When the pair arrived, Scootaloo hopped out of Fluttershy's hooves and ran to the door. She opened it up and as soon as it had opened, the orange pegasus was knocked to the ground and laughed as she was assaulted with licks from a happy animal. "Star! I missed you!" Scootaloo said, rolling around on the ground while holding the fox close to her chest.

The fox barked and yipped, her tail wagging quickly back and forth in excitement. Fluttershy smiled as she walked up to her home and seeing the pair roll around. "I told you she missed you." She said as she walked past the duo and headed into the kitchen.

While Fluttershy tended to her animals, Scootaloo played with Star, filling in the fox of everything that had happened to her up until the current moments. Scootaloo had to whisper through parts of it so as not to alarm Fluttershy or cause the yellow pony to get upset. "So as you can tell, I'm in quite a jam...but on the plus side, I'm making progress with Rainbow."

Star yipped happily for her pony friend, her tail swishing back and forth. "C'mon. Let's go help Fluttershy before I have to go to work." The fox nodded and for the next hour and a half, the pair helped Fluttershy with what few animals were living in the cottage and with whatever else she had them do. However, as four-ten rolled around, Scootaloo gave Star a big hug and said, "I'll be back to visit when I can alright?"

Star pulled away and looked at Scootaloo with pain in her eyes. "I know that's what I said last time...and I'm really sorry it took me so long to come back out here but I promise that I'll be back sooner and hopefully...with a surprise." Star regarded the young pegasus for a moment before licking her cheek. "Thanks Star." The fox barked in response, wagging her tail slowly.

"I'll catch you later Fluttershy!" Scootaloo said, taking off for town.

