noi questioned and I gave her a stunned look. “I’m sorry, what?” Let me tell you, when my parents spanked me it was the opposite of fun. I don’t get how anyone can like it. “You remember the foal free press incident?” I grimaced at that. Berry Punch had been furious when those three fillies had went after her on their gossip column. Berry still didn’t allow Ruby to play with the cmc. “Yeah how could I forget?” I rolled my eyes. “Scootaloo was talking to me and Cotton Cloudy a few days later and said that Bon Bon had spanked her because of it. Apparently Scootaloo started liking it halfway in and then she had a awkward conversation with her moms. What if I like it?” Noi asked worriedly as she trotted back and forth. “Ponies would call me weird!” For once, I was at a loss for words. I don’t even know where to begin or what to say about that. I opened and closed my mouth a few times, Noi waiting patiently. “Well ponies like things that others might find weird. That’s perfectly natural,” I said evasively. Hopefully that would satisfy Noi for a few years at least. I really didn’t want to have that conversation until she was at least thirteen. “Okay!” Noi said happily and I let out a breath in relief. Thank Celestia that crisis was averted. “How does Aunt Junebug get food if she never leaves her house?” “Well she doesn’t always stay inside. She comes out a bit. Water her garden and all, talk to us. Most of the time me or the others will drop off food for her. She’s a bit of a doormat to put it lightly,” I admitted. I really did wish that mare would get some confidence and not let everypony walk over her but I can’t force her into anything she doesn’t want. “Like Fluttershy?” I paused before I spoke, rubbing my chin with a hoof. “Yeah a bit like Fluttershy. Not as bad as her though.” Noi curled up in a ball, pressing against my chest and I draped a foreleg over her. “Hopefully Aunt Junebug gets over her doormattness. It’d be cool to have her spend more time at the house with us,” Noi mumbled. I resisted the urge to correct her and say that doormattness wasn’t a real word but I decided against. Pick your fights and all that. “It would yeah,” I agreed as Junebug trotted into the room with a tray on her back. “D-d-dinner is ready,” she said as she folded her haunches and forelegs under her. “We don’t have to eat out here if you don’t want us to. We can use your table June,” I said. She shook her head slowly. “I-i-i don’t have a big enough table sorry Golden,” she said sheepishly as we took the tray off her back and she stood up before sitting next to Noi. “Sorry if it’s awful. I’m not a good cook.” I gave her a reassuring smile, placing a hoof on her shoulder. “This is perfect.”
Chapter III Golden Harvest I nosed through my field and tossed some more carrots into my ever-growing pile in the cart. Tomorrow was probably going to be my biggest day of sales so I needed to get ahead of the game. I glanced back as some construction ponies continued clearing out the wreckage of where my house once stood and winced. “Hey Golden!” Somepony called out and I jumped slightly, hitting my head on the wagons hitch and cursed under my breath. I spun around and rubbed my head to glare at the pony who startled me, ready to tear into them. My eyes widened when I saw Twilights pet dragon Spike. “Oh hey Spike,” I greeted him and pulled another carrot. “What can I do for you?” “Nothing, just wanted to come by and see if I can help you out,” Spike answered as he examined the field. “Well so far I’m pretty decent. If you truly want to help, I guess you can start pulling carrots and getting Noi from school later,” I said as I stretched my back. “Well, as long as Twilight doesn’t need you. Doesn’t she like take you for walks and stuff?” “I’m her assistant, not her pet,” Spike grumbled as he flexed his claws and picked up a bucket of carrots. “Oh,” I muttered as my ears flattened against my head. “Sorry about that.” “It’s fine,” Spike sighed as he started to help me harvest my crop. “At least you aren’t running away screaming like some other ponies did when they first saw me. Namely Roseluck and her sisters.” I internally felt bad for the dragon. We all secretly called the Flower Trio the Ponyville Alarm. Because anytime a monster came into town or bunnies were invading, you could hear their screaming across town. I hadn’t entirely been afraid of Spike when I first saw but a bit wary. Noi on the other hoof threw that all out the window and invited him to play in the fields with Dinky, Ruby and Cotton Cloudy. I mean, he’s a dragon. Who isn’t going to be a bit cautious at first? I still remember Fluttershy galloping past my farm after him and Twilight. I also remember gawking at Fluttershy of all ponies seeming excited. I’ve lived in Ponyville my entire life and I can’t really remember the last time I saw Fluttershy excited or even talk loud enough to hear her. “So uh it sucks what happened to your