It was a long train ride back, admittedly I was a bit depressed but I tried to get over it chatting with the others and looking forward to getting home and seeing my little Angel.
"If'n you’re lookin for something to do during the week you know you an Scootaloo are always welcome anytime down on the farm. We got plenty to keep ya busy." She winked with a smile.
"I might just take you up on that Applejack thanks."
"Your always welcome to help with my animal friends too Rick."
"Thanks Fluttershy."
"I guess I could come keep you company someday too... I've been meaning to re-read the Daring Do books before the new one comes out anyhow. But no cuddling!" She grinned sarcastically sticking her tongue out at me causing us all to laugh.
"You’re too kind Dash." I replied sticking my tongue out at her in return. "How about you Spike? Glad to be getting home?"
"You bet! I can't wait to see my Mo... I mean Princess Celestia..." He blushed.
I smiled knowingly. "I know she'll be very happy to see you too buddy."
I did feel a bit better, I was going to and already did miss Twi like crazy but with good friends and Scootaloo to see me through I'd be fine...
We disembarked the train a little after noon on the third day of travel; there were plenty of ponies waiting to go to Canterlot the next stop of the train. I bid my friends goodbye as did we all to Spike who was staying on the train and I started to make my way through the crowd. It was busy but even above the hustle and bustle I could hear something...
"Uncle, uncle, uncle!!!"
My face lit up as a little colt and a little filly broke through the crowd galloping towards me, behind them in the crowd I could see Mr. and Mrs. Sparkle watching with smiles.
I scooped them both up in my arms hugging them tightly giving each of them a kiss. "I missed you two! And look at how much you've grown!" And it was true, they were still nowhere near as big as Scootaloo but they were both easily an inch or two taller... Longer? Whatever...
"We missed you too!" They echoed snuggling against me.
"Look! Look uncle!" Prism opened his mouth wide, it looked like one of his baby teeth was loose and he wiggled it too and fro with his tongue obviously proud of himself.
Not to be outdone Shimmer tugged on my arm. "We got measured yesterday an... An I'm..." Her face screwed up in an adorable look of concentration. "One eight of an inch taller then Prism!" She grinned sticking her tongue out at him.
I laughed at her cuteness not to mention Prism's disgruntled look, I gave him a comforting squeeze. "Don't you worry you'll grow soon enough. You'll both grow and grow and it won't matter at all you'll see."
"But right now I'm taller!" Shimmer giggled as Prism wiggled his tooth at her.
I laughed some more as I carried them over to Twilights parents, Mrs. Sparkle gave me a hug and I shook Mr. sparkles hoof as well as I could with two squirmy brother / sister competitive foals in my arms.
"Good to see you both, but what are you doing here?"
Mrs. Sparkle smiled nodding towards the foals and a glance behind her at a small mountain of bags. "Taking them to their new home of course... So far away... I'm going to miss you so much!!!" She burst out in tears grabbing them both and hugging them tight.
Mr. Sparkle shook his head with a bemused grin. "She's been going on like this since we heard... It was a shock to be sure but I think once we see this 'Crystal Empire'... Well if our son and daughter in law are going to be running things, it’s going to be amazing."
Mrs. Sparkle let the twins down wiping her eyes as they ran around our legs chasing each other poignantly reminding me of the portrait with Luna, Celestia and their parents.
"We caught the early train in Canterlot to get here to meet you and it won't be until this evening until their ready to head back out again. We hoped to spend some time with you and Twilight... Where is she?" Her mother asked.
"Not to worry, she stayed behind to help Cadence and Armor you'll be able to spend plenty of time with her when you get there. I had my duties here I needed to return to not to mention the parents of one of our friends has been looking after Scootaloo. Anyhow! Let’s not just stand here... Let’s go home."
