//------------------------------// // Chapter II // Story: Friends Help Friends // by TheKing2001 //------------------------------// I looked around the living room of the small house curiously. I had only been in Junebugs house a few times. The mare rarely left the house because she was self conscious about her stutter. The mare grabbed the couch with her mouth and unfolded a mattress. “S-s-sorry I didn’t get it ready sooner,” Junebug mumbled. “I wasn’t expecting your house to get destroyed.” “It’s okay Junebug,” I reassured her. “I didn’t either. Thanks for putting up with us.” “I-i-it’s not a problem,” Junebug smiled faintly. “Blankets are in the closet right there.” she pointed with a hoof to a closet. “Same with pillows. I’ll get dinner or something going.” “Do you want help?” I asked as I tossed a few blankets and pillows onto the fold out bed. “N-n-no. You’re my guest. I’ll take care of it,” Junebug said adamantly. “I’m not the greatest cook sorry in advance.” The mare disappeared into the kitchen before I could say anything. Noi jumped on the bed and grinned as she flopped on her back. I shifted my focus over to her and gave her a disapproving frown, shaking my head. “We are guests here Noi,” I chided. “Don’t go jumping around on June’s furniture please.” Noi gave me a sheepish smile. “Sorry mom. Why don’t we see Aunt Junebug more?” We weren’t actually related though a lot of ponies asked if we were and I’ll admit, we look pretty damn similar. Scarily similar. I thought we were related for a bit there myself. Noi just calls all my friends who she’s known her short life Aunt. Berry had been especially helpful with the labor and raising her aspect. “Well she never really leaves her house,” I admitted. “She’s a shy mare. She doesn’t really talk much as you know.” “Because she’s stupid?” Noi guessed. I immediately gave a light smack on her hoof and glared at her. “Don’t say that. Be nice. Junebug is not stupid, she’s just different. I don’t ever want to hear that come out of your mouth, do you understand me little filly?” I snapped. “Yes mom. I meant it as a good thing though. Isn’t it good to be stupid?” Noi asked. I blinked in confusion and shook my head. “What are you talking about?” “Stupid equals different. Different equals good. Therefore it’s good that Junebug is different.” I chuckled and ruffled her mane. “That is some weird logic there. Just say she’s unique,” I suggested. “Or don’t say anything to her at all. It would hurt her feelings.” “So I shouldn’t say shes reta-” I quickly stuffed a hoof into her mouth and gave her the angriest glare I could muster. “Don’t ever let me catch you say that. Where did you even learn that word?” I demanded. Noi spit my hoof out and wiped her tongue off. “School! Some ponies were talking about Derpy behind Dinkys back today. Thankfully Dinky is oblivious to them and just thinks they aren’t talking about her mom,” Noi said and stomped a tiny hoof down angrily. “Wish I could stomp them on the stomach till their intestines spilled out of their mouths.” “Now now. Violence isn’t the answer to everything dear,” I said calmly even though inside I was furious. I’d have to talk to Cheerilee about this. “If you say that word again, I’ll spank you.” “What if I like it?” Noi questioned and I gave her a stunned look. “I’m sorry, what?” Let me tell you, when my parents spanked me it was the opposite of fun. I don’t get how anyone can like it. “You remember the foal free press incident?” I grimaced at that. Berry Punch had been furious when those three fillies had went after her on their gossip column. Berry still didn’t allow Ruby to play with the cmc. “Yeah how could I forget?” I rolled my eyes. “Scootaloo was talking to me and Cotton Cloudy a few days later and said that Bon Bon had spanked her because of it. Apparently Scootaloo started liking it halfway in and then she had a awkward conversation with her moms. What if I like it?” Noi asked worriedly as she trotted back and forth. “Ponies would call me weird!” For once, I was at a loss for words. I don’t even know where to begin or what to say about that. I opened and closed my mouth a few times, Noi waiting patiently. “Well ponies like things that others might find weird. That’s perfectly natural,” I said evasively. Hopefully that would satisfy Noi for a few years at least. I really didn’t want to have that conversation until she was at least thirteen. “Okay!” Noi said happily and I let out a breath in relief. Thank Celestia that crisis was averted. “How does Aunt Junebug get food if she never leaves her house?” “Well she doesn’t always stay inside. She comes out a bit. Water her garden and all, talk to us. Most of the time me or the others will drop off food for her. She’s a bit of a doormat to put it lightly,” I admitted. I really did wish that mare would get some confidence and not let everypony walk over her but I can’t force her into anything she doesn’t want. “Like Fluttershy?” I paused before I spoke, rubbing my chin with a hoof. “Yeah a bit like Fluttershy. Not as bad as her though.” Noi curled up in a ball, pressing against my chest and I draped a foreleg over her. “Hopefully Aunt Junebug gets over her doormattness. It’d be cool to have her spend more time at the house with us,” Noi mumbled. I resisted the urge to correct her and say that doormattness wasn’t a real word but I decided against. Pick your fights and all that. “It would yeah,” I agreed as Junebug trotted into the room with a tray on her back. “D-d-dinner is ready,” she said as she folded her haunches and forelegs under her. “We don’t have to eat out here if you don’t want us to. We can use your table June,” I said. She shook her head slowly. “I-i-i don’t have a big enough table sorry Golden,” she said sheepishly as we took the tray off her back and she stood up before sitting next to Noi. “Sorry if it’s awful. I’m not a good cook.” I gave her a reassuring smile, placing a hoof on her shoulder. “This is perfect.”