//------------------------------//
// Love And Other Anomalies 
// Story: What It Means To Be A Mother 
// by FabulousDivaRarity 
//------------------------------//

Rainbow sat on her couch, long into the night. Scootaloo had gone to bed hours earlier. Rainbow was at a fork in the road. She had noticed her foal's deep attachment to her pacifier and blanket, and was worried over it. Was she too attatched? Was it normal? She was going in circles in her head trying to figure it out. 

She went upstairs and climbed into her bed. Her frustration was mounting and she couldn't find a good way to release it. She decided to drop by her pediatrician's office the next day. It was the only way she could get her mind to stop churning. Finally, she fell asleep.

The next morning came far too soon for Rainbow's liking. She went to make breakfast, completely out of touch with reality. All too quickly, she was headed out the door and went to work. Cloud busting was quick and easy work this morning. She finished with the clouds above the pediatrician's office so that she could make the trip less long. 

She sat in a stiff plastic chair in a lobby full of crying foals. It was loud, and her back was pushing against the chair in a very painful way. It would all be worth it, though, to have her questions answered. Her anxiety was through the roof. Finally, they called her name. The nurse was very personable, and led her to a neon-green colored room.

"The doctor will be in with you shortly."

With that, she was left to her own devices in the examination room. It was both reassuring and unsettling. Minutes ticked by at a snail's pace. Slowly, her agitation built like a bubble about to burst. When the doctor came in, it was like a fire being extinguished by a sudden downpour of rain. 

"Hello miss Dash. How may I help you?"

"Hello, Doctor. I had a few questions about my daughter's behavior. She was abandoned and lived on the streets for most of her life. When I took her in, I gave her a pacifier to try and curb her hoof sucking habit, and a blanket. She went to a sleepover recently and threw a huge tantrum because she didn't have them with her. Is it healthy for her to be this attached?"

"How old is your daughter?"

"Seven."

"This kind of behavior is seen most often in two to four year olds. They grow attached to an object when they begin to realize they are a different pony rather than being one pony from their mother. The object is a replacement for the mother's attachment. With your daughter being older, the objects likely represent a source of love that she had not had up until that point. It is unhealthy for her teeth at least, but her emotional security is much more important at this point. If you take them from her, expect a toddler-like response. That's how mature she is emotionally. All in all I don't think it's a bad thing or that it would endanger her. Does that help?"

Rainbow nodded. "It helps a lot. Thank you, doctor." They shook hooves, and Rainbow flew off. 

Her mind was far from settled. Although she had a professional opinion, it didn't tame her worried mentality. She shook her head, trying to clear it. She needed a distraction. She decided to pop into the Ponyville café to get a light lunch. While she was being seated, she noticed a Stallion out of the corner of her eye. She did a double take. She'd seen that stallion while training in the Wonderbolts Reserves. If her memory served her right, he was an excellent flyer. She ordered her lunch, unaware that she was being watched by the mysterious stallion. 

He got up from his seat, finished with his meal, and decided he wanted to meet the mare who had impressed the Wonderbolts enough to be at the top of the list. His stride was confident, but not cocky. Rainbow noticed him coming in her peripheral vision, and took the chance to study him.

His mane was spiky and short, a mix of deep blue and white. His body was a lighter shade of black, and his wings were the same shade, just a touch lighter at the tips. The only darker spot was his cutie mark, which was five treble clefts arranged in the shape of a star. His eyes were a shade of sunset purple that were almost hypnotizing with their intensity.

"Hey." His voice was a deep, rich, tenor.

"Sup."

"I saw you over here and wanted to meet the mare at the top of the reserves." She almost wanted to blush.

"I'm Rainbow Dash."

"I'm Night Blues." She nodded.

"Cool meeting you."

"Same here. Have you ever done anything else with flying?"

"The list would stretch around the block..."

Before she knew what was happening, he sat down in front of her. He was intrigued by her. Her aerial acrobatics were unmatched by anybody, and yet she had a job simply doing the weather? It was a travesty. Soon, they were engaged in a very stimulating conversation. They were so alike in so many ways- ways that they didn't even know.

Night Blues helped out in the Cloudsdale snowflake factory in the morning, but during the evening he was a professional singer. He sang for her while she ate her sandwich. His voice was mesmerizing. She had to bring herself back to reality when he was finished. 

