It was noon before Rarity and Scootaloo had the chance to tell any of their friends about their decision to move forward with adoption. The Crusaders were congregating around their favorite lunch spot. Scootaloo had been late to school, thanks to meeting with Autumn, and despite trying to furtively sneak in a conversation during a history lesson, lunch was their first opportunity to talk about where she was yesterday and this morning. She didn’t really want to explain her whereabouts yesterday, quickly glossing over her visit with Lilly, but she did describe how she and Rarity had visited foal services office that morning.
Sweetie Belle let out a high pitched noise that could only be accurately be described as a “squee”. She instantly pounced on Scootaloo with a hug so fierce a bystander might have mistaken it for an attack rather than a spontaneous display of affection. “We’re family now, Scoots!”
Scootaloo gently pried Sweetie off of her. “Umm. not really,” she said quietly.
“What are you talking about?” Apple Bloom chimed in.
“Rarity can change her mind for a year before they make it official, so until then I’m still just a foster kid,” Scootaloo said with a grimace. All morning long she had tried to hide her disappointment. When Autumn told them that finalizing her adoption included a mandatory year of observation and when Rarity’s protest was quickly dismissed and she acquiesced Scootaloo just smiled and nodded. On the walk to school where Rarity assured her that the year long gap between her decision and being officially adopted was just a formality, Scootaloo tried to pretend that it wasn’t like every other time she had heard that speech. And now she was pretending that she didn’t truly believe that six months from now she’d be looking for yet another place to call home.
“Rarity isn’t going to change her mind,” Sweetie Belle said, interrupting Scootaloo’s morose.
Scootaloo didn’t have it in her to explain to Sweetie that ponies who started to adopt her always ended up going back on that decision . Inside she was practically screaming Ponies always change their mind, you two are the only ones who don’t! But Sweetie and Apple Bloom didn’t deserve that kind of sniping, they were her friends, and though she doubted a great many things in life she never doubted that. “I’m still not calling you Auntie Sweetie.” she said hoping to end the current line of inquiry.
“I know,” Sweetie replied with a roll of her eyes.
In response, Scootaloo fixed her friend with a firm stare. “I will never call you Auntie Sweetie.”
“I know, geez Scoots you don’t have to tell me twice.”
“Never.” Scootaloo repeated with a perfectly deadpan expression.
Sweetie threw her forelegs up in surrender. “Okay! Fine. Though it wouldn’t kill you to say it just once,” she pouted. But before she could dwell on her disappointment Apple Bloom wrapped a foreleg around both of them. “This is great!” she exclaimed with a big smile.
“You’re not jealous? Cause now that we’ve got Scoots, my family is pretty awesome” Sweetie asked, causing Scootaloo to blush and Apple Bloom to roll her eyes.
“ Nah, I’ve already got a great family, and now you’ve got one too… not that they weren’t great before, I mean….” Apple Bloom waved her hooves desperately grasping at an elusive way to save face. “If you two are family, that just means the Crusaders are closer than ever!” she finished.
Having broken the news to her friends, Scootaloo quickly set about trying to find the quickest way away from the conversation. “How bout we see if we can get a game of hoofball going? I think Lily and Twist wanted to play, if we can get Rumble then we can play three on three,” she said dashing off before her friends could possibly object.
While Scootaloo was informing her friends of the result of her decision, Rarity was doing the same. Left entirely to her own devices, Rainbow Dash wouldn’t have been her first choice of friends to tell; she would have rather talked to Fluttershy, or maybe Applejack, but if Scootaloo was going to be a part of her life now that meant that Rainbow needed to be a bigger part of it too.
“Wow, you really adopted her? Just like that you're her mom?” was Rainbow’s stunned reply after Rarity informed her of the events of the morning.
Rarity balked at Rainbow’s remark, for a few reasons, not the least of which being the agreement to put the mom label on the shelf for now. “It’s not quite that simple. There’s a year long evaluation before foal services will complete the adoption,” Rarity said with no small trace of annoyance. Like Scootaloo, it wasn’t so much the wait as it was the implication that she was going to be judged. “As it is now, I’m merely her foster parent.”
Rainbow took a bite of her apple. “That still seems like a big deal.”