We walked through town to the library greeting ponies on the way, Prism and Shimmer galloped ahead excited to see new ponies and things. They had been here before of course but they had been younger then. I was still amazed at how quickly they had progressed; they weren't even half a year old talking and running around without a problem. I watched them with a smile hoping they wouldn't grow up too fast or be too grown up to play with their new cousin when he or she was born...
We arrived at the library and I let everyone in, it was a little messy we had left in a hurry and it looked like Scootaloo had been back at least once to get a few things. Mr. and Mrs. Sparkle were unfazed though, they'd had the twins for awhile now and I imagine a clean house seemed like a distant memory.
I made some tea and snacks throwing away some perishables that looked like they were too far gone and we sat and played with the twins while I told them of what had happened in the Crystal Empire. I was extremely light on the details of course, if Cadence, Armor or Twilight wanted to tell them more... Well that was up to them to decide.
It was almost time for school to be let out and I excused myself letting them know I'd be back soon. I got to the school just as they were letting out and concealed myself behind a tree hoping to surprise her. Fillies and colts of all ages streamed out heading in every direction, finally three familiar little fillies left but didn't come my way but instead headed towards Sweet Apple Acres! I should have guessed after a long school day they would go to their clubhouse to relax and goof off.
I quickly followed them still trying to be inconspicuous until we were away out of town; I stepped out onto the path about twenty feet behind them and called out.
"Excuse me young fillies, I'm looking for my daughter... A young Pegasus named Scootaloo; I've really missed her..."
The three of them stopped in their tracks, Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle looked back excitedly then to Scootaloo who still hadn't turned...
Maybe she was mad at us for leaving her for so long with no warning...? Maybe... I took a step towards them planning to go to her and comfort her, explain... When suddenly she spun around taking off soaring right at me. I could see some tears in her eyes and I opened my arms and she crashed into me knocking me off my feet hugging me tight.
"Oh Angel... I've missed you so much." I whispered soothing back her wild mane and kissing her forehead.
"I was so worried! What happened?!" She sobbed. "I thought you left me..." She whispered making me squeeze her all the tighter.
"We'll never leave you. Never. It was an emergency and things just moved so fast... We still should have written you, everyday! I'm so sorry."
She sniffed and looked up at me letting me wipe her tears away and kiss her soft nose. "I love you Scootaloo never doubt it, Twilight loves you, and we’ll be with you as long as you need us..." Your whole life... I thought to myself.
"I... I really missed you Dad." Her sweet smile made my heart burst and I hugged her tight again kissing her repeatedly.
"Ahh! Ok, ok! I love you too! Lemmi go!" She blushed embarrassed as Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom walked up.
"Awww...!" They cooed as Scootaloo squirmed away, I smiled at them and gave each of them a hug as well.
"Great to see you both girls." They both giggled hugging me back a moment before we parted. "So were you headed to the clubhouse?"
"We were but not now! I wanna go home and sleep in my own bed! Oh! No offence Sweetie Belle but your bed is too soft! And I want to see Mom!"
"Sorry Angel... Mom's still away for awhile, but not for too much longer."
"Wait! Is mah sister back?!"
"She sure is Apple Bloom, probably waiting to see you right now..."
"Ah gotta go girls! See ya tomorrow...!" She called out as she galloped off.
"Is Rarity home too?!" Sweetie Belle squeaked excitedly.
"Sorry Sweetie... She's helping Twilight and Cadence for awhile yet..." She looked so crestfallen I couldn't help but hug her again. "Tell you what. Why don't you come over for supper, a small repayment for your family opening your home for Scootaloo while we were gone? I'll have to come over and thank your parents personally later."
"They didn't mind. It was really fun!"
"Did you have fun Angel?"
"Yeah... It was... Different."
Her tone led me to believe she hadn't enjoyed the experience much but she smiled just the same.
"Lets go home Dad."
I lifted her up onto my shoulders and carried Sweetie Belle in my arms making my way back to town; we stopped briefly in the market to pick up some food for supper getting whatever the girls wanted. Naturally we had to stop by Sugar Cube Corner too... I made sure we got plenty and we made our way back home.
