Silver could not believe her fortune; she was on her way to make things right with the other members of the CMC and according to Bloom, whom she had no reason to doubt, they were fine with her coming on this visit. She would get the chance to apologise to the couple for making their school lives Tartarus, and she could apologise to Scootaloo for making fun of her delayed development in flying; looking back she had found that it was an incredibly cruel thing to say. I have to say, I’m really nervous. I know Bloom trusts me, but she trusts her best friends more. What if they convince her that I am still the bully I once was? I don’t think Sweetie Belle would do that though; she was always kind to everypony. I guess I am more worried about Scootaloo; she was more fiery and temperamental, and unlikely to forgive and forget so easily. Ugh, why did I even agree with Diamond Tiara and put her down because she couldn’t fly? She just needed to be taught how. I have got to stop worrying about this; I have Bloom with me. Everything will be fine.
Bloom, meanwhile, was replaying the events of last week in head, trying to decide if this was a good idea after all.
“So y’all know that Ah’m working with Silver Spoon and that we’re friends now, right?” The determination that Apple Bloom had brought with her to Sugarcube Corner that day was dwindling fast as she looked at Scootaloo when she posed her question.
“I’m telling ya, AB, it’s a trap. Those two had always been so fake and trying to put us down at every turn; why would she change now? She’s up to something; and if you let her inside, it’s only gonna hurt more.” During her rant, Scootaloo knocked over her milkshake, but it was quickly saved by her marefriend.
“Scoots, come on; give her a chance. It’s been like eight years since we last saw her. Ponies change over time, sometimes for the better. And I remember that for the most part, Silver Spoon was just following along with whatever Diamond Tiara did; whenever she acted on her own, she was usually nicer. Remember when Granny Smith came in for family day? She was the first one to start applauding.” As Sweetie was defending the earth pony in question, Apple Bloom winced at the mention of the matriarch.
“Can we not talk about mah Granny, please? Ah never shoulda let her use mah bits for her trip. Anyways, Silver’s been wanting to meet with you guys so she can make amends. Do ya mind if she comes wit’ me one of these times?” Sweetie pondered this for a moment before she smiled and nodded.
“I have no problems with that. What about you, babe?” Scootaloo let her response follow a low growl.
“I’d rather have my wings ripped off in the most painful way possible than spend even a few minutes with Silver Spoon. I can’t believe this! Did you both forget what those two did to us?”
“No, Ah didn’t forget what they did to us; but Ah’m tellin’ ya, Silver’s changed for the better. She ain’t a bully no more; she’s really kind and generous now. And Ah believe her when she says that she wants tah make things right.” Scootaloo sighed in defeat, knowing her warnings fell on deaf ears.
“Doesn’t really matter what I have to say about this; you’re just gonna bring her anyways aren’t you? I just don’t trust her and neither should you.”
Bloom was brought out of her memories by the train conductor announcing their destination.
“Next stop: Ponyville! We will be arriving in Ponyville in five minutes.”
“I’m so excited! I haven’t been home in such a long time.” At this Bloom raised an inquisitive brow.
“Ya still consider Ponyville yer home after all this time? What about Canterlot?”
“Canterlot is where I live, but Ponyville will always be my home. I just didn’t realize it when I was younger; back then I couldn’t wait to leave; but as soon as I did, I missed it.” The train came to a halt at the station and the two mares hopped off after gathering their things. They stood at the station taking in the view before them. After a few moments Silver turned to her friend. “So, where are we meeting up?”
“We’re goin’ tah Sugarcube Corner; that’s where we always meet. Come on!”
-GWG-
“I’m telling ya, Sweetie, this is a really bad idea. I mean, this is Silver Spoon we’re talking about.” Scootaloo’s wings were fidgeting uncomfortably as they walked to Sugarcube Corner from the stuntmare’s house. Sweetie Belle was tired of hearing these doubts; her marefriend had been ranting on and off for the past week, even more so as Wednesday approached.
“Look, Scoots, I know you’re concerned about Bloom and you think that she is making a big mistake, but we have to trust in her judgement. She is most level headed of the three of us; she would have needed proof that Silver Spoon had changed her life around before she would have called her friend. If she believes her, then I believe her. Why can’t you?” The only response she got from her pegasus was angry muttering, causing her to sigh and try a different approach. “Who knows? We might luck out and Silver Spoon didn’t come with her this time. Then we can talk about this some more in a calm manner, and work something out.” More angry mutterings came from the stuntmare. “Will you at least do it for me? I promise that if you are good and well behaved, I’ll make it worth your while.”
