The Same Two Friends I Knew

We walk back toward the clubhouse as the sun falls to the horizon.

“I'm just sayin, I wanna be the new leader of the group,” Sweetie proclaims, determination in her voice.

“We ain't never had no leader before. Why would we need one now?” I rebut.

“Whatta ya mean, we never had a leader? Scoots was the leader,” she points out the seemingly obvious fact.

“How was Scootaloo the leader? I was obviously the leader!” I’m quick to argue, unsure of what to make of her statement.

“I thought you just said that we never had a leader,” Scootaloo catches the flaw in my defence.

“Well, yeah. We didn't, but I was about the closest thing.”

“Nah, it was Scoots. That's why I put ya on the cape.”

“But I… wait what?” I glance over at my old cape, noticing only now the shape of the pony on it was clearly me. “Huh. Ain’t noticed that before.”

“Well I wanted to do somethin special for ya. With Scoots bein leader and me bein secretary, I didn't want ya to feel left out,” Sweetie explains.

Okay, that last statement really threw me off. “Hold on now. You were the secretary? Since when did we have a secretary?”

“The same time Scoots became the leader. It was put to a vote, ya know? I mean, she already ran Dash's fan club, she clearly had the best credentials,” Sweetie continues, presenting me with all this new information.

“…There was a vote?” I monotone, not entirely believing what is being said.

“Yeah. Guess ya missed that one.”

“Y'know what? Just drop it.”

“So I'm the new leader?”

“No. As the one who hosts the club in Ponyville, I’m the clear choice. Now, just drop it.”

We all stare at eachother and start laughing loudly. It's been a long day and I'm startin' to feel the effects adventure has on you again. “Hey girls, it's gettin' late. Let's hit the hay.” I lie on the floor of the clubhouse, where I have often made my bed.

“Sleep can wait for the train back,” Sweetie shrugs, still full of energy. “Long as I have time in Pville, I'm gonna spend it. Think I'll check out the club scene.”

“That sounds like a wonderful idea,” Scootaloo agrees.

“Ya comin clubbin with me?”

“No. But I wouldn't mind lengthening the day what I can. I don't mind sleeping through the trip home.”

“Well gee. Sorry girls but I can't join you. I still got chores in the mornin'. I got to get me some sleep, if'n I don't want the work to kill me.”

“That's alright Apple Bloom, we don't want to interfere with your work. You go ahead and Get some sleep and we'll be back a little later to join you,” Scootaloo assures as the two walk out the door.

I watch them through the doorway until they disappear, the very last sliver of the sun finally falling out of sight. A bright smile spreads across my face as something sparks my attention. I feel a leap of my heart and I glance at the ever present easel in the corner with its fresh canvas. “Really? Right now? Y'know I need sleep,” I speak aloud to it, giggling. “Well, there's really no fighting you. But I'm sure gonna regret this in the mornin'.”

…

…

…

 “I see ya still up. So much for gettin sleep, eh babe?” Sweetie's voice comes tired through the door, her horn faintly lighting the way.

“Hmm? Sweetie, I really thought you'd be out longer than this,” I wonder aloud, lying on the floor with the cape over me, staring out the door at the now black night.

“Yeah, Nopony was up for dancing, so I came on back. Figured I'd start catchin some Z's, since I clearly wouldn't be catchin any X's or Y's tonight.”

“Why are you carryin' Scoot?” I ask, noticing the orange pony draped over her back.

“She fell asleep by one of ya trees. Found her on my way back. Didn't wanna just leave her out there.”

“Just lie her on the floor here.” I slip off the cape and lay it over Scootaloo, but she awakes as we let her down.

“O? Did I fall asleep? Is it morning?” she rubs her eyes, slowly looking around the room.

“No. It's still night, you should just go back to sleep.” I say softly, petting her mane.

“Night?” she questions, registering the darkness. “Why are you still awake, Apple Bloom?”

“Yeah, whatta ya doin awake, Bloom?” Sweetie echoes the question.

I walk over to the corner, tapping a hoof on the easel. Sweetie sheds some light on it, revealing my most recently created piece, depicting the three of us.

Scootaloo lifts her head, her eyes widening at the sight. “O wow, Apple Bloom. I love it!” she peeps, her voice light.

        “I think I get ya talent, now.” Sweetie compliments, a smile bright on her face. Lying down on the floor beside me, we stare at it a moment longer before she cuts the light.

        I'm unable to let down my grin as I take in the silence of the days conclusion. I lean over and plant a kiss on each of my friends' cheek. “See you in the morning girls,” I whisper, as sleep swiftly overcomes me.

The painting now hangs in place of my cape, which I sent home with Sweetie Belle. As the sun rose the next morning, as would become the cycle for many mornings to come, the very first thing the light touches as it peers through the tree house's window is that painting. And every morning, it's the first thing I see as I wake up, serving as a pleasant reminder of what each day of the year is leading up to.