Just short of the front door I stopped. "Okay girls I've got a surprise for you just through that door so close your eyes."
"A surprise?!" They squealed together.
"Ready?"
They both nodded their eyes tightly shut as I opened the door and two little foals leapt out to tackle their cousin and her friend.
"Ahh!" They both cried out in surprise finding two adorable foals on them as I chuckled.
"Scootaloo! Sweetie Belle!" They both giggled happy to see them and to have someone to play with.
"Dinner will be soon but until then you can play and..." I pulled three chocolate chip cookies out of one of the bags breaking one in two for the twins. "These should tide you over until then." I grinned with a wink.
"Thanks Rick!"
"Thanks Dad!"
"Thanks uncle!"
They chomped their cookies down quickly then chased each other around the tree. I watched them for a moment with a smile before finishing lugging the bags inside.
"Sorry for the delay, needed a few things for supper..." I apologised.
"Not a problem... Son." Mr. Sparkle nodded with a grin looking through one of our books.
"The babes were a little rambunctious but Scootaloo and her friend..."
"Sweetie Belle."
"Sweetie Belle... How adorable, they'll take care of that excess energy." Mrs. Sparkle smiled taking some of the bags from me into the kitchen. "Now let’s see what we have here..."
"Oh, you don't have to help really. You've been run off your hooves for..."
She turned and smiled. "Don't be silly dear."
Together we made a delicious dinner with plenty for everyone. I went out to get the kids but they were nowhere to be seen... I could hear giggling around the side of the library though and peeked around corner. Two little foals covered in mud and two little fillies also mud splattered trying desperately to use the garden hose to clean up but every time one of they got a bit clean Prism or Shimmer would jump in one of the puddles they were making soaking and getting them muddy again...
"Shimmer! Prism! Stop it! Sweetie Belle stop laughing and help me! Uggh!"
Sweetie Belle was trying to help but kept bursting into fits of giggles.
I grinned to myself and rounded the corner trying to put on a stern face. "Scootaloo Sparkle!"
She and Sweetie Belle jumped while Prism and Shimmer rushed forward for hugs. I quickly scooped them up telekinetically keeping them out of reach but floating them around upside down making them squeal in delight.
"Dad! I'm sorry..."
"It's not our fault Rick really...!"
I managed to stay firm a few seconds longer but their cute looks of panic and stammered excuses were too much. A smile broke out and I ruffled their somewhat dirty manes. "Looks like its bath time before dinner." I laughed leaning down to kiss Scootaloo on her nose, (one of the only parts of her not mud splattered.)
She breathed a sigh of relief giving me a dirty look. "That’s mean Dad! You scared me... Whoa!"
I laughed again levitating them both up and bringing them inside to keep the muddy hoof prints to a minimum. All four of them didn't even equal the same weight as a full grown pony but maintaining four levitations was still quite tricky for me thankfully we weren't going far.
"Oh ho! Looks like you had a bit of an adventure did you?" Mr. Sparkle laughed.
"Oh my! I'll turn the burners down Rick; you get those little hooligans clean would you?"
"Thanks." I floated the four of them into the bathroom placing them all in the tub turning on the water and pouring in some of Twi's favourite bubble bath.
"Bubbles!" Shimmer squealed splashing excitedly starting a general melee where everyone was splashing everyone! There was no way I could control them (or stay dry myself) so if you can't beat em, join em!
After five or so minutes of splashing, bubble blowing and general craziness they'd all calmed down a bit. I got Shimmer all cleaned up first catching the few places that the splash war hadn't cleaned then pulled her out drying her off with a big fluffy towel. Her mane and tail were sticking up in every direction so I grabbed Twi's brush and sat her in my lap gently brushing her mane and tail.
"There you go Shimmer, no tangles. Your mane is getting long!"