Suddenly, her confident air had become like a cloak tied around her, and the string was being pulled to make it fall off. She felt like her insecurities were being exposed. There was a new fear setting into her- one that was foreign, yet not unwelcome. She didn't understand why she felt This way. She didn't think she wanted to know. 

Quickly, an hour passed by. Night Blues too felt this exposure, but understood what it was. He wanted to shove it aside, but knew it make itself known despite his efforts. 

He liked this mare, and he wanted to make her his. 

The familliar feeling of warmth entered his stomach. It always came when he hungered for something out of his reach. He was determined and ridiculously persistent. He wanted to see her again. 

"If you're not doing anything this evening, I'm having a show down by city hall. It'd be nice to have a familiar face in the crowd."

Rainbow was floored. Butterflies flitted around in her stomach. She tried to maintain her composure, and said:

"Sounds cool."

"Awesome. See you there."

"See ya." 

With that, he flew off, leaving a stunned Rainbow behind. 

Rainbow flew home in a state of bewilderment. What had happened to her? She had lost her confidence. That never happened... It was so strange. She had the urge to find something nice to wear, but tried to quash it. Flummoxed and exasperated, she had no idea what to do. This feeling was strange. She flew through a barrage of words, trying to put a name to it. The one that stuck was longing, and yet it didn't seem right.

It hit her like a ton of bricks. The word closest to her feeling was love.

She fought to hold down her lunch. Love was for ponies like Rarity who wanted the perfect stallion to care for her. Her head wasn't in the clouds- her ambition made her grounded. She didn't have time for love if she wanted to be a Wonderbolt. Then again, she'd become a mother and still became a member of the reserves...

Her confusion was paramount. She didn't want to think about this anymore. An obscure sense told her she'd have to talk this through before it would ease up. She sighed. This was going to be a long day. 

She debated wearing a dress for the evening. She supposed she could go and see Rarity about it. Dread filled her stomach, but she shoved it aside and flew to the Carousel Boutique. She rang the doorbell and waited. A muffled "coming!" Was heard from inside. The door opened to a mildly surprised Rarity.

"Hello Rainbow Dash."

"Hey Rarity."

"Is there something I can do for you?"

Rainbow tried to shove her pride aside. "I needed some advice... About, y'know, fashion..."

Rarity gave a happy gasp. "Please, please come in!" Rainbow sighed.

Rarity led her upstairs to her dining room table. Rainbow sat there carefully. Rarity poured them some tea.

"How may I be of assistance?"

"Well, you see..." Rainbow launched into the tale of her current predicament. Rarity's eyes grew huge as she came near the end of her story. Could it be? Rainbow Dash having a crush on Somepony? She smiled softly.

"I'd be more than happy to help you. With the situation you're in, I'd suggest something sophisticated and classy, like a black dress." Rainbow nodded. 

"Alright." 

"I have the perfect dress in mind." 

She brought Rainbow downstairs to see a floor length black dress with just a hint of sparkle. In the front, the dress had a v-neckline. Rarity loaned her a small gold necklace to wear with it. Rainbow thanked her and flew back home to get ready.

When she arrived, Scootaloo had already come home from school. She sat on the couch, reading Daring Do. When her mother came through the door she knew something was up.

"Hey Mom."

"Hey peanut."

"What are you doing?"

"I'm going out somewhere tonight."

"Really? Where?"

"To a concert."

"A rock concert?"

"Not exactly..."

"Okay then..." She sensed her Mother didn't want to talk about it.

They ate dinner half an hour earlier than usual, and Rainbow used the rest of the time to get ready. For once she wondered if she should style her mane differently. She decided to brush it out and leave it be. 

Time seemed to fly by, and soon it was time for her to leave. She tucked her daughter in early and gave her a kiss before heading to city hall. 

Night had just fallen over Ponyville, painting the sky a gorgeous purple. Rainbow sat on one of the benches near the back and waited. The clock struck seven, and then it began. 

He appeared like a vision out of a dream. In a nice tuxedo, he stepped up to the microphone, and filled the space with beautiful music. She sat there, transfixed by the melodies filling the air. It was like nothing she'd ever heard before. As quickly as it had begun, it stopped. She blinked. Was it over already? 

Then, another pony took the mic and began singing. She looked and saw him coming over to her. Her heart pounded inside of her chest. He came over to her, smiling. 

"Hey, I'm glad you made it." She smiled.