"Be careful!" Fluttershy called out after her, watching until Scootaloo was but a speck in the distance. The yellow pegasus sighed and looked at Star. "I wonder what her surprise is. Guess we'll just have to wait and find out huh?" Star just wagged her tail as she turned her gaze to Fluttershy.

~~~

Scootaloo burst in through the doors of the flower shop, scaring the pony behind the counter. "Daisy! Where's Roseluck?" The addressed pony simply frowned and turned her nose. "Please Daisy, I need to talk to Rose."

"You can later. You're here to work, not chat." Scootaloo sighed heavily and just headed into the back.

'Crap...Ugh! I'm such an idiot!' The pegasus mentally berated herself as the hours slowly ticked by. If there wasn't so much work to be done, Scootaloo probably would've started to beat her head on the wall in frustration at herself. When eight rolled around, Scootaloo took a small break, sitting at the back of the greenhouse as she usual did when she wanted to be alone.

"Scootaloo." The orange pony nearly jumped at the sudden voice. She turned and saw the lead florist.

"Roseluck! I'm so-" The earth pony held up her hoof, making Scootaloo stop.

"Listen Scoots...about earlier...I wanted to apologize. I had no right to attack you like that and I just wanted to say that I'm sorry."

"No, it's me who should apologize. I mean, you were just giving your opinion and you have every right to and instead I just blew up on you." The two ponies looked at each other in silence before a small smile appeared on Roseluck's face while Scootaloo held back a snicker. Seconds later, the two were hugging and laughing loudly.

"So I take it that we forgive each other?" Roseluck asked, taking a seat next to Scootaloo.

"Of course. I mean, if I didn't, I'd probably lose my paycheck."

Roseluck chuckled again and said, "Even if I wanted to do that, it's illegal and I'd get arrested for it. But in all seriousness though, I stand by what I said. I honestly think you'd be better off with another pony. But hey, if you can make it work, then I'll stand by ya."

"Thanks Roseluck. That means a lot to me." The two sat in silence for a good ten minutes before Scootaloo hopped off and said, "Well...it's almost closing time...guess I better get things tidied up so I can get home. I have to plan for mine and Fluttershy's trip to Canterlot tomorrow."

"Nah, I'll clean up. You go ahead and go home." Scootaloo smiled and thanked the older pony before heading home. When the young pegasus walked through the door, she was nearly tackled off her hooves.

"You ready for tomorrow?"

"R-Rainbow? What do you mean?" The cyan pegasus gave her a look of confusion as she moved off of Scootaloo.

"Umm...you said that after Friday, which is today, that Spring Break was starting. So that means we're going to be starting the serious part of your training tomorrow!"

"B-but...I can't." Rainbow did nothing to hide her irritation.

"Why not? You said you wanted me to help you, but every time I suggest we train, you weasel your way out of it. I'm starting to think you don't really want me to help you. I think you just want to waste my time!"

"That's not true! I really do want you help and I love that you're taking time out of your personal life to help me but I have something that I NEED to do."

"Yea right. What could you possibly have to do that's more important that training?"

"Well...I promised Fluttershy that I'd repay her after she helped me." Rainbow's glare changed from anger to skepticism. "It's true! Why would I lie to you Dash? I have nothing to gain from angering you. Please believe me."

"Well...alright. But only because you're my friend and I don't wanna see you upset." Scootaloo blushed hotly and looked away.

"T-thanks."

Rainbow hugged Scootaloo and said, "No problem. But seriously, we're starting on Sunday no matter what."

Scoots nodded and said, "Well...guess I should be getting to bed." Scootaloo moved away from Rainbow and began walking upstairs.

"Yea...I could go for some sleep too." The orange pony smiled and continued on with Dash behind her. When Scoots pushed open the bedroom door, she was picked up in a flying tackle and pushed down onto the bed. The blush Scootaloo had just gotten rid of immediately found it's way back onto her face as Rainbow looked down at her, a grin on her lips.

Scootaloo herself couldn't stop the chuckle that left her mouth as prismatic locks tickled her face. "Hey squirt...I just wanted to thank you. For letting me stay here I mean...I know I didn't ask or anything, but you've been cool about it."

"A-anything for you Rainbow." The two remained like that for a few minutes, their eyes locked onto each other as they gazed at one another. 'C'mon Scootaloo! Just kiss her already! You can do this!' Scootaloo cried out in her mind. The orange pegasus steeled herself as she closed her eyes and puckered her lips. However, when she pressed forward, Dash had already snuggled into the bed and was under the blanket.

With a defeated sigh, Scootaloo crawled on the bed until she was situated on her side and brought the covers over her head. She sighed quietly and simply laid in the darkness. At time wore on, she couldn't even tell if she had fallen asleep or not with the whole room being shrouded with shadows. Scootaloo rolled over to one side, and then the other as she attempted to sleep (or return to sleep).

However, her body was restless and her mind was racing. 'Ugh, I need to go for a walk or something.' The young pegasus thought as she carefully rolled out of bed and headed downstairs. She glanced at the clock on the wall as she headed out and saw that it was one-thirty nine. "What's with these late nights? This is getting kind of ridiculous."

The orange pegasus said after walking in silence for what she guessed was an hour. "Well...at least I can look at the night sky for as long as I want." Scootaloo said, admiring the various constellations, the stars themselves, and even just how the sky seemed dark but still held an ethereal glow of blue.

"Admiring my night again dear Scootaloo?" The young pegasus turned and smiled as Princess Luna lowered herself down onto the ground.

"Of course Princess." Luna chuckled softly as she tucked her wings back against her side.

"So why are you up so late once again?"

"I can't sleep. Or...I don't think I can. I tried and I have no clue as to whether I slept or not."

"Well, I can assure you that you did get a little rest." The Night Princess said as she looked down at the younger pony.

Scootaloo sighed in relief and said, "That's good. I don't want to be tired for mine and Fluttershy's day out tomorrow." Luna nodded and the pair walked in silence for awhile. "Hey Princess? Can I ask you something?"

"But of course. And please, call me Luna." Scootaloo nodded before she asked her question.

"You can see into ponies' dreams and control them right?"

"I can see and interact with a pony in their dream as I'm sure you remember from long ago."

"Yea! When I went camping with Rainbow Dash and the girls." The lunar princess nodded and continued.

"However, I cannot control a pony's dream, merely...shift small pieces. You see, everypony knows subconsciously when magic is invading their minds, which is why you don't see any unicorns controlling other ponies: because it doesn't work. When a pony's mind detects that magic, their subconscious begins to push it out and erase all traces of tampering.