She giggled enjoying the attention as Prism tried to climb out of the slippery tub to hone in on the action splashing a bit more.
"Just a second Prism." I admonished gently as I finished up. "There you go Shimmer, so pretty. Go see Grandma and Grandpa ok?"
"Kay! Thank you uncle!" I gave her a kiss and opened the door for her and she galloped off as I lifted Prism out quickly wrapping him in a towel as he tried to get away, I dried him quickly.
"There you go Prism, do you want me too...?" My offer to brush his mane and tail lost as he galloped off after his sister.
I laughed lightly and lifted Sweetie Belle out of the tub though she probably could have gotten out herself, she let me dry her off and her mane and tail poofed right back up but in the wrong way.
"Could you...?" She smiled shyly blushing slightly.
"Of course Sweetie." I brushed her mane and tail carefully currying out the tangles while Scootaloo watched clearly jealous.
"Thank you Rick!" She squeaked giving me a hug and standing in the doorway.
"Your turn Angel..."
She sat in the nearly empty tub with a grumpy look on her face her forehooves crossed, it was so adorable I couldn't help but scoop her up hugging her tight getting myself more soaked in the process but I didn't care. I ticked her slightly as I dried her off and try as she might she couldn't help letting a few giggles out finally giving up smiling happily while I brushed her short mane and tail.
"Thank you Dad!"
"Ok girls would you go and help Mrs. Sparkle set the table?"
"Ok!" Sweetie Belle had waited for her so they took off together.
I closed the door and took a deep breath looking around at the huge mess not to mention my own soaked and bedraggled condition. With a mental reminder to clean this all up later I peeled off my wet clothes and dried myself off, fortunately Twilight and I kept robes here and mine was only a little damp. Exiting I found the twins sitting with their Grandpas looking through a book while Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle helped set the food on the table.
"Suppers ready Rick."
"Be right there." I went up to our room and got changed only stopping for a moment to look at our empty bed with a momentary pang.
Then we had a wonderful dinner and dessert chatting and enjoying the twins as well as Scootaloo and Sweetie Belles cute antics. We cleaned up quickly and had to hustle back to the train station to catch the last train. The twins were already looking sleepy, Shimmer nestled in my arms and Prism sat on his Grandfathers back.
We got their multitude of bags stored and said our goodbyes. I had written a quick letter to Twi and passed it over to Mrs. Sparkle.
"I'll make sure she gets it."
"Me... Too..." Shimmer yawned.
I gave her a big hug and kiss. "I'll miss you, love you." Then I gently placed her on her Grandmothers back.
"Will you come visit me sometime?" She asked looking up at me with her big amber colored eyes.
"You know I will all three of us." I promised. I scooped up Prism giving him a big hug and kiss as well. "You be good tiger." I grinned.
Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle said goodbye as well Scootaloo getting a big hug and kiss from her Grandmother and Grandfather before the conductor hurried them onto the train.
We watched as the train steamed off as I thought to myself. It's going to be a whole new world for you two. I hope it holds nothing but good things...
"Alright you two, we better get Sweetie Belle home."
"Ok!" They echoed.
We made our way through town to Sweetie Belle parents home, it was a nice cool evening and a breeze sped us on our way from behind. Sweetie Belle and Rarity’s parents were both very friendly boisterous ponies. I honestly had no idea how Rarity turned out how she did... Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle rushed off to her room to gather her things while I talked to Magnum and Pearl.
"I really can't thank you enough for taking care of Scootaloo while we were away and under such sudden circumstances... Can I give you something to pay for...?"
Magnum put up his forehoof cutting me off. "Don't be silly Rick. We're friends and neighbours; we do things for one another right?"
"And Scootaloo was such a joy to have here, she and Sweetie Belle had so much fun!" Pearl continued as the two of them came down from Sweetie Belles room.
"Well thank you again, if Twi or I can do anything for you don't hesitate to ask."