"Wouldn't have missed it. Everypony loves a night of music." 

"It's not just music- it's dancing too."

"Oh? Really?"

"Really. Would you like to dance?"

"I'm not much of a dancer..."

"I'd be happy to teach you."

"Well... Alright."

He took her behind the benches and took her hoof in his. Her automatic reaction was to pull away, but she stopped herself. In Rarity's words, he was gallant. Normally closeness and intimacy was unappealing to her, but for some reason she didn't mind it from him. He was so like her that it seemed natural. They danced together to the smooth jazz coming from the stage. 

"Tell me something about you." He asked.

She paused, and decided to say it. This could evolve into a serious relationship, and she wanted to be honest from the start. "I'm a Mom."

Instead of looking at her like she was an alien as she pictured, he smiled. "Really? Do you have a filly or a colt?"

"A filly."

"How old is she?"

"Seven." 

"That's awesome. What's her name?"

"Scootaloo."

"Too cool."

"Really?" She didn't disguise the surprise in her voice.

"Of course. I love kids." She smiled. 

"What do I not know about you?"

"Hmmm... I can play the piano pretty well."

"Do you write your own music?"

"Kind of. I have the bad habit of never finishing them."

"Really?"

"Yeah. I never feel like I have the time."

"Are you a workaholic?"

"Not really. I work two jobs- one for money, and one for fun. I love to sing, but it doesn't pay the bills."

"It should. You're really good."

"Thanks."

"Sure."

"So, what do you look for in a guy?" He was brash- she liked that.

"I want someone who can make me a better competitor."

"I like mares with a lot of ambition."

"Really?"

"Yeah. I like the ones who know what they want."

"Is that right?"

"Yeah, because I know exactly what I want right now."

"And what would that be?"

"You."

Her breath caught in her throat. Was this real? Their muzzles were only inches apart. She could feel his breath on her neck. Slowly, he leaned forward, as did she. Their lips met, and it was like fireworks going off inside of her. Every nerve ending was alive with pleasure. 

When they separated, their eyes locked. It was nothing and everything all at the same time. They said nothing for a long time. He led her to the bench and they listened to the singer croon beautiful lyrics. They sat close together, enjoying their proximity to each other. 

He flew her back home at the end of the evening, and they promised to see each other again. Rainbow went inside in a euphoric daze. She went upstairs to check on her foal, and found Scootaloo sleeping peacefully. Smiling, she made her way to her bathroom to change out of her dress and necklace. Tired and happy, she fell asleep, dreaming of the one thing she never thought she'd find: love.

The next morning she got up and made her foal breakfast, still on a high from the night before. Scootaloo noticed the change and asked the question on her mind.

"What happened last night?"

"Well... I met Somepony special."

Scootaloo's jaw nearly hit the floor. "Really?"

"Really. He wants to meet you."

"Seriously?"

"Seriously. How do you feel about that?"

"I guess I'd like to meet him." Hope shot through Rainbow's heart.

"You mean that?" Scootaloo smiled.

"Yes I do." Rainbow gave her a tight hug.

"That's my girl."

Rainbow did her job in minutes, and went up to the snowflake factory. Night Blues was just heading into work when he saw her coming to him. 

"Do you want to come over for dinner?"

He smiled. "I'd love to."

"Awesome. See you at five." 

"See you then."

Rainbow went for a long fly, trying to figure out her next move. She went home to try and figure out dinner. She decided to order out instead and brought home the food. The hours were slow, and she felt like she was going crazy. Her daughter came home, and her insanity was curbed. She gave her a tight hug, trying to expunge her own nerves. 

He appeared on time, with a calm attitude. It was the exact opposite of how Rainbow felt. She opened the door, and was instantly calmed. He was there, and tonight was going to be perfect. Rainbow led him to the kitchen, where Scootaloo was waiting.

The first thought that crossed her mind was that if her Momma got married, she would have a Daddy. She smiled sheepishly.

"Hi."

"Well hello there. You must be Scootaloo. Your Mom has told me so much about you." 

"She has?"

"Yes, she has. She's very proud of you."

Scootaloo smiled. 

They ate together, and Scootaloo had the impression that it wouldn't take much for her Mother to make him part of the family. She liked him, and knew he had her mother's best intentions at heart. The dinner conversation was easy and natural. After eating, the three of them went for a fly and had a blast. 