That's why I can only get away with changing small things like moving a rock or making a small gap appear. When I do change something big like creating a bridge over a large crevasse, it will quickly decay and it will be like it never existed. Does that make sense?" Scootaloo sighed and nodded.

"Why did you want to know?"

"I was just wondering if you could let me get more sleep by letting me dream normally or by taking away the nightmares or by changing the nightmares INTO dreams..." Scootaloo had stopped and the Princess of the Night looked down at the distraught pegasus.

"I've noticed your string of nightmares and I do wish I could change them for the better, but only you can change them. Your mind is focused on something that you yourself have yet to realize and until you do, these dreams will most likely continue." The orange pony sighed and looked up at the sky, seeing twinklings stars as well as the moon itself.

Once again, silence overtook the pair. It wasn't unwanted by either pony as they both knew that they didn't have to say anything to enjoy each others company. Scootaloo became lost in thought as they walked, allowing her hooves to simply lead her where they wished. It wasn't until Luna lightly shook her that Scootaloo returned to reality. "Where are we?" She asked, looking to the midnight blue alicorn.

Instead of answering, Luna simply pointed ahead and Scoots followed to where the hoof was pointing. "Wow." Ahead of them in the distance was the back of Fluttershy's cottage, standing out against the horizon. "How did we...when did..." Scootaloo was confused as to how they had ended up where they were.

"I'm not entirely sure myself. I simply followed you as I thought you knew where you were heading."

Scootaloo shook her head and said, "N-no. I was lost in thought this whole time." Luna chuckled and placed a hoof softly on top of Scootaloo's head.

"Perhaps we are here for a reason? Is there any reason at all why you would lead yourself here on accident?" Scootaloo searched the depths of her mind, but she came up empty.

"Not that I can think of. I mean, I don't really need to be here until later." Again, Luna simply nodded. The older pony looked up at the sky while the younger looked down at the ground. "Hey Prin- I mean, Luna?"

"Hmm?"

"Can I tell you something personal?"

"Of course." Luna said, looking down at Scootaloo.

"Promise you won't laugh." Scootaloo said, looking straight into the sapphire eyes of the Night Princess.

Luna stood there for a moment, as if contemplating something before smiling and said, "Cross my heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye." Scootaloo was surprised that Luna even KNEW how to recite a Pinkie Promise, let alone know the actions to go along with it. The orange pegasus gave a light chuckle before she took a deep breath.

"Well...Yesterday night I was staying with my friend Roseluck and her marefriend at their home. Me and Fluttershy got stuck there during the storm and so we spent the night. Anyways, when I woke up the next morning...I was being hugged by Fluttershy. Not like a normal hug, but like in an embrace. It was like she never wanted to let me go and it got me to thinking.

Normally, I picture myself with Rainbow Dash, but at that moment, I wondered what would happen if I actually got with Fluttershy instead of Rainbow Dash. I figured that since I was so much like Dash that Fluttershy wouldn't want to be with me since I was so rowdy and for some reason...I got kinda upset at the thought." Luna was silent as she listened, but her mind was not.

'Perhaps I was right and she truly DOES care for Fluttershy. That would explain the nightmares as well. She is conflicted about who she really wants to be with, despite the fact that she isn't aware of her affection for Fluttershy yet.' Luna broke away from her thoughts and saw that Scootaloo was looking up at her. "Perhaps you care for Fluttershy more than you realize." Luna suggested, deciding to attack this head on.

"W-what?" Scootaloo could feel a light blush on her cheeks and hoped that the darkness of night would hide it.

"I know you care deeply for Rainbow Dash, but maybe Fluttershy has found a way into your heart as well."

"N-no way! I mean, we're friends and she's helped me, but I don't think she'd like me as..." Scootaloo's voice slowly trailed off and she found herself sinking into sadness again. She shook her head. 'I don't wanna think about this.' Scoots told herself. She looked int Luna's eyes and said, "I know you're just giving me your opinion, but I doubt that me and Fluttershy could ever be together."

Luna nodded and thought, 'Well, at least this will push her in the right direction. This will truly make her rethink what she really wants.' The two stood in silence for a few minutes before Luna said, "Come. We should get you home so you can try to get some rest." Scootaloo nodded but said nothing as Luna began the trek back to Ponyville.

'How am I gonna sleep with the thought that I might see Fluttershy as more than a friend? I can't start doubting myself about Rainbow though!' Scootaloo's mind was a jumbled mess as she walked, becoming oblivious to the world around her as she became wrapped up in her mind. Luna had expected Scootaloo's silence as they walked and delved into her own thoughts.

'Mayhaps it wasn't my place to comment. I don't have as much interaction with Scootaloo as some of the other ponies. Maybe tomorrow night I will visit her employer Roseluck and ask her some questions.' When the pair had arrived back in town, Luna expected Scootaloo to say something or make some kind of reaction. However, when Night Princess stopped in front of Scootaloo's home, she was surprised to see the young pegasus walk by. "Um...Scootaloo?"

No response. "Scootaloo? We're here." Scootaloo just continued to walk. "Scootaloo, be careful not to run-" Luna stopped herself as the orange pony ran face first into the side of a building. Scootaloo hissed in pain and rubbed her muzzle tenderly. "Are you alright? Had I have known you were so lost in thought I would've stopped you sooner. Sorry." Luna apologized as Scootaloo walked up, still rubbing her muzzle.

"Stupid Rumble..." She hesitantly lowered her hoof but brought it right back up as a light pain flared into her face and blurred her vision momentarily.

"Hold still." Scootaloo was about to ask why, but she saw Luna's horn glowing lightly and lower it. The alicorn gently tapped Scootaloo's muzzle and seconds later, the pain was gone.

"Wow..." The young pegasus said in awe as she felt her muzzle. "The pain's gone! I didn't know you could do that!" Scootaloo said with a large grin.

Luna blushed at the praise and said, "It's no trouble at all. Take care Scootaloo." The young pony nodded and as Luna was about to take off, Scootaloo walked forward and lightly hugged the lunar alicorn's leg. Luna smiled and hugged Scootaloo back before taking off and eventually disappearing into the horizon.

Scootaloo yawned and retreated into her home, looking over at the clock as she ascended the stairs. 'Three-twenty huh?' The young pony stifled a yawn as she walked into her bedroom and took her place next to Rainbow Dash. She snuggled the pillow and blankets until she was warm and was asleep within minutes.