"Will do. Have a great night!" I shook Magnums hoof then the three of them waved goodbye to us as we walked off.
"So how did you like staying with them Angel?"
"It was weird... Not bad, but weird. They do things differently, make different meals... Talk, talk, talk, talk...! I know why Sweetie Belle is so talkative now." She giggled.
I laughed and scooped her up tossing her saddlebags over my shoulder. "I'm glad you managed ok."
"Hanging out with Sweetie Belle was a lot of fun! Kind of like what having a sister might be like!"
"Heh, well you'll have your own brother or sister before too long."
"I know... Achooo!"
"Ooh, bless you."
"Thanks..."
She was almost asleep in my arms as we got home; I carried her to her room and gently tucked her in soothing back her mane and kissing her forehead.
"Glad your home Dad..." She whispered.
"Me too Angel, sleep tight."
"Mmm..." She grunted already drifting off happy and comfortable in her own bed.
I closed her door gently putting her saddle bags off to the side they could wait until tomorrow. Then I got busy cleaning up the last bit of mess I needed to the greatest of which was naturally the bathroom. It was nearly midnight when I finished and I was dead tired but I wasn't sure I would be able to sleep...
I got undressed and looked down at the big empty bed, I slid in with a sigh Twi's scent was all over the sheets, the pillows and in my head. I lay back staring at the ceiling mentally sending my love to her before I closed my eyes and tried to sleep...
I awoke with a jerk certain it had been only minutes but when I looked over at the clock it was nearly eight thirty. I guess I had been really tired... Eight thirty!? Scootaloo! School! I rolled out of bed quickly throwing on a robe rushing down to the kitchen to get a lunch ready for her calling out.
"Angel! Time to get up! School!"
Admittedly she wasn't a morning filly, always grumpy at least until after we got breakfast into her and she got going. I quickly made a sandwich and tossed some fruit and a juice box into a lunch box along with one of the remaining cookies, a big one. She still hadn’t shown her muzzle yet.
"Angel!" Sigh, I was going to have to go get her. I went up and rapped gently on her door. "Angel..." I cracked it open and sighed again at the lump in her bed under the covers. I snuck up pulling them down slowly only to stop suddenly, she was usually ready for that tactic and fought back... I looked a little closer and her fur was matted and wet with sweat and she was warm, even hot to the touch but she was still shivering slightly.
She coughed and opened her eyes a bit red rimmed. "Daddy... I don't feel good..."
Now I knew she was sick she rarely called me Daddy and putting my hand on her forehead she was burning up. Now I was no stranger to a Scootaloo 'sick' day, it was tough to play sick when your Dad and Mom could cast a spell to see if you were really sick (though sometimes I did let her get away with it if it was just the two of us...)
"Yup you’re definitely sick baby. But that’s ok Daddy will fix it."
I gathered my healing powers putting my hands gently on her and... Nothing. Confused I tried again, and again. Different ways and different spells. My magic was working but... Despite all I had learned, the diseases I had conquered, all the magic I had at my command...!
I couldn't cure the common cold...
She coughed again looking up at me with hopeful eyes.
"I'm sorry baby, I guess I can't just snap my fingers and fix it. But I can still take care of you." I gathered her up gently and carried her to the bathroom running a nice hot bath. "Too hot?" I asked letting her dip her hoof in.
She shook her head coughing again as I lowered her in soaking a facecloth to wash her carefully adding more hot water on occasion to keep it nice and steamy for her throat. I cleaned her up then her wings slowly and thoroughly having checked up on Pegasus preening a long time ago when we first adopted her. She relaxed leaning over the rim of the tub while I worked giggling occasionally when I cleaned a sensitive part of her wings.
Finished I lifted her out wrapping her in a big towel keeping her warm while I dried her off. I left her wrapped up a moment while I checked to see if we had any medicine. But nothing... Pony medicine didn't rely heavily on drugs which wasn't a bad thing. Mostly used to control vomiting or the 'trots'... Ponies were pretty resilient and overcame most but the very virulent diseases...