house. You’re staying with your clone right?” Spike coughed into his fist as he watched me. “My clone?” I asked in confusion. “Oh you mean Junebug. Yeah, I am. She offered me and Noi a bed for a few weeks till my house is rebuilt.” “That’s nice. You two and Caramel Apple look scarily similar,” Spike commented casually as I shrugged. “We do yeah. June has a bit of a lighter mane than we do. Caramel Apple and I aren’t related. She’s one of the Apples, Junebug is well I don’t know to be honest. She doesn’t talk much.” The only real difference between me and Caramel Apple was cutie marks. Same mane style, same eye color and same coat color. We even had the same mane color. Ponies got us confused a lot at first. Thankfully she lives on the other side of Equestria. “I noticed. Do you need help selling your carrots?” Spike asked as I raised an eyebrow. “Come with me, let’s go pick up my daughter from school. Do you want to walk or do you want a ride?” “I’ll ride I guess.” I folded my legs under my to allow Spike to get on my back easier. Once verifying he was on securely, I stood up and started trotting to the school. “Hey Miss Cheerilee,” I waved as I narrowly avoided the fillies and colts running out of the school. The school teacher stood at the door waving to her students as I stood next to her. “Hey Carrot Top,” Cheerilee smiled as she watched the dust cloud disappear. “I thought your name was Golden Harvest?” Spike said in confusion as he peered over my head. “It is. Only my close friends get to call me Carrot Top. I don’t allow just anypony to call me,” I explained as Noi appeared out of nowhere. “There’s my girl!” “Hey Mom,” Noi rubbed against my leg. “Hey Spikey!” “Hey Noi.” “Before you go, tell your mom what you did,” Cheerilee said sternly as I narrowed my eyes at my daughter’s sudden sheepish look. “And be honest, tell her why you got detention.” “What did you do?” I demanded as I glared at her. I didn’t really like having to play both roles of stern parent and easy going parent. Problems of being a single mother. “I uh may have insulted Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon,” Noi admitted as she traced a circle with her hoof. Cheerilee gestured me forward and I leaned close as she pressed her mouth next to my ear. “She called them a pair of stuck up bitches and to not be bullies to the others. She also threatened them if they didn’t stop bullying Scootaloo for not being able to fly,” Cheerilee whispered as I groaned. “Thanks Miss Cheerilee. I’ll sort it out and I promise she will be there for detention. What day?” I asked as I gave Noi a disapproving look. “Tomorrow after school. It’s only thirty minutes and I’ll drop her off at home after she serves it,” Cheerilee promised as she turned around. “Have a good day!” “You too,” I said as she trotted into her school. Presumably to do paperwork or grade papers. “Now just what am I going to do with you filly?” “Get me ice cream for defending some ponies?” Noi asked hopefully as we started the slow walk to Junebugs. “Just because you stood up for them doesn’t mean you did it right,” Spike chimed in and gave me a sheepish frown. “Oh uh sorry Golden. I’ll shut up now.” “You’re fine Spike. He’s right though, you should have done it differently. I am proud of you though. Now come one, let’s drop Spike off at the library and get home. Then we discuss your punishment,” I answered and turned my head around to nuzzle Spike as he blushed. Noi gulped nervously as we trotted to the library. Author's Note For context, this story takes place in season one. https://mlp.fandom.com/wiki/Caramel_Apple Also, what name do you prefer for Golden Harvest? I prefer the canon name of Golden Harvest but Carrot Top works as well for her close friends.
Chapter IV Golden Harvest “I need a drink,” I grumbled as I laid my forelegs lazily on my carrot stand. It had been a mix of busy and slow today, the perfect mix but now was a slow period. “Like water?” Spike asked curiously as I rolled my head to look at the dragon sitting next to my hooves. “I was thinking of alcohol but maybe water. Fire water, ya know?” I asked Spike as he shrugged. “Hey, what’s it like being a dragon? How exactly did Twilight come by you, anyway?” “It’s okay. When you get over ponies not being scared of you at least. The nobles in Canterlot wanted to throw me out of Canterlot for being a dragon before we moved here but well Twilight, shall we say, encouraged them not. Mainly by threatening to blast them into next week if they laid a hoof on my scales,” Spike answered as I whistled. I never expected the librarian of all ponies to threaten somepony. “As for the second question, she’s had me since she was a filly. I was her entrance exam into Celestia’s school for gifted unicorns. She had to hatch me in order to get in.” “So you mean a filly raised you?” I questioned and raised an eyebrow. “Well her mom and dad actually did until Twilight became an