~~~

When Fluttershy woke up that morning, something was different. As she went through her usual morning routines, she tried to figure it out. "I don't know what it could be Angel. Do you have any idea?"

The rabbit looked at her as if to say, "Do I really look like I care? Now hurry and bring me nourishment." Fluttershy simply sighed and gave him his food and turned away to look out the window. 'Okay...so today's the day I go on an unofficial date with Scootaloo...So of course I'm happy.

But there's just something else I can't put my hoof on...It feels like I'm even happier than I would be, despite I'm getting Scootaloo to myself the whole day!' Fluttershy smiled and let out a small squee in excitement, but it quickly turned into a frown. 'No...I can't enjoy it TOO much though or else I may do something I regret.' The care-taker sighed and headed over to her couch, grabbed a book, and waited for Scootaloo.

~~~

Scootaloo awoke with a yawn, and a sleepy smile. "I feel so refreshed." The young pegasus took a leisurely stretch, groaning happily as she heard and felt various joints crack and pop. After that, she rolled out of bed and hummed as she headed to the bathroom to shower and get ready for the day.

When Scootaloo had finished showering, she went downstairs to eat, then proceeded to count her money. "Alright...so I can afford to bring about...150 bits and still be able to pay my rent later this month." The pegasus said happily. So, she put the bits she was taking in a pouch and after securing it to her side, left her home and started towards Fluttershy's.

~~~

When Scootaloo arrived, she saw the older pegasus sitting in the small alcove behind her windows and waving before getting up to meet Scootaloo outside. "Are you ready?" The Crusader asked, not noticing the blush on Fluttershy's cheeks.

"Yea." With a light hop in her step, Scootaloo turned and lead the way back to the Ponyville train station. When the two arrived, Fluttershy began to walk over to the stallion behind a counter to purchase her ticket, but was stopped when Scootaloo flashed two tickets in front of her.

"Took care of that before I came to get'cha. So now we just gotta wait for the train." Fluttershy smiled and praised the young mare for her preparations. "Heh, thanks." Scootaloo replied with a sheepish smile. So the pair sat on one of the benches and awaited their train. It wasn't ten minutes before the next train pulled into the station, allowing the two to get onto the train.

To help pass the time as Scootaloo and Fluttershy waited for the train to depart, they played variety of games. However, Fluttershy was surprised when she looked back from her window as she was searching for something pink to see Scootaloo snoozing soundly. Fluttershy smiled and gently stroked the young mare's mane. Fluttershy did this until the train started to move, making Scootaloo mumble from the noise.

As the train moved, Fluttershy sighed and looked out the window. It wasn't until a pressure on her side made her look back. What she saw made her smile and blush all at the same time. Scootaloo had slid to the side, landing against Fluttershy and immediately began to snuggle up against the older pegasus. Fluttershy was about to wrap a hoof around Scootaloo, but stopped suddenly.

'I can't do this...I'll just be hurting myself even more when she gets with Rainbow...' The yellow pegasus sighed and while she didn't push Scootaloo away, she didn't hug her or keep her close either. The train ride was fairly quiet as the vehicle sped up the mountain to Canterlot.