I kept her wrapped up carrying her to the kitchen. "Are you hungry?'
"Little..." She croaked.
"What do you want?"
"Doast and eggs?" Her nose was a little stuffed clearly.
"We don't have any eggs baby..."
"Oh..."
"But I'll go get some."
"Dank you daddy..."
I bundled her up on the couch with some juice with a straw. "I'll be right back." I rubbed her back kissing her forehead.
"Kay..."
I quickly got dressed then rushed off almost making it to the market when I remembered, school! I quickly detoured over to the schoolhouse letting Cheerilee know Scootaloo wouldn't be making it today. Then I jogged as fast as I could to the market bought some eggs and ran home, I was breathing heavily when I finally got there. Scootaloo was still curled up on the couch napping her juice half empty as least. I let her sleep while I made breakfast, the smell must have roused her as before too long I heard her little hooves and her dragging blanket as she emitted little coughs.
"Feeling any better baby?"
She shook her head climbing slowly up into a chair wrapping herself back up as I served up her breakfast just the way she liked it. Sunny side up firm and a little crispy on the outside edges but still soft enough in the middle to dip her toast. I fetched her juice topping it off and sat down with my own breakfast beside her, she was having a little trouble eating so I cut her egg up for her feeding her like she was a little foal.
I know she was sick and I felt bad I couldn't do too much about it but... I enjoyed taking care of her; she was a tough independent little filly when she first came into our lives, not a lot of chances for daddy / daughter bonding. We had a few to be sure but she never really needed me to take care of her like this, I guess it was a little like practice for our new foal...
"I'm full..." She had only eaten about half her egg and a piece of toast but she had drunk all her juice and that was good.
"Want to rest some more baby?"
She nodded sleepily and I picked her up carrying her back to the couch as I did I noticed she still shivered slightly.
"Still cold?"
"Lil..."
I got another blanket and started a small fire; I lay behind her on the couch holding her tight until she fell asleep. I reluctantly pulled myself away with the knowledge that I needed to check the border and the Ward stones. "Be right back baby..." I whispered giving her a kiss.
I headed straight out avoiding conversation just a simple hello and goodbye to any pony I met. Things seemed thankfully calm, plenty of activity between the forest and the fields outside of town but all of it small animal. The stones were at about half charge but I always tried to make sure they were working at peak efficiency. Still it took me well over an hour to find and charge them all then exhausted I hurried back home.
Right where I left her, I laid back down behind her being careful not to disturb her. I sighed relaxing back, just closing my eyes for a minute... Just a...
I awoke feeling something moving against me draping something over me before snuggling down against me. I smiled to myself opening my eyes to see the sun just beginning to dip towards the horizon and part of Scootaloo’s blanket draped over me and her.
"Are you sick too daddy?" She whispered looking up at me.
"Just a little tired baby, and even if I was I would still take care of you."
"Dank you..."
We laid there together awhile, I rubbed her back gently as she dozed and I pondered just how much I could love this little tomfilly. The fire burned out as the sun set. I gently picked her up waking her.
"How about a little supper? Something simple... How about peanut butter and jelly?"
She smiled knowing that I knew that was one of her favourites and very unsuitable for dinner. "Yes please."
I got her seated with some more juice while I quickly whipped us both up a sandwich. Again she didn't have much of an appetite but drank plenty which was important. I carried her over to the bathroom before bed, letting her do her business in private before tucking her in.
"Do you dhink I can go to school domorrow?" She asked her voice still scratchy.
I felt her forehead and looked at her closely. "Well... How do you feel? Any better?"
"A bit..."
I knew that was a little fib. "We’ll see in the morning baby. Lots of rest is what you need."
"Kay... Daddy... Will you sing to me? My Mom used to..."
I gave her a squeeze. "I'm not a very good singer baby... But I'll try." I thought for a few minutes then something came to mind...