“I suppose it is,” Rarity conceded.
“How’s she doing? Do you think she’d like a flying lesson or something?” Rainbow tried to phrase the question as just an offhanded remark, but the fact that she stopped eating her apple as she asked the question gave her away.
I dare suggest that she wants more from you than a flying lesson, Rarity thought, but held her tongue. Though she still harbored a healthy amount of resentment, she had already acknowledged that Rainbow’s reasons for not adopting were sound. But Scootaloo was in a vulnerable state right now, mixed messages were practically guaranteed to do more harm than good. “I’m sure she would, but I fear this whole ordeal has been a lot for her to process. To be perfectly honest with you dear, I think she needs time to come to terms with the fact that you don’t want to adopt her.”
Rainbow Dash bristled openly, setting her jaw and tensing her shoulder muscles. “I-”
“I know, dear. I’m not here to pick a fight with you, and I think she very much still wants you to be a part of her life. Just give her a little time.”
“Okay, but like how much time? I meant it when I told her I want to spend more time with her.”
“I know you did, but you need to let her approach you. She’ll do it when she’s ready.”
“But shouldn't I show her that I was serious? I don’t want her to think I’m blowing her off,” Rainbow protested.
Another biting remark along the lines of you mean like all the other times you actually did blow her off nearly escaped Rarity’s lips but again she held back. “I hate to say it, Rainbow Dash but I fear that you may be somewhat of a sore point for her right now. She’s already going through a lot and well being reminded of...how much she wanted you to adopt her would do more harm than good.”
Rainbow Dash groaned. Whether out of guilt or annoyance Rarity couldn’t be quite sure. “Fine, I guess you’re her mom now, that means you probably know what’s best for her.”
Rarity had no response.
Pinkie reacted to the news as she reacted to most things, offering to throw a party which Rarity made her promise not to do until the adoption was finalized. Twilight seemed intent on studying both her and Scootaloo as part of some sort of analysis with regard to cross race adoption until Rarity pointedly reminded her that she was not a research subject. After that, Twilight was her usual overly helpful self offering both full use of the library as well help navigating any bureaucracy. Rarity briefly considered asking for some sort of royal decree waiving the one year observation period; but then it occurred to her that aside from being unfair to the other ponies struggling through the adoption process, it would be unfair to Scootaloo.
It was apparent that Scootaloo craved some semblance of permanence in what had been a chaotic young life. But there was a reason that the appropriate metaphor was to “put down roots,” roots grew over time. Trees took nurturing before they became an inextricable part of their environment. And so if Scootaloo was ever going to feel like she truly belonged, then Rarity needed to take it slow.
Fluttershy’s reaction was the most predictable. She took in all manner of houseguest, albeit none of them ponies. She offered Rarity the usual platitudes about making sure she took some time for herself and letting Scootaloo find her own comfort zone rather than forcing anything, and of course she offered to fillysit or talk if Rarity ever needed anything.
Which left Applejack. Rarity found her heart thumping faster than normal as she approached Sweet Apple Acres and it had nothing to do with the walk. It was because the word family was not one thrown around lightly at Sweet Apple Acres. Rarity has already seen the lengths Applejack would go to in support of any of the Apple clan, and that knowledge made her feel inadequate.
She knew that she wanted Scootaloo as part of her family, as much for her benefit as Scootaloo’s, but so far it had been on her terms. She hadn’t had to sacrifice anything other than some sleep, being late with a few orders and a few bits for dance lessons. What if one day she had to give up something she really wanted? Applejack would say yes in a heartbeat.
Applejack let out a low whistle as Rarity finished her story. “Wow, that’s a mighty big thing there, Rares”
“Yes, well I figured you should know,” Rarity replied.
“Mind if I offer you some advice?”
“Please.”
“Being a parent ain’t like other things. You got a good head on your shoulders, even if you spend far too much time conditioning that mane on top of it-”
“Now just because I refuse to wash my hair only once a month with Mane and Tail-”
“The point is,” Applejack cleared her throat, earning a sheepish silence. “It ain't gonna be like taking care of Sweetie for a weekend. Yeah, there's going to be some more give and take than a few nights of fitful sleep and-”
“Is it worth it?” Rarity blurted out before Applejack could finish her thought. She immediately chastised herself for the callousness of her question. Regardless, she looked toward her friend for an answer anyway. “I mean..." she stuttered, hoping to mitigate how terrible the question sounded in her head.