adult then they gave me to her. They were just temporarily taking care of me for her but we do everything together. Nightlight and Twilight Velvet are like my grandparents,” Spike answered as he bit into a carrot. I pointed a hoof at a jar and he sighed, dropping a bit into it. “Thanks. So that’s been pretty much all of your life? Sorting books and working for Twilight?” I asked curiously as I watched Berry Punch slid a bottle of wine across her stand and drop some bits in her bag. Market day was always entertaining, on the days there was no monster attack of course. I usually enjoy talking to my fellow farmers. Berry Punch has always had her stand across from mine. Hell, I remember her and I sitting next to each other in school growing up. “Well, it wasn’t always sorting books. That started about two years ago or so? She didn’t trust anypony except her to do it for the longest time. I don’t remember what changed her mind. Maybe me randomly handing her a book she wanted one day,” Spike answered with a sigh. “And you don’t get bored of your life?” “Do you?” I paused and looked back at him again. I hadn’t entirely expected that question. I was pretty happy with my life I guess. Work, go home, hang out with my daughter and friends, repeat. If you have a system that works, why change it up? “I don’t know Spike. I don’t know.” “This looks great Junebug,” I smiled at my fellow earth pony sit next to me and Noi in her living room. Junebug had annoyingly made dinner without even asking for help. Annoying might be the wrong term, I just didn’t like being a guest and not helping. “T-t-thanks Carrot Top,” Junebug smiled back faintly as we both glanced over at Spike. He had tagged along after picking up Noi from school for me. “Spike seems nice.” “That he is,” I agreed as Spike snored a bit as the three of us laughed. He had passed out as soon as he got here. “He’s a pretty cool dude,” Noi agreed as she poked him gently with a hoof. “He is pretty cute isn’t he?” I smirked as I wanted to hit myself. I don’t know why I said that or thought that. “And let him sleep, he’s been busy all day.” “W-w-what?” Junebug asked as she raised an eyebrow. “Isn’t he like, a kid?” “Miss Cheerilee said certain dragons age at a faster rate than ponies do. Maybe Spike is one of those dragons and then I’ll have a father! Everypony wins!” Noi announced as I choked on my carrot soup. Out of all the things I expected her to say, that wasn’t it. “Don’t get ahead of yourself. Spike is just a friend,” I chided as Noi grunted. “H-h-how did you even meet him anyway?” Junebug asked curiously as she drank from her wine glass. I don’t think I can remember the last time I saw her drink. “He accidentally crashed into my stand as he was chasing the CMC and broke it. Well the sign part I mean. How Scootaloo got him flying in the air, I will never know. Anyway, there was a dragon sized hole in the sign and he refused to go without fixing,” I answered and pushed some green beans Noi’s way. Originally I was gonna turn him down and fix it myself but I said sure. In all honesty, the sight of him climbing all over my stand frightened me. I had thought he was going to accidentally break it even more but apparently he didn’t weigh much. I probably should have known that but I was panicking. In the end, it had turned out well. My sign was brighter and had my cutie mark on it. Drew in way more customers than the original did too so there was that. “See, I told you all he was a nice dragon!” Noi announced and lifted her muzzle from her bowl. “But you got that idiot Diamond Tiara and the prick Silver Spoon who think he’s Tartarus bent on destroying Ponyville.” “Speaking of those two, thank you for reminding me you got detention today. How did it go?” I asked sternly as Junebug played with her hooves nervously. I knew she didn’t really like confrontation much. “It went fine. I had to apologize to them of all things. I don’t like Cheerilee anymore. She’s evidently siding with them,” Noi grumbled and I resisted the urge to snap at her. She was just a kid after all and was young. She would understand Cheerilee was just teaching her a lesson about kindness. Hopefully. “Wish I coulda pulled a Berry Punch and just punched them like she used to do to bullies. Would have been more fun. And have been more lasting. Not my fault they are a pair of cu-” “Noi!” I snapped and gave her a dirty look as Spike jumped onto Junebugs lap. “Watch your language.” “W-w-we also don’t hurt ponies no matter how much we think they deserve it Noi,” Junebug corrected as I watched Spike rub the sleep out of his eyes. “Alright, I’m going back to sleep since the yelling is over. Goodnight,” Spike muttered as he flopped over and started snoring as Junebug turned slightly red. “Want me to take him?” I offered and she shook her head. “N-n-no it’s fine. It’s quite adorable actually.” Spike kicked a leg in his sleep as we all looked at each other and laughed.
