Cross-generational Romance

Given that my first fic is a Scootaloo / Rainbow Dash, I thought I would take a moment to discuss stories with cross-generational romance, which is a nice way of saying: a child falling in love with an adult. I want to make sure I'm clear on what I think about this topic so that my story is not misunderstood.

I used to be a child once, believe it or not. I suspect that some of you did too. Childhood is a funny thing, because we only seem (as a culture) to want to discuss the innocence and purity aspect of being a kid. But none of us actually remember it that way, do we? We had sexual fantasies, we had crushes, and we wondered about those mysterious R rated movies the grown ups were watching. It's not what parents want to think, but its what is actually going on in the mind of a growing human being. We all secretly know this, but we don't seem to want to admit it. But why?

Now don't get me wrong. An adult and a child should not have a relationship together for the same exact reason why you wouldn't wheel a comatose person into a marriage ceremony in a bride's gown. In order for something to be consensual, all parties must be consenting, and not being capable, educated, or aware enough to say 'no' does not warrant consent. But that doesn't mean we don't respect the humanity of a young person, nor should we ignore that they have a sexuality and emotions to go with it. One of the greatest authors on this subject is Stephen King, a real inspiration of mine. He always strove to portray children as they really are - level 1 human beings who are still people with distinct personalities. And to proceed with the D&D imagery, they aren't yet ready for level 18 monsters.... but, they're on the way!

Originally I came here planning to write a Twishy story, but this one (To Everypony, A Season) just kind of hit me. I realized that Scootaloo is a girl who hides her emotions, but is really much more adult than the other Cutie Mark Crusadors. This is only my interpretation, and of course age is a vague thing in MLP. But it drove me to tell this story because I wanted to talk about these things for once, instead of simply leaving them brewing in my brain.

I want my readers to know that this story will not end with the suggestion that it is fine for an adult to take advantage of a child who is barely in control of their own emotions. I trust that the story will ultimately end in a way that is positive and, as the description says, wholesome. It will also be hopeful and romantic, because to be honest, I'm a naive, hopeless romantic myself.

Comments

[Garbo]

Hopeless romantic? I'm with you there. Hopeless being the key word, since I haven't gone out on a date in my life. That being said, I'm 15, so I've got a long time for that. (, a teenager who realizes that? Wow, I really am an oddity). Despite my lack of romantic ... experience, I still manage to pull of romance fics. In fact, it's my favorite genre other than Tragedy. Hopeless Romantics Unite!
And I really like - as I already said - that you are pursuing this story. We need a fic where Scootaloo is in love with Rainbow Dash and it ends well. I've never seen it happen, personally.

[GarlandGala]

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Well you still have plenty of time.. I know how you feel though, i didnt date till i was 21 and i wound up finding my soulmate. That was almost 8 years ago So don't despair. When it happens, and you handle it with an understanding that people are complicated (and so is love,) it will end well.

Yeah I havent seen a good, ethical handling of adult/child relationships yet in ... well, any stories really, so i'm hoping i get to add a little of that to the community. Scootaloo is a little piece of me back in the day.