In response, Applejack let out a soft, gentle sounding chuckle. “It is, sugarcube. I’d give anything to have my parents back, but I wouldn’t trade my relationship with Bloom for anything else, if that makes any sense.”
Rarity returned home from Sweet Apple Acres to find Scootaloo puttering around the kitchen, a blank expression on her face. Scootaloo didn’t seem upset, but she did seem troubled.
“Is something wrong, dear?”
Scootaloo wheeled around. If there was any evidence that Scootaloo had warmed up to Rarity, it was that she didn't shy away from an honest answer. “I just thought things would change. I’ve never really had a choice and I kinda thought that by making one, things would be different.”
“In what way?”
“I just thought maybe this place would start to ..” Scootaloo’s voice grew faint, as though her words could blow away the wisp of smoke that was her hope. “..feel like home.”
Rarity couldn’t hide her feelings of disappointment, biting her tongue to prevent her from making any audible noises. Ever since she first invited Scootaloo to stay with her, she had endeavored to make the boutique a welcoming place; to hear that Scootaloo didn’t consider it home was more than a little hurtful. But she also couldn’t entirely blame her for not embracing the boutique. For Scootaloo, more than most ponies, perhaps more than anypony, home was a loaded word. “I see.”
“Yeah, I mean it’s nice and all, but it still feels like your kitchen. And outside is your living room and your dress shop, and even the bedroom upstairs feels like yours that you let me stay in.”
“Well, the dress shop is mine,” As soon as Rarity said that, she noticed Scootaloo’s shoulders begin to slump. “But maybe we can do something about the rest of the house?” she added hastily.
Scootaloo tilted her head to the left ever so slightly. “What do you mean?
“Let's see…” Rarity’s eyes darted back and forth, glancing around for something that didn’t have her own personal flourishes. Unfortunately, there were very few things in her carefully cultivated and arranged kitchen that fit that criteria. Finally she got an idea. Rarity picked out a drawer near her stove roughly equal to Scootaloo’s height and quickly emptied its contents onto the counter. “There! This is now your drawer.”
Scootaloo looked skeptical, but she also didn’t scowl. “A drawer?” she asked, wrinkling her nose.
“I understand that this place may not feel like yours, but when I moved it it didn’t really feel like mine either. Remember when we said that we would work together to make this a place you feel welcome?” Scootaloo nodded. “So, here’s a start, and if it’s been a few more days and you’re not feeling more at home, we can try something else, okay?”
But Scootaloo still wore the same perplexed expression. “Start what?”
“That’s your drawer and you may put your things in there,” Rarity said, thinking her point had been obvious.
“But all my stuff is already in the guest room.”
“That’s your room now, Scootaloo.”
Scootaloo let the correction roll off her with a small shrug. “It’s not like I have any kitchen stuff anyway.”
Rarity was forced to concede that Scootaloo was right about that particular point. “Home isn’t just about four walls and a roof, it’s also about the little things. I dare suggest I have more than enough silverware, why don’t you pick out some that you like and that can be your very own set for your very own drawer in what is now your kitchen.”
Scootaloo didn’t seem convinced that selecting some kitchen utensils was going to… do anything really but she didn’t feel like arguing. She began to rummage through the silverware drawer until she found some pieces that didn't look like they came from a dollhouse. “Can I have this one?” Scootaloo asked holding up a rather spartan looking spoon.
“You may have whichever ones you wish.”
“But what if I take your favorite stuff?” Rarity may have been generous but she was also very particular, and Scootaloo really didn’t want a fight about spoons and knives to be the reason she was sent packing early.
“I dare suggest that I am not so petty as to be upset over something as trifling as a fork.” Rarity softened her voice. “I would very much like you to feel that this is your home as much as mine. If some silverware would help you do that, that seems like a worthwhile sacrifice.”
