//------------------------------//
// Fangirl Bonding 
// Story: The Do Dilemma 
// by Metool Bard 
//------------------------------//


Chapter 12:
Fangirl Bonding


As the day wore on, Tailspin's mood did not improve.  She only had a few bits of spending money, and it wasn't enough to afford any of the inns in Hoofington.  By the time the last place turned her down, the sun had already begun to set.

"Well, this is just peachy," she grumbled as she and Scootaloo made their way through the marketplace. "Looks like we'll have to be sleeping out under the stars tonight, mate.  You can thank yourself for that."

"How is it my fault you don't have enough money?" asked Scootaloo.

Tailspin snorted. "Daring said we weren't going to be staying her for long," she said, completely ignoring Scootaloo. "We were just supposed to have Genny decipher the map and leave."

"That, didn't answer my question," said Scootaloo.

"I thought I said that I didn't want to hear another peep out of you," Tailspin growled. "Now, let's at least see if we can find ourselves something simple for supper.  There has to be..."

Her train of thought was interrupted by a clearing of the throat.  Tailspin turned, and saw the griffon pottery merchant from before.

"Is that filly yours?" he asked, pointing his talon at Scootaloo.

"For the moment," said Tailspin, a touch of disdain seeping into her voice. "Why?"

"She owes me fifty bits for the pot she broke," the merchant said flatly.

Tailspin's eyes went wide. "F-fifty bits?!  B-but that's all the money I've got!"

"That's the way the clay crumbles, pal," said the griffon, folding his arms.

Tailspin looked over at Scootaloo. "Please tell me you have some money," she said.

"Sorry," said Scootaloo with a sheepish shrug. "I, didn't exactly plan on being sucked into a book today."

Tailspin groaned. "You just keep insisting on being a constant pain in the flank, don't you?" she said as she took out a small purse from her flight helmet.  She opened it up and paid the griffon what was owed. "There.  That should cover it."

"Much obliged," said the merchant with a bow as he walked away.

"What are we going to do now?" inquired Scootaloo.

Tailspin gave Scootaloo a look. "We have no money, no food, and no shelter.  What do you think we're going to do?" she said tersely.

"Um..."

"That question was rhetorical, mate," Tailspin said with a sigh. "C'mon, let's go.  We might be able to find a good spot at the edge of town."

Before Scootaloo could say anything else, Tailspin marched off in a huff.  Not wanting to be left behind, she quickly chased after her.


***


On a small grassy knoll outside of Hoofington, Tailspin got to work making a small fire while Scootaloo poked at the ground with her hoof.

"Um, Tailspin?" she said after a pause.

"Not now, mate.  I'm busy," Tailspin said gruffly.

Scootaloo flattened her ears and cast her eyes downward. "I, just wanted to say that I'm sorry," she said, looking back up at Tailspin. "I didn't mean to..."

"Save it," Tailspin interrupted. "I don't want to talk to you right now."

"But I'm just trying to apologize."

"Fine.  Apology accepted.  Now shut up," said Tailspin in a flat monotone.

Scootaloo pouted and folded her forelegs. "Why do you have to be such a jerk?  I didn't ask for any of this, y'know."

"If you really want to improve my mood, you can start by not talking to me," said Tailspin.

Scootaloo sighed and turned her attention back to the ground.  All was silent for a time as Tailspin finally got the fire going.

"There we are," said she. "At least we won't freeze out here."

She then looked over at Scootaloo, who seemed to be sobbing.

"Oh, for the love of Pete," she muttered, walking over to the younger pegasus. "Alright, mate.  What's wrong?"

"I-I miss Rainbow Dash," Scootaloo murmured.

A gentle smirk formed on Tailspin's face. "Oh, is that all?" she asked, sitting down next to the weeping Scootaloo. "Well, no worries, mate.  I told you, once Daring comes back, she'll find a way to get you back home."

Scootaloo looked up at Tailspin. "C-can she *sniffle* really do that?"

"Of course, mate.  Professor Daring can do anything," said Tailspin proudly. "She's the most amazing pony I know.  You just can't stop her.  No matter what happens, she'll find a way to come out on top.  And if you need somepony who'll stick to you like a wingpony to his leader, you don't have to look any farther than Daring."

Scootaloo tilted her head. "That's, weird."

"What is?"

"I feel the same way about Rainbow Dash."

Tailspin was taken aback by this statement. "Y-you do?"

"Yeah," said Scootaloo, cheering up a little. "She's like my big sister.  She's an awesome flyer, and she'll never let you down, no matter what.  Nothing can stop her, either.  I'll bet she's trying to find a way to save me right now."

Tailspin bit her lip. "Um, sure," she said, looking a bit uncomfortable.

"Hey, Tailspin?"

"Y-yeah?"

"Do you miss Daring Do?"

"No!" Tailspin squeaked before clearing her throat. "Er, I mean no.  I just want to find her as soon as possible so that she can fix this, that's all."

"Oh.  Okay," said Scootaloo. "I was just curious."  She then sighed. "I wonder what Rainbow Dash would do right now."

"I can't answer that, mate," said Tailspin with a shrug. "I'm still trying to figure out what Daring would do.  That's the only thing that's keeping me going."

Scootaloo then stifled a laugh.

"Hey.  What's so funny, mate?" asked Tailspin, raising an eyebrow.

"'What would Daring do?'" said Scootaloo as she continued to giggle.

Seeing the pun, Tailspin chuckled herself. "Heh, yeah.  I guess that is pretty funny," she said. "You feeling any better, mate?"

"A little," said Scootaloo.  She then yawned. "I-I think I'm gonna turn in now."

"Mmm.  Good idea," said Tailspin. "Here."

She then knelt down and draped her wing over Scootaloo's body.

"Don't say I never did anything for you, mate," said Tailspin with a smirk.

"Thanks," said Scootaloo. "Hey, Tailspin?"

"What?"

"Are you still mad at me?"

Tailspin mulled over Scootaloo's question for a while before shaking her head. "Can't say that I am, mate."

"Oh.  That's good," said Scootaloo. "G'night."

"Sweet dreams, mate."

As Scootaloo drifted off into a peaceful slumber, Tailspin heaved a great sigh.

"I'm more mad at myself," she whispered bitterly.