//------------------------------// // Party p1 // Story: It takes a village // by Sarcastic Brony //------------------------------// A knock grabs Anon’s attention as he puts the finishing touches on the many foods he’s made. Walking through the house, he double checks the various streamers, balloons, and Faith in her playpen with multiple toys. With everything in order, he answers the door and finds one Rainbow Dash waiting there. Stepping aside, he waves her in, and with little hesitation, she enters before looking up to face him. “Sooo, where’s Faith?” “Plaype-” he doesn’t get to finish as she zips from the front door to the living room. Before he can close the door, he recognizes a number of his friends making their way toward his home. The next in line is Twilight as she gallops past everyone else up to the front door. “Twilight, nice to see you’ve made it.” She’s panting laboriously for a moment before chuckling in embarrassment. “Sorry for the unexpected arrival. Something came up, and I was concerned I’d be late. Thankfully, it’s all been taken care of. Are the girls here yet?” Anon snickers as he points back outside. Twilight looks over her withers to see the dust trail she left behind, many of her friends covered in debris. The blush on her face grows. “S-Sorry girls!” Twilight yells out, and they wave to her that it’s okay. “I’m sure they’re fine,” Fluttershy states standing on the opposite side of the street where most of them are coming from. “I didn’t see you there, Fluttershy. Welcome.” Anon lets her inside. “Don’t let me keep you two from seeing Faith. She’s in the living room.” That's piqued both of their interest as they walk past Anon and toward the living room. Before Anon can return to greeting his guests that are rapidly approaching, he hears a squee from the living room. “You hear that?!” Rainbow shouts. “She called me mama!” “Her first words!” Twilight cries. “This is an unexpected development!” “Calm down girls!” Anon orders. “Inside voices.” Rainbow pokes her head around the corner. “Why aren’t you excited?” “She’s been talking since this morning. She can say dada too.” “She’s already talking?” AJ questions as she comes to the door. “Yup.” Anon nods. “Rarity taught her how to say mama, just this morning.” AJ seems happy but slightly frustrated. “Oh, well that’s nice to hear.” “Isn’t it?” Rarity approaches from behind. “Why, my heart melted when she called me mama.” “I’m shocked you didn’t have her call you Rarity,” Pinkie jokes. “Yes, well. It was an in-the-moment sort of thing.” Rarity rests a hoof on Anon’s thigh. “Nevertheless, thank you again for the party.” “No thanks needed.” Rarity wanders off as Anon greets the other girls and makes sure they’re all inside before closing the door. Entering the living room he finds his friends huddled around Faith, each of them taking turns passing her around as she calls them “mama”, a squee leaving them as the next mare takes her. Faith is relishing the attention, but this is a party. “Alright, girls!” Anon seizes their attention. “Party time. Food and drink are in the kitchen.” “I’m so excited!” Pinkie screams. “A party was thrown for me, and I have a cute foal calling me mama! This is the bestest day ever!” Anon walks over and takes Faith from Rainbow. “Time for bed.” “Already?” Rainbow groans. “We just got here! What’s the harm in her staying up for a little?” “She’s still a growing foal, Rainbow.” Rarity comes in. “Look.” Faith is yawning in Anon’s arms. Anon looks at Rainbow and shrugs. “Sorry, Dash. Once she’s rested a bit, then I’ll bring her down again.” “Alright.” Rainbow pouts. “Get comfortable,” Anon says before walking up the stairs to his room. He makes sure Faith is all wrapped up and cozy. “Alright, little missy. Time to sleep.” She’s already out like a light, so Anon leans in and kisses her on the forehead. “Sweet dreams.” Turning to leave, Anon flinches slightly when he finds Fluttershy there. “You’re an excellent father,” she compliments. “Heh, I try.” “Sorry to interrupt, but I noticed Rainbow brought some alcohol... I know we’re all grown-ups, but you know she can get a bit rowdy when she has too much.” “I know all too well. Thanks for the warning, I’ll keep an eye on her.” “Ok.” Anon notices Fluttershy lingering, her gaze looking to the crib. “Want to say goodnight?” Anon offers. “Oh, if it’s not too much trouble. I don’t get to spend as much time with Faith as the other girls.” “No problem.” Anon waves for her to come closer. “I get it; you have a lot of animals to take care of.” Fluttershy daintily approaches until she’s looking down at Faith. An almost sad smile plays across her lips. Concerned, Anon rests a hand on her withers. “Is everything alright?” “Sorry, I just... I can’t help but think back on my earlier years. I know it might be hard to believe, but I was very shy when I was a young.” That draws a smirk from Anon. “I was very tall for a filly and lanky too. The other kids picked on me because I couldn’t fly as well as them. I’m sure I told you this story before.” Anon’s smirk has all since disappeared. “Yeah, you have.” “I’m worried about her... I know what it’s like to be different, but I don’t think I could ever understand what it’s like to be her.” Fluttershy looks up to Anon. “Or what it’s like to be you. I’m sure things have been challenging, but you know how much more things hurt when you’re a child.” Anon gives her a nod, looking down to Faith. “Yeah, it’s difficult, and I know that ultimately, ponies will say hurtful things to her but, you know what?” Anon looks at Fluttershy with a smile. “I love her, you love her, all of my friends love her, and that’s all Faith needs to know, because, at the end of the day, that’s all that matters, right?” Fluttershy’s smile becomes genuine as she clears a stray tear from her eye. “Y-Yes... You’re right.” Looking down at Faith again, she leans in and kisses her on the forehead. “When that time comes, don’t be afraid to cry, but always know those who care for you love you.” Anon kneels down, rests a hand onto Fluttershy’s cheek and clears away a few tears she missed. “Let’s get to the party,” he says with a smile. Fluttershy retreats behind her mane with a large blush on her face. “O-ok,” she whispers. With haste, Fluttershy leaves the room, and Anon does one last check on Faith to ensure she’s comfortable. With everything set, it’s time for him to enjoy this party.