Scootaloo just sighed, but continued to pick out a few of the less ornate pieces that Rarity had collected over the years. But as she collected a full set, mismatched though they were, Rarity could swear she saw Scootaloo release some of the tension she carried around constantly. She even noticed the faintest hint of a smile as Scootaloo organized her drawer, offering a satisfying hmm and affirmative nod as she closed it.
Great to see that Rarity is seeking advice. However Scootaloo needs to see a professional about her issues and soon as she has a home but seems to be having trouble accepting it.
:3
I think you may have left in something at the very end without meaning too.
6859638 yeah....got it
Leftovers from editing?
I think you left an edit note in the end there. Awesome chapter. Definitely relate to the whole "Not feeling like home" thing, although I've always liked hotels...
With every new release in this fic, I drop whatever else I'm reading and plunge right into it. Definitely in my top.
Cheers.
Raylan's adventures always bring a smile to my face.
I know a thing or two about well written series not being appreciated. Naa that was a lie just now. I got a good story, I think, just not the grammar skills for it. There was one series that is/was awful that somehow hit the ground running even though it was full of mistakes. I believe it had something to do with coco pummel adopting babs seed.
Keep up the good work. You go champ! One of these days, straight to the moon! Get outa heere! Their all gonna laugh at me, their all gonna laugh at me. WHAT DO YOU MEAN YOU DON'T AGREE WITH ME? DO YOU KNOW WHO YOU'RE DEALING WITH? *THE BUTTON* AHAHAAHAHAHAHAHA. because They're GREAT!
6859632 Professional help probably would be good, but she'd likely just end up getting what we can already deduce. The only way her wounds will heal, is with time. Once a year has passed and the adoption is finalized, the reality will slowly sink in that Rarity isn't going to send her away.
Another very nice chapter! I'm sorry to hear about your problem with inspiration. It's okay, it happens to every writer. You have a very good editor, that is a blessing, you are also a very talented writer, which is another blessing. No writer is truly satisfied with their own work, and in no way does it make the work bad.
Fantastic job, once again! Keep up the good work. Never think less of yourself because of writers block, it's perfectly fine! Can't wait for the next chapter!
As much as it seems that a single kitchen drawer would be an odd way to stake your claim to a place to live, I fully understand it and love it. Mostly cause I can't go in the kitchen whenever my dad is cooking without feeling like I'm intruding on something, but it's touching nonetheless. This story is so sweet I think I'm courting diabetes, and I don't even care. Carry on boss, carry on with pride!
what's on your mind Spike?
Will this make me Scootaloos dad ?
Only if you and Rarity tie the knot
Oh.
Hay Spike want to be my dad? A dragon dad would be AWESOME!
Scootaloo!
Spike!
you have a point dear. . . cool!
6859744 I'd also say that her and Rarity getting into a few fights would also be good for her.
A child who has constantly been passed over or sent away being shown that even open, willful conflict with her guardian doesn't result in the pattern repeating yet again - well - it does a lot of good.
It's a great comfort to children to know that their parents/guardians love them even when they don't like them.
why does Raylan keep getting edited out in the final version?
The reason it doesn't feel like home is because you need to fill it with memories. Like the memorial statue of Raylan The Great, holding aloft a magic sword in victory, flanked on either side by scandalously clad princesses whilst chugging down a tankard of Sweet Apple Acres' Finest.
I'm calling it now. Raylan will be the father.
I've seen a Fluttermac fic where Apple Bloom is Scoot's aunt.
6859966
That's my fault, I'm afraid. Each chapter has to undergo pretty extreme revisions, where Raylan the Rapturous (his official title in the Raylanverse arc) keeps getting written out for silly things like "story" and "focus" and "pacing."
A few chapters back, RaylanKrios wrote a frankly brilliant musical starring the beloved Raylan (not related in anyway to the author, for the record). It unfortunately wound up on the cutting room floor after a gentle reminder twelve songs in asking "What about Scootaloo and Rarity?"
6859966 The original title of this was Three Gems, a Scooter,and a Flaming Sword with Lighting Bolts coming out of it that is surrounded by skulls (Raylan's Cutie Mark)
HMXTaylorLee made me change it and he's been curtailing my desire to write a more Raylan focused story ever since.
6859634
Sadly...... you were not first. Missed by that much.
Sorry mate.