Fluttershy used this time to think over various things in her life, nothing of too much importance. Finally, as the train was pulling into the Canterlot station, Fluttershy gently shook Scootaloo. "Scootaloo? We're here." The young mare yawned loudly and cracked her eyes open.

"Huh? Oh yea..." Scootaloo yawned again and stretched her limbs out, getting rid of the stiffness that had settled in them. "Sorry about that Fluttershy. I guess I didn't get as much sleep as I thought I did."

"It's alright. Besides, that's what ponies are supposed to do on a train: sleep the whole time."

Scootaloo laughed and said, "Well then you aren't very good at following the rules are you?"

This time it was Fluttershy who laughed as they exited the train and said, "Only because I can get away with it." Scoots rolled her eyes playfully and the two began their walk. When the two had arrived, the clock had just struck two.

"So what do you wanna do first: get lunch or go walk around?" Before Fluttershy could say anything, her stomach growled loudly, answering for her. The older pegasus blushed in embarrassment and Scootaloo just snickered. "Lunch it is then."

The two headed down the road and searched for a suitable place to sit and enjoy a meal. Finally, the two decided to eat at a small cafe called Moon's Light. The pair took a seat at one of the outside tables and moments later, a unicorn came up to the table.

"Hello ladies. Welcome to Moon's Light. What would you like to drink?" Scootaloo answered first. "I'll have...apple cider." The waiter nodded and looked at Fluttershy. "Iced tea please."

"Got'cha. Be right back." The stallion wandered back into the cafe, leaving the two pegasi to make small talk. The two were in the middle of discussing literature when the stallion came back, holding their drinks in his magical grasp. "One apple cider for the young lady...and one iced tea for the beautiful mare." He said, a smile on his face as he handed Fluttershy her drink.

Scootaloo mumbled angrily as she sipped her cider. "O-oh, umm...th-thank you."

The unicorn winked and said, "So, you two decide on what you'd like?"

Scootaloo nodded and said, "I'll have half of a veggie club sandwich."

He nodded, writing down what she had said and a moment later, Fluttershy said, "I'll just have a salad."

He nodded once again and said, "Be right back beautiful." Fluttershy cursed the small blush that made it's way onto her face. She saw Scootaloo roll her eyes and stick out her tongue behind his back as he walked away.

"Scootaloo, that wasn't very nice." Fluttershy said, trying not to giggle. Scoots could see that Fluttershy was attempting to hold back her laughter and smiled.

"I'm not always a nice pony ya know." They both laughed and continued on with conversation as they awaited their food. When the waiter came back, he placed both plates down and took a seat between the two.

"So, where ya from gorgeous?" He asked, his gaze directed at Fluttershy.

"U-um...I'm from P-Ponyville."

"Ponyville eh? Not a bad town. It's a little rural for my tastes, but not bad. So what're ya doin' here in Canterlot?" Fluttershy avoided the question by taking a bite of her salad. However, he just stared at her, smiling and waiting. Fluttershy desperately wanted to just disappear and get away from the stallion.

"Hey, she's trying to eat. Aren't you being a little rude? Besides, don't you have to go do wait tables and help other customers?" Scootaloo asked, irritation clearly in her tone.

"I'm on break." He replied without even glancing at the young pegasus. Scootaloo huffed and took a bite of her sandwich. "So how about after I get off work, me and you go do something? Maybe go catch a movie?" He suggested. Fluttershy nearly choked on the salad in her mouth at his proposition.

"Er...well I...um...I-I'm sorry but I don't think-"

"Oh come on. I'll show you a great time, I promise." He said with confidence.

"I'm s-sure you would but-" Fluttershy was cut off.

"I'll even pay for everything."

"C-could you please just go?" The timid pegasus asked, looking down at the ground. The waiter ignored the request and continued to pester Fluttershy. Scootaloo put her sandwich down and was about to chew out the stallion when another voice beat her to it.

"I believe she told you to leave." Another stallion said, standing at least a couple inches above the waiter with wings flared out at his side.

"I will when she accepts my offer."

"Which she obviously won't do." Fluttershy looked up and at the pegasus stallion staring down the waiter and a smile rose to her face.

"And who are you to tell me that?" The waiter asked in irritation.

"Her father."

Author's Note

Umm...nothing much to say this time around. Uhh...yea. Hehe....