Soft kitty, warm kitty...
Little ball of fur...
Happy kitty, sleepy kitty...
Purr, purr, purr...
"What was dat?"
"Just something from an old show I used to watch back on Earth, they would sing it if someone was sick or feeling bad..."
"But I'm not a kitty; it should be about me..." She grumped.
"Ok baby, how about..."
Soft filly, warm filly...
Little ball of fur... ("And feathers...") She whispered.
I chuckled with a smile and clearing my throat began again.
Soft filly, warm filly...
Little ball of fur, and feathers...
Happy filly, sleepy filly...
Neigh, neigh, neigh...
She smiled happily her eyes getting heavy as she yawned. "Dank you daddy... Love you."
"And I love you." I kissed her forehead softly as she fell asleep.
I watched her from the doorway for a moment half hoping she would be better tomorrow but still selfishly hoping to spend more time babying her... I left her door open so I could hear her if she needed me in the night and cleaned up after our breakfast and supper. I was tired myself despite the nap I had taken earlier, I dragged myself up to bed suddenly surprised and excited to find a scroll lying there. I got undressed and laid down to read it...
My love
I miss you so deeply I can barely stand it. I miss you, I miss Scootaloo and I miss home.
Things are going well here and thankfully there’s so much to do I collapse into bed every
night exhausted. I hope you and Scootaloo are well, there’s still so much to do, to accomplish
here... I will write you again when I can find the time. I miss you! I love you,
I love you both so much!
My eternal love
Twilight
I lay back with a sigh slipping off to sleep. I love you too Twi... Do what you have to; we'll be here when you get back.
I woke up a few minutes before the alarm went off as I usually did. Seven am, I got up feeling quite well rested throwing on a robe I went downstairs to check on my little Angel.
She was still asleep and I was careful not to wake her as I looked her over. She seemed maybe a little better, still with a small fever and sweating but no shivers thankfully. I let her sleep going to make a small breakfast for us both.
About ten minutes later she came in slowly and sleepily sniffing with a few small coughs.
"Morning baby, how do you feel?"
"Still sick..."
I moved over kneeling down to hug her and feel her brow again. "Mmm, little better. Another day, maybe two..."
"Awww...'
"I thought you didn't like school that much?"
"Well... It's ok... I like to see my friends..."
I chuckled scooping her up putting her at the table for breakfast. "Don't you worry, they won't forget you after a few days baby, no matter how hard they try..." I teased.
"Daddy...!"
We both ate her appetite a little better too an encouraging sign then I gave her another cozy bath to wash off the nights sweat. I bundled her up and we cuddled on the couch while I told her about the Crystal Empire and what happened there. Her I told a bit more still playing down just how dangerous it was but not skipping any of the action which she so loved.
When I finished telling the story she was looking up at me starry eyed. "So you and Mom saved an entire Empire?!"
"Well, we helped. Let’s just say that."
"But those ponies you saved in the dungeon!"
"I guess, but I hope the guards would have remembered them and let them out when they came to their senses."
"Nu uh! You’re a hero, Mom doo!"
"I'm more then happy just too just be your hero baby..."
"You are daddy..." I hugged her tightly, suddenly remembering I went and retrieved Twilights letter and we read it together.
"I hope she comes home soon..."
"Me too Angel, me too..."
We cuddled together a bit longer before a tapping at the door roused me. Opening it I found Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom as well as Silver Spoon and Diamond Tiara.
"Girls! Good to see you all, just a sec..."
I went over and picked up Scootaloo making sure she was still bundled up comfortably, I knew it might embarrass her a bit but I did want her to get better.
"Hi guys..." She croaked out.
"Are you ok?" Sweetie Belle asked looking concerned.
"She'll be fine, just a cold and cough. A little more rest and she'll be flying circles around you all again." I chuckled.
"Dad's daking good care of me." She explained snuggling against me making me smile.
In the girls faces I could see a mixture of emotions, Sweetie Belle was 'Awwwing' I was sure her Dad was just as big a pushover as I was, for her and likely her sister before her. Apple Bloom too had that 'Awww' look but tinged with a bit of longing, she hadn't even really known her father... Silver Spoon and Diamond Tiara both looked green with envy and longing. I knew Tiaras parents gave her wherever she wanted most of the time, likely Silver Spoons parents were the same. But they were busy too and couldn't spend the time with them as I'm sure they would like to...
I made a mental note this summer take all four of them and Scootaloo out camping somewhere, just me and them.
"We brought you some homework! And a card!" Sweetie Belle squeaked as they all held up a big hoofmade card together. 'Get Well Soon!' It looked like it had been signed by everyone in her class as well as Cheerilee.
"Thanks..."
I levitated the card and homework away from them with a smile. "Thank you girls, that was very nice of you all. But Scootaloo needs her rest and I wouldn't want any of you to get sick either..."
"Ok... Bye Scootaloo! Get better!" They all called out as they left Scootaloo waved back weakly before we went back inside and sat back down.
"That was nice of them right baby?"
"Yeah..." We looked over the card; each of her classmates had written something nice as well as signing it. 'Get well', 'We miss you', 'Come back soon'. I thought maybe my little Angel didn't know just how popular she was.
"Do you dhink I'll be able do go back domrrow?"
"Well... You are getting better..."
"Pleease..."
"We'll see baby, I don't want you to make anyone else sick. Or get more sick yourself, ok?"
"Kay..."
"That’s my filly..."
We spent the rest of day together looking over her homework and napping, as I was making supper I noticed her shaking her head her ears going up and down.
"What’s wrong baby?"
"My ears hurt..."
I had a look but couldn't see anything wrong, an earache... A nasty cold symptom, a hot water bottle would help... But we didn't have one, and it was too late to go out to get one... I'd think of something.
We had supper and got ready for bed.
"Dhey hurt daddy..."
"I know baby, let me see if I can help." I got into her little bed with her holding her close to keep her warm and creating the smallest amount of heat I could in the palm of my hand carefully blowing it over her ears to help them feel better. It seemed to work after a few minutes she relaxed starting to yawn and drift off.
"Will you stay with me?" She whispered half asleep.
"All night baby..."
"Love you daddy..." She whispered falling asleep.
"Love you baby..." I kept up the warming until I felt myself drifting off then pulled her close to keep her warm as we both slept...
"Dad... Dad... Dad!"
"Wha...? Where?!" I woke up to an instant little filly nudging me still cuddled up close. "What’s wrong? Are you ok baby?"
"I'm not a little foal Dad."
Uh oh. I looked her over and she seemed fine, no fever, no sweats even her throat and nose seemed clear. "Your feeling better then are you ba... Angel?"
She smiled kissing me on the cheek nuzzling close. "I do... Thank you daddy." She whispered.
I kissed her brow my heart aching. "Well I guess you better get ready for school then! Its only Thursday!"
"Really?! Okay!"
She raced off leaving me to pull myself up from my cramped position in her bed, I stretched cracking my back.
"Comeon Dad! Breakfast! It’s almost eight!"
I grinned going out to fill up my hungry little filly helping her finish off her homework and get ready for school seeing her off at the door.
"Have a great day Angel."
She smiled stretching her wings flying a few experimental loops before coming back to me for a hug. "I will... Love you Dad." She took off before I could reply soaring swiftly towards Sweetie Belles home.
"Love you too baby..."
I went back inside starting to get everything cleaned up I'd ignored for the past two days. I was glad she was better and at the very least it had kept me from thinking about Twi too much... Strange... All the time I had been here I couldn't recall a time when either Twilight or I had been sick... Maybe there was yet another benefit of our link, an immunity to disease... That could be very useful, immune to disease... Yeah I could get used to that.
"Achoo!"
Crap...