Anyway, what another great chapter! That whole ending scene with the drawer just makes perfect sense. And, it was absolutely adorable. :)
6859966 To indicate to a doubting world that yes, the editors actually do occasionally perform some semblance of editorial duty.
She found-a some pieces; looks like Scoots is actually Italian.
But in all seriousness, yeah, there is no sudden switch. I'm glad to see this play out.
That´s probably my favourite part of the story, just because I could be sure that it was actually a pretty nice idea. I maybe only unterstand it now, that it already helped a bit for Scootaloo, to have something that she could cal her own.
Long story short, it would make sense to me, if the scene with the drawer already helped Scootaloo, but I admit at first I thought it wouldn´t be something amazing for her to do. However I never completely dismissed the idea of that being a perfect thing for Scootaloo to do.
I just hope you can understand that, I don´t have much time to do something else right now, I have a busy day today.
As heart warming as this is I sometimes feel like that silly spoilered stuff in the author's notes is truly the best part. Anyway, will patiently wait for the next update.
what i love most about this story is how real the relationship is between Scootalo and Rarity, its so Life like
hmm. I feel something in my bones that the other want -to-be parents aren't going to like this. (checks tags.) okay no dark or grimdark but still. the question remains "what would you do to have a child?"
Looking forward to the next chapter's fuckfest.
Yay! A new chapter! I can't wait too read the next chapter! This story is one of my favorites on this site. I always get sad when the chapter ends!
Scootaloo's what? Her eyebrows?
6860580
Scootaloo’s pulse grew faint, weak and thready. Then, she keeled over, her eyes becoming lifeless, as Rarity screamed...
Scootaloo’s fur grew faint, its brilliant orange turning grey as Discord laughed darkly...
Scootaloo’s courage grew faint, as she trembled beneath her bedsheets, wishing the nightmares would go away...
Scootaloo’s hope grew faint, as she saw the Changelings creep towards her, licking their lips...
Scootaloo’s... okay, I'll stop now.
I don't know much about the adoption process, but I'm glad you took what seems to be the more realistic route when it comes to it. Parent says they want to adopt, child/foal services acknowledges, they start putting the wheels in motion to make it official but has a mandatory waiting period to insure that it isn't a whim. So many fics seem to be written like adoption is like going down to the supermarket for a loaf of bread! 'Hey young pony, surprise! I adopted you today!'.
So yeah, thank you for making things so much more believable in that department.
Gah, that kitchen drawer scene! You're pumping my heart full of daaaws! The best kind of daaaws too, the meaningful, earned daaaws, not the cheap dime-a-dozen cute daaaws. Many thanks for that!
D'aaaaawwww!
Nice chapter, good work.
6860683
... I'm still going to go with "eyebrows."
Now all Scootaloo needs to do is find a box of matches!
6859850 Well now THIS is another story that demands to be made! *notes down for later*
Ah Raylan, the most epic pony who's fate seems destined to never be told. We shall always remember you!
In regards to the story proper, again Rarity shows her aptitude for parentage by seeking advice from everyone, making sure she's as well informed for this new undertaking as she can be. Even if Scootaloo probably does need time and patience to get over her issues, she's probably with the best pony for doing so right now.
Maybe Scoots and Rarity ought to split the difference in titles and go with "Parenity...?"
...
...
I'll show myself out.
6861174 glad to be of inspiration
img00.deviantart.net/a586/i/2016/022/3/8/fishing_color_by_hillbe-d9owbbh.jpg
6860141
poop
i thought i was first
and that scene was cute, it's just that the story in my head takes a different turn
I love Applejack's own acknowledgment of her maternal relationship with Apple Bloom.
I started to read the Author's Notes before the story to see what you came up next with Raylan
I have to say, as someone who has been adopted and still very clearly remembers what it is like, you have done an amazing job portraying the uncertainty that comes with living in a new home and trying to find a family that fits.
... because Sweetie Belle is such a sweetie that she can never be called Anti-Sweetie.
6866327 okay, that made me laugh
It's really interesting how that adoption process works. Also, nicely done on the part between AJ and Rarity.
Just something missing is all.
What sweetie bell doesnt know is that she will never be called auntie because scootaloo suspects her robotic origins. Loving the story!