“...I’ll try to be nice to that bit-”
“Scootaloo!”
“-to that mare, but only cause you asked me to! I’m just trying to protect our friend from being hurt again. And what about us? What if she has something against two mares being in a relationship? I don’t want to see you hurt.” Sweetie smiled at her marefriend’s last concerns.
“Don’t worry about me; I’m a big strong mare, I can protect myself. And if I can’t, then that’s why I have my heroic pegasus with me.” With that she nuzzled the stuntmare’s cheek, showing her appreciation for the concern. “And if she does have a problem with it, who cares? What you and I do in the privacy of your home is none of her business. Ok? Look, there they are waiting for us. Just, be good, ok?” As the pegasus nodded her consent, they went to join the two earth pony mares.
“What took ya so long? We’ve been waitin’ here forever!” Silver looked to Bloom with a disbelieving glance.
“No we weren’t; we just got here.”
“Ah know; Ah’m jus’ messin’ with ‘em. We established years ago that whoever starts datin’ will be subject tah teasin’; s’all in good fun.” Bloom stopped her side conversation when the lovers joined them. “Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo, Ah’m sure ya remember Silver Spoon, and as ya can see,” Bloom wrapped a hoof across Silver’s shoulders as she pulled her close, “we’re friends now!” Sweetie offered her hoof to the slightly blushing mare.
“It’s good to see you after so many years. Apple Bloom tells us you’ve been taking good care of her in Canterlot.” Silver shook the offered hoof thankfully.
“Oh, she knows how to take of herself. I just wanted to make sure that her stay in Canterlot was a comfortable one.”
“I bet it is comfortable; an apartment in the upper district, brand new furniture, and making sure that she was well stocked before the first day even finished. I must say that was rather generous of you.” Sweetie could hear her marefriend muttering even as she spoke.
“So she’s buying friendship, huh?”
“Please excuse Scootaloo, she just got off work not too long ago and she hasn’t had her afternoon nap. Heh heh.” Bloom was able to catch the lie, but Silver couldn’t.
“It’s no problem. So how have you been Scootaloo?” Silver offered a friendly hoof to the other mare, but found it brushed away by an orange wing.
“Let’s just get inside.” She stated curtly as she entered the bakery. Sweetie gave the slightly downtrodden mare an apologetic smile, while Bloom was glaring daggers in the rude stuntmare’s direction. Shortly after they followed her into the store, the sour mood fading momentarily as they approached the counter where they could find the original party pony herself.
“Well if it isn’t Scootabelle and Applespoon; I see you girls are here for your weekly get together. Give me a moment while I find out what you’ll be having.” Silver was about to question this but Bloom stopped her with a hoof. Silver watched as the pink pony dug through her mane until she withdrew a scroll. When Pinkie unrolled it, Silver caught a quick glance at its content; she thought she saw what looked like four ponies sitting around a table and that something was familiar about them, but that was all she managed to see. Pinkie consulted the scroll for a moment before addressing her customers. “Ok, according to Ms. Wolfie, Scoots and Sweets will be sharing a vanilla milkshake, Apple Bloom is having a strawberry milkshake, and Silver Spoon will be having a chocolate milkshake. Unless you two wanna share one?” Silver was far too confused to respond, so Bloom answered in her stead.
“No thanks, Pinkie, we’ll take two shakes.”
“Okie dokie lokie; why don’t you girls take a seat over there and your shakes will be out in a jiffy! Teehee, jiffy is such a fun word. Jiffyjiffyjiffy…” Pinkie continued her tangent as she bounced into the kitchen.
“What…?” Before Silver could continue her sentence, Bloom stopped her.
“Fer yer sanity, it’s best not to question Pinkie Pie; let’s jus’ sit down and she’ll bring us our shakes.” The four mares took their seats at a table close to one of the windows; from which they could easily see the Golden Oaks Library in the distance; but their attention was drawn elsewhere. Moments after they sat down the hyperactive baker arrived, balancing a tray with three milkshakes on her head.