When it was time to go, Night Blues ruffled Scootaloo's hair and pulled Rainbow outside. He kissed her tenderly. 

"You have a amazing daughter. I'm so glad I got to meet her. Now that I have, I wanted to ask you a question."

"What's that?"

"Would you be my girlfriend?"

Rainbow blushed. "I'd be honored."

He kissed her one last time, and flew off. 

Their courtship was a whirlwind romance. They became nearly inseparable. Night Blues was a chivalrous stallion, who was kind and hard working. He was easy to love. The similarities between them made their relationship easy and comfortable. They didn't talk about the future, but made the most of the present.

That, however, was all about to change.

Night Blues stood outside of the school, waiting for Scootaloo to come out. Rainbow didn't know he was there. The bell rang, and the tiny Pegasus came out.

"Hey, Scootaloo, can I talk with you for a second?"

She nodded. "Sure."

The two of them flew up to a cloud so that they had privacy.

"Scootaloo, I want your permission for something important."

"What's that?"

"I want to marry your mother. But I won't do it if you don't want me to."

Scootaloo was floored. Excitement spread through her and she nodded. "Yes, yes! I want you to marry my mom so bad!"

Night Blues hugged her. "Thank you."

"You're welcome."

Night Blues made his way to the Jewelry store covertly. He made his purchase and left through the back, quick to leave.

That evening, he took Rainbow Dash out to dinner with all of her friends and Scootaloo present. About halfway through the dinner, he stood up and banged on his glass.

"Thank you everypony for being here tonight." Night Blues began. "I'd like to propose a toast: to Rainbow Dash, the best flier in Equestria, and the Pegasus who has flown away with my heart." He got up and knelt in front of her. "Rainbow Dash, you are my world. You are like no pony I've ever met. You are smart, creative, beautiful and the most important pony in my life. I love you more than anything." He pulled out the ring. Rainbow gasped. "Rainbow Dash, will you marry me?"

In a whisper, she breathed out, "Yes."

Three months later, all of Ponyville and much of Cloudsdale gathered together to witness the union of Night Blues and Rainbow Dash.

For the first time in her life, Rainbow was excited to wear a dress. Her wedding gown had been meticulously crafted by Rarity. It was the same shade of white as pure snow. It was very form fitting. The train was fluffed at the edge like a cloud. The dress had a lot of beading in the front and was simple and plain in the rest of the style. The veil floated over her face. She felt movie star beautiful. 

As faithful as ever, her friends were her bridesmaids. Her daughter was the flower girl. Everything was perfect. Twilight had organized the wedding down to the last detail. Applejack had catered the affair free of charge. Pinkie had planned the reception herself, and had only the best entertainment booked for her friend. 

The music began, as did the processional. 

Twilight, Applejack, Rarity, Pinkie, and Fluttershy paraded down the aisle. After them, Scootaloo threw flower petals everywhere.

The music changed to "Here Comes The Bride." The doors opened, and Rainbow appeared, a vision of beauty and grace. Night Blues looked at his bride for the first time, and couldn't catch his breath. The beautiful creature kept advancing toward him, and he scrambled to remember his lines. 

It happened in a haze of love and joy. The ceremony was short, and in a flash it was time for the reception. They danced together, each remembering the first time they had done so. In similar fashion, it ended with a kiss. Suddenly, Night Blues took the mic and crooned a love ballad to his bride. Rainbow barely held herself together. There was scattered applause at the end, and then everyone came to dance as the buffet was being wheeled in.

Toasts were made and glasses clinked. Everypony ate together, danced together, and had a great time. When the evening came to an end, the newlywed couple retired to Rainbow's home to make the most of their time together as husband and wife. Scootaloo spent the night at Rarity's with Sweetie Belle.

About a week after her marriage, Rainbow Dash pulled out the journal that had become a part of her life, grabbed a pen, and began writing.

  Love comes in many forms. I didn't know any other type of love other than what my daughter gave me. I could have never dreamed love would take the form of a spouse. I thought love was for ponies like Rarity who wanted their own Prince Charming. I never imagined there would be Somepony out there for me. I now have a husband, and Scootaloo now has a father. I never thought anypony would be good enough to be a Daddy to my little peanut, but I'm so glad I was proven wrong. Love comes when you least expect it, and it always comes with joy and laughter. I'm thrilled to hold the title of both mother and wife. It's what I was meant to be all along.