Chapter V Junebug I gave a sigh and shut my door as I trotted outside. I barely went outside, mainly because ponies found my stutter funny. I didn’t really like most of the town, but it’s necessary to get groceries. Especially since Golden Harvest and the others were busy. Having more than one pony to provide for at home made things stressful. Not that I would ever tell Golden or Noi that. I didn’t get visitors often, unless they were my few friends. I sighed again as I timidly trotted down the street. “Well, well, well. Look who it is!” I froze as two fillies appeared in front of me. “The town freak!” “I know right, Diamond Tiara?” Silver Spoon grumbled as she examined me. “Cat got your tongue? Speak!” “W-w-hy?” I asked as the two looked at each other and laughed. “B-b-because!” Diamond Tiara fake stuttered as she laughed again. I didn’t like these two. They also found me and bullied me. “You’re so lame!” “That’s enough,” we all turned around to a angry looking orange pegasus. “Leave her alone Diamond Tiara.” “Oh hey it’s the chicken. What kind of pegasus can’t fly?” Silver Spoon mocked as I sat down on my haunches nervously. "Blank flank." “That ain’t right to say,” a yellow filly with a red bow in her hair growled and stepped forward. “Ah reckon ya should apologize, before ah get mah big sis to straighten yall out.” “Oh shut it Apple Bloom,” Silver Spoon rolled her eyes and smirked. “Shouldn’t you be rolling in the mud with your pigs?” “That’s not nice to say,” I flicked my eyes over to a white unicorn stand behind Apple Bloom. “Niceness doesn’t get you anywhere. But nor does your sisters freakouts! Where’s my fainting couch, anypony?” Diamond Tiara said frantically and looked around before laughing as I glared at her. “Oh Stutter wants to speak. Go on, do it!” “That’s enough,” a voice said as a purple hoof slammed into the dirt on front of me and we all looked up slowly at an angry looking unicorn. I forgot her name but I do remember Rainbow Dash hanging out with her often. “I don’t think bullying is what the two of you should be getting up.” Diamond Tiara whispered some unintelligible words into Silver Spoons ear as the grey fillys eyes widened. “Don’t worry Miss. We were just having fun with our friends. We are leaving now,” Diamond Tiara said as she gave me a dirty look and trotted off with her friend. “Are you girls okay?” The unicorn asked and turned around to look at the three fillies. They had already ran off and I heard something about cutie marks. The mare sighed and turned to me. “Well, that solves them I guess. And you?” I quietly nodded as she extended a hoof and I nervously accepted it as she pulled me up on all fours. “What’s your name?” “J-j-Junebug,” I said softly as she smiled. “I’m Twilight Sparkle. Please, walk with me,” Twilight said as she started to trot away and looked over her shoulder. “Come with me. Let’s go get some tea at my house.” I gave a shrug and followed her. “What would like with your tea?” Twilight asked as I sat in her library and looked around curiously. “H-h-honey is fine. Thank you,” I bowed my head slightly as she levitated two cups on the table and poured honey in mine. She sat across from me and smiled at me. “So Junebug, have you lived in Ponyville long?” Twilight asked curiously as I took a cautious sip of my tea. “M-m-my whole life. I went to school with Cheerilee and Berry Punch and Golden Harvest along with Cherry Berry,” I answered as Twilight nodded. “I know Cheerilee. Nice mare. Berry Punch is unique,” Twilight admitted as I giggled. “Golden Harvest is the carrot seller, correct?” “Y-y-yes.” “I don’t think I know who Cherry Berry is though. Does she happen to be the other sister of Cheerilees?” “Y-y-yes. Balloon mare, often goes flying around Ponyville and giving tours from the sky,” I answered as Twilight nodded again. I had always found it slightly intriguing that Cherry Berry prefer air to walking. “She’s a nice pony.” “And so are you,” Twilight said as she leaned forward. “Do you know who I am?” I shook my head as she shifted her weight. “I’m Princess Celestia’s student, sent here to learn about friendship.” “O-o-oh,” I said in surprise and knelt down in front of her. “I didn’t know that.” “Please, none of that,” Twilight smirked faintly as she levitated me back to my seat. “I’m nothing special, I’m just like you. No need to bow or anything.” “S-s-sorry. What exactly do you need me for? I’m just another face in the crowd after all,” I said shyly and brushed my mane away from my eyes. “Not to me,” Twilight said adamantly. “To me, everypony matters. It may have taken me too long to see that but I do now. And I would like to be your friend, if you wish.” I sat in stunned silence as Twilight watched me curiously. I always thought I was just another flower pony, another face in the crowd. I usually worked with the flower sisters, Roseluck, Daisy and Lily when I did step outside. I did need bits after all but I wasn’t sure if they called me a friend. “I-I-I’d like that a lot Twilight. I don’t have many friends, just the few I grew up with,” I said and rested a hoof on the table. “Are you sure you want to be my friend? I don’t know if you noticed, but I kind of have a stutter and all.” “I noticed and I’m perfectly okay with it. We all have our small problems that make us unique and I quite enjoy yours. I’m a neat freak and obsessed with books,” Twilight said as she reached out and patted my hoof. “Trust me, you’re probably one of the most normal ponies in town.” I faintly turned red as we smiled at each other. I bit my lip as I remembered my shopping list. “M-m-my groceries!” I exclaimed and stood up hastily. “Easy. I found your list and asked Spike to collect everything for you. He dropped it off at your house and should have put everything away,” Twilight said and I slowly sat back down. “And Junebug?” “Y-y-yes?” “I see how the others treat you. Don’t be afraid to stand up for yourself. And my door is always open if you need it.” “T-t-thank you Twilight.” I took a deep breath and hugged her as she chuckled and hugged me back. It was kinda nice to have more than five or so friends.