“Here you go girls! If you need anything else just ask...Ditzy and she’ll take care of it. Ditzy, you mind minding the store for a while? I need...to take care of something upstairs.” The grey pegasus saluted her employer and watched her head up to the upper level, worry reflected in her golden eyes. The pink mare’s behavior struck the four mares as odd as well, but they decided not to worry about it.
“So Sweetie Belle, Bloom told me that you have a single that’s about to be published; that must be exciting.” Silver tried to get the conversation started, hopeful that she can talk to the couple in a friendly and natural manner. Seeing the young singer brighten at the mention of her work made Silver release the breath she hadn’t been aware she was holding.
“It is exciting; after we finished recording the demo, Vinyl started talking to producers she knows in Manehatten while Octavia went to speak with some ponies she knew in Canterlot. I’m just waiting for word from them now, but they said I have nothing to worry about; I don’t know what I would do without them.”
“Speaking of Octavia, how is my cousin doing?”
“Oh, I didn’t know she was your cousin! She doesn’t talk much about her family, though it could be that I never asked. Um, she’s doing good; she and Vinyl had their anniversary recently, they’ve been dating for five years now...but you probably already know that.” Apple Bloom was happy that her friends were getting along so far; Sweetie was being as amicable as ever and besides a few rude responses, Scootaloo was behaving herself. Her optimism was short lived however, when hostilities broke out.
“Yes, I am aware they’ve been dating for awhile and I also know that you two are an item; would you care to share how that came about?” Who knows? I might get some tips on how to get a mare for myself.
“Well, it all started on a Wednesday like th-” Sweetie Belle was interrupted by her stuntmare slamming her hooves on the table, disturbing the shakes.
“Oh, so now we see your true colors: Silver Spoon, hater of fillyfoolers everywhere! You know, you disgust me; what is wrong with two mares loving each other, huh!? Is that why you left Ponyville; its tolerance of same-sex couples too much for your bigoted beliefs!?”
“I honestly have no idea what you’re talking about! I’m a filly- I prefer mares over stallions just like you and Sweetie here!” Silver was shocked at how quickly things had escalated. She was hoping that telling her secret would disarm the situation like it had before with Apple Bloom but was sadly mistaken.
“That’s a load of bull crap and you know it. All you ever do is lie to us, just like you’re lying to Apple Bloom!” The enraged pegasus stood from the table, her wings flared aggressively. Silver would have ran from the situation if it weren’t for Bloom standing between her and her soon-to-be attacker.
“That’s enough, Scootaloo! Back the buck off or Ah won’t be held responsible for what’ll happen!” Bloom looked ready to charge at her friend, ready to come to blows.
“Can’t you see that she’s tricking you? There probably isn’t going to be any money coming your way! She is just a lying snake, just like that brat Diamond Tiara!” Scootaloo snorted, her hoof pawing at the floor in a threatening manner; she was going to make her friend see reason, one way or another.
“She ain’t like that no more; she’s changed for the better! Ah ain’t gonnah let ya insult or hurt one of mah best friends! Now, Ah’m warnin’ ya; Back Off!” The two mares had their foreheads pressed together, neither backing down. Nopony knew how to calm the situation; nopony, except for Sweetie Belle who brought her face close to Scootaloo’s ear so that nopony else could hear, though Bloom was close enough to hear it anyways.
“If you stop right now, I’ll preen your wings tonight.” Sweetie whispered in a sultry tone. Bloom had no idea what preening was and her confusion only doubled when her challenger collapsed in front of her, twitching and muttering happily. Bloom turned to see an equally stunned Silver before they both turned to the singer who merely shrugged. “Sorry about that. Now, where was I? Oh, that’s right! So we were sitting here for another one of our get togethers when-”
-GWG-
The four ponies left the bakery about an hour before sunset, most happy that the rest of their time was without another incident. Scootaloo on the other hoof looked ashamed of herself; she had her evidence that Bloom and Silver were friends when Apple Bloom came to the other mare’s defense, but she was too enraged at the time. She also knew that Sweetie Belle was probably none too pleased with what happened and that she should try to make things right again; with this in mind she pulled Silver Spoon aside while the other mares kept walking.
“Look, I wanna apologize for how I acted in there.”
“I understand, you were trying to defend your friend from what you perceived as a threat. It’s good to see how much you care for your friend and marefriend; I just wish that I wasn’t viewed as a threat in the first place, but I guess I should expect that, given my past.”
“Yeah, it’s tough to accept that you’ve changed, considering everything. Listen...I accept that you are Apple Bloom’s friend and that Sweetie trusts you...but I don’t trust you, and you’re going to have to accept that for now; nothing you can do right now can change my mind at this moment. I might trust you later, hell we might even become friends later, but not right now. Is that ok?” Scootaloo presented her hoof, trying to strike a deal.
“I guess that’s the best I can get at the moment, which is better than earlier.” She shook the hoof in front of her, happy to come to an agreement. Before they could separate, Scootaloo whispered softly so only Silver could hear.
“And if you hurt Apple Bloom, in any way whatsoever, I’ll hurt you.”
“If I hurt her, I expect any retribution you can come up with.” Silver wanted to show how serious she was about this, shaking hooves again before separating and turning to the two concerned mares.
“Y’all good now?”
“I’ve called a ceasefire to all hostilities; that’s all you’re gonna get tonight AB.” Scootaloo said calmly as she walked by her friend and wrapped a wing around her singer. “I won’t harm her and I won’t do anything to split you guys up. I accept that you two are friends, but she and I aren’t friends; not yet. It could change with time. So what’re you guys gonna do now?”
“Ah figure Ah take Silver tah Sweet Apple Acres and show her around, grab a bite tah eat, then head on back tah Canterlot. What about y’all?”
“We’re going to head back to Scoots’ place; it’s been a long day and we’re very tired. Aren’t we, Scoots?” The unicorn nudged her lover towards her home in an attempt to get her to agree and moving.
“Um, yeah, so tired; can hardly stand on my hooves right now. We’ll see you guys later. Bye!” Despite being so ‘tired’, the couple were able to leave the other two in a quick manner, earning a confused look from Silver and a bemused one from Bloom. They decided that now was the best time to head to the farm.
“So what did Sweetie do to get Scootaloo to collapse like that?”
“Ya don’t wanna know, trust me.” Apple Bloom flinched as she said this, remembering that she had told Silver to trust her that everything was going to be fine when it wasn’t really. “Ah’m sorry, Silver, that was all mah fault. Ah knew Scootaloo would probably get like that, but Ah told ya it was fine anyways. Ah just didn’t wanna see ya all bummed out if Ah told ya the truth.”
“It’s ok, really. I had a feeling that an altercation would have happened on my last leg of my redemption, though I’m glad it wasn’t you that nearly beat me up. Like in your story about Applejack and Rainbow Dash; though I think I would have come out of that with more than just two broken ribs.” Silver chuckled for a moment before turning bashful. “Did you…did you mean it when you said I was one of your best friends?”
“Of course yer one of mah best friends; Ah wouldn’t lie about somethin’ like that. Yer up there real close tah Scoots and Sweetie, though they top ya cause they got time on their side. An’ nopony tries to hurt one of mah best friends, even if it’s one of mah best friends.” Apple Bloom smiled amicably before being surprised by a tight hug from the grey mare, causing the architect to blush slightly.
“You don’t know how much that means to me; to hear you say that and the fact you defended me earlier. Thank you so much!” They separated and continued on their way, waiting for their blushes to die down before they continued speaking. “So where are we going to eat?”
“Ah was thinkin’ Ah could make us a home cooked meal at the farmhouse; Ah’m not as good as AJ or Granny, but Ah can whip up somethin’ good. Jus’ wait till ya try mah apple dumplings; they’re delicious!” They continued to chat about this and that as they made their way to the farmstead.
-GWG-
The two mares were exhausted as they sat on the train heading back to Canterlot; they were sitting close together mainly because Silver had fallen asleep on the architect, or so Bloom believed. In truth, Silver was just far too exhausted to move from the surprisingly comfortable position, and Bloom had made no move to shift her so Silver remained in place, thinking about the days events; or more importantly, thinking about the mare she was currently resting against. She is so comfortable; firm yet also soft, the perfect blend. I don’t want to move from this spot; it feels like this is where I belong, which feels weird but also feels...right. She is my best friend and I am so happy that she is. Maybe that is what this feeling in my chest is; that warmth that spreads throughout my entire body whenever I see her smile or hear her laugh. The feeling of having a best friend that truly cares. With this in mind she snuggled closer to her best friend; unaware of what she was about to do that would test